LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s Prince William said yesterday he and wife Kate were thrilled to be expecting their second baby, after news of the pregnancy was released early because the Duchess had been suffering from morning sickness.
The baby will be fourth-in-line to the British throne, after grandfather Prince Charles, father William and elder brother George, the couple’s first child born in July last year. There was no mention of when the baby was due.
The announcement was made yesterday after Kate was forced to pull out of an official engagement at the University of Oxford because she was feeling unwell.
“We’re immensely thrilled, it’s great news, early days but I’m hoping that things settle down, she feels a bit better,” Prince William told reporters on the visit.
“She’s feeling ok, it’s been a tricky few days, week or so. I’m going to go back and look after her now.”
Buckingham Palace said Queen Elizabeth and both the royal and Kate’s families were delighted.
William’s office said Kate, 32, was suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, an acute morning sickness which causes severe nausea and vomiting and requires supplementary hydration and nutrients, a condition that led to her hospitalization in the early months of pregnancy with her first child.
A spokeswoman said Kate had not needed hospital treatment this time, but was under the care of doctors at Kensington Palace, the couple’s London residence. Her future engagements, including her first solo overseas trip to Malta, would be reviewed on a case by case basis, the spokeswoman said.
George was born amid an international media frenzy, underlying the global popularity of the young British royals. Since his birth, George has graced the cover of Vanity Fair and his few public appearances have garnered huge media attention.
There had been speculation this year that William, 32, and Kate, officially known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge since their marriage in April 2011, would announce a pregnancy.
“Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I’m delighted by the happy news that they’re expecting another baby,” British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter.
