The real reason Kate was in hiding.. SHE’S PREGNANT!
Royal news After her uncharacteristic 35-day stint out of the public eye, the duchess’s happy news has finally been revealed
Usually firmly by her husband’s side at royal engagements, the Duchess of Cambridge has recently taken a step back from official duties. Now, after a five-week stint out of the limelight, Woman’s Day can reveal the real reason for her absence – Kate is pregnant with baby number three!
The thrilling news comes two weeks after we exclusively revealed that the duchess was rushed to King Edward VII’S Hospital in London last month. Having suffered extreme morning sickness in her pregnancies with Prince George, four, and Princess Charlotte, two, her brief hospital visit led royal watchers to predict yet another little prince or princess could soon be on the way.
SPRINGTIME BABY
Rumours heated up even more when UK bookmaker Coral stopped taking bets last week, after it was inundated with punters predicting George and Charlotte will soon have another adorable sibling.
Sources tell us an official announcement will be made any day now – and 35-year-old Kate, her husband Prince William and the entire royal clan couldn’t be more excited. We’re told they will welcome the newest member of their family in March.
Kate, who is around two months pregnant, is indeed suffering severe morning sickness once more. Palace aides reveal she made an emergency dash to the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary when the family were at Balmoral Castle in Scotland last month, in order to get an IV drip. Doctors have also made regular home visits in the past few weeks, but Kate’s remaining positive and looking after herself.
This week, the duchess will be returning to royal duties, and insiders say she’s more determined than ever to overcome the difficult early stages of her pregnancy and enjoy this exciting time for her family.
“Kate’s been spending much of her time in bed – her energy levels have been very low over the last couple of weeks,” a royal insider tells Woman’s Day.
“But she’s ecstatic to be expecting baby number three – this is everything she’s always wished for.”
There is a chance William, 35, and Kate may be forced to announce their happy news ahead of the usual 12-week mark because of the duchess’s poor health – as they did with both George and Charlotte – but for now they’re sharing it with only their closest friends and family.
“They haven’t even told George and Charlotte yet, as they haven’t quite grasped the task of keeping a secret,” says our insider, adding that the royal family are thrilled.
“The Queen and Prince Philip are delighted, as is Prince Charles. This news is a much-needed boost for them all.”
With the 20th anniversary of Princess Diana’s death last week, the royal family
have been overwhelmed in recent months with dramatic revelations about Charles’s failed first marriage. So to have such happy news is a godsend for them all.
The timing couldn’t be better for Kate, either, with Prince George heading to his “reception” year at Thomas’s Battersea primary school this week. While she’ll still have Charlotte at home, just like any mum, Kate has reportedly been anxious about her older child’s first day at big school.
UNCLE HARRY CAN’T WAIT
Also thrilled is William’s brother Harry, 32, who recently popped the question to his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle in Africa.
“Prince Harry is incredibly excited to be an uncle again, and it works out that the baby will arrive in time for the wedding,” says our insider. “It will be lovely for Kate as well, as she says she’d rather not be so heavily pregnant, so she can enjoy herself.
“For now, though, Kate just wants to get over these first few rough months so she can finally announce to the world that a new prince or princess is on the way!”