Kate Middleton is pregnant again, and no, it's not just a tabloid rumor this time.
The beloved Duchess of Cambridge is officially expecting her second
child with Price William, a Kensington Palace statement confirmed early
Monday:
Prince George, now one year old, is
fascinated by butterflies in this adorable new photo released by the
royal family. Parents Kate and William look on proudly.
"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very
pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their
second child."
"The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news."
This will be the second child for Prince William and
Kate Middleton, both 32, who became parents for the first time when Prince George was born in London July 22, 2013.
As with George, Kate is currently suffering with Hyperemesis
Gravidarum, a very acute morning sickness, which hospitalized her early
in her first pregnancy.
This time, however, the beautiful royal is being treated at home.
"As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis
Gravidarum," said the statement, confirming her condition and public
absence.
"Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke on their planned
engagement in Oxford today. The Duchess is being treated by doctors at
Kensington Palace."
Here's hoping Kate is back on her feet before long.
Aww, aren't they adorable? Kate Middleton and Prince William gaze into each other's eyes in this photo.
A spokesman for the couple reveals Kate's schedule will be evaluated on
a “case by case” basis, when asked about her commitments later this
month.
Not surprisingly, reaction in the UK was swift and joyous today.
Britain’s Prime Minister David Cameron was quick to congratulate the
Royal couple. “Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of
Cambridge," he said.
"I’m delighted by the happy news that they are expecting."
While pregnancy rumors have followed Kate ever since the two got married in 2011, recent reports indicated she was
keen to be pregnant again.
The couple's controversial
move to Norfolk, away from London, was seen as a possible sign that the two were trying to conceive, if they hadn't already.
Looks like they got it done in short order - sooner than we expected,
to be sure - and that George will be a big brother next spring before he
even turns two!
Congratulations to the happy royal family!
Kate Middleton and Prince William back
when they first started dating. Such an adorable picture ... and such a
head of hair he used to have!