Exciting movement at the royal hospital as Duchess Kate prepares for birth
To some, it might seem like an amped up case of the parking police being super bossy, but it’s actually official confirmation that Duchess Kate is nearing her due date. Royal baby watch is go!
The fences are up!
Royal enthusiasts know that when the parking barriers go up outside London’s St Mary’s Hospital, it means they’re expecting Kate to show up at the Lindo Wing at any time in the next week or two.
The streets in front of the hospital, where Prince George and Princess Charlotte were born, are traditionally cordoned off, as the Royals’ favourite birth place is made media-ready and security provisions swing into place.
The media are obviously super keen to secure the best vantage points behind these barriers, but this is being delayed for as long as possible. This is an attempt to prevent the scenes surrounding Prince George’s birth, when media camped out for a whole month in front of the hospital. Some outlets are reporting that media will set up once Kate is in labour, while others say press will begin showing up on Wednesday of this week. Time will tell, no doubt.
Once the media does set up, a live stream of the Lindo Wing door will be beamed to the world, as we settle in for the Great Kate Wait.
Guessing game
Instagram is now filling up with shots of the exterior of the hospital and predictions on the gender and name of the baby.
This comes just a week or so after the exterior of St Mary’s was given a fresh lick of paint, an act of DIY that was interpreted as the first exciting signal that Kate would give birth here again … VERY SOON!
Prince George was born at the Lindo Wing on 22 July 2013 and Princess Charlotte made her appearance here on 2 May 2015.
Parking has been suspended outside the hospital until the end of the month, perhaps building in a buffer for an overdue birth. Charlotte arrived a little late and parking restrictions were extended as her mum and dad waited a little longer than anticipated to meet her!
Family tradition
While there was early chatter that Kate might choose to give birth at home, the buzz around the hospital over the last few weeks made it clear that she would continue the St Mary’s tradition for baby number three. (Prince William and Prince Harry were both born at the Lindo Wing.)
It’s just days now until we get to see these popular young Royals debut their newborn on the steps of the Lindo Wing. The media will no doubt be broadcasting every tiny development from here-on in – and first photos will be released via the Kensington Palace and Royal Family Instagram accounts, as well as on the new Royal Baby page.
Betting outlet Ladbrokes are currently tipping Alice as the frontrunner baby name if Kate has a little girl. Philip is top tipped for a baby boy. This baby will cheekily bump soon-to-be-wed Prince Harry one spot further from the crown, and will be fifth in line to the throne. We can’t wait to clap eyes on this tiny troublemaker!
Read more Royal family news:
- The strict birthing rules Kate is expected to follow
- Prince William is “in denial” over third baby
- Royal hub launches for third baby news
