The Duchess of Cambridge has gone into labour with her third child.

Kate was admitted to the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington early this morning. It is the same central London hospital where she gave birth to Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

:: Live updates as pregnant Kate admitted to hospital

Police guard hospital after Kate admitted

The world's media - along with a host of Royal watchers and well-wishers - have gathered outside, eager to be the first to hear of the baby's arrival.

Bookies have been taking bets on both the gender and name of the baby, with Arthur and Alice nabbing the top spots.


It was announced last September that the Duke and Duchess were expecting their third baby.

Like her two previous pregnancies, they had to announce the news before she had reached the 12-week stage because she was suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, an extreme form of morning sickness.

Image: George and Charlotte attend a garden party on tour in Canada

In October, the Palace said the baby was due in April. Her actual due date has never been confirmed and it is understood that the Duke and Duchess do not know the sex of the baby.

Barriers to create media pens and parking suspension signs have been in place outside the hospital since 9 April.

Kate is being looked after by a similar team of doctors and nurses that helped her through the births of Prince George in July 2013 and Princess Charlotte in May 2015.

Image: Prince George after his christening at the Chapel Royal in St James's Palace

The Royal Household's surgeon-gynaecologist Guy Thorpe-Beeston, and consultant gynaecological surgeon Alan Farthing will be present for the birth. He is also surgeon-gynaecologist to the Queen.

Kate carried out her last royal engagement on 22 March at the Olympic Park with her husband. She was also seen at church in Windsor with the Royal Family on Easter Sunday.

Image: Kate, William, Charlotte and George enjoy a short private skiing break

The palace would not comment on when she will be returning to royal duties, but said she would spend this summer and early autumn focusing on her family.

They have also not confirmed if Prince William will take any paternity leave. After the birth of Princess Charlotte, he took two weeks' leave from his training to be an air ambulance pilot.

Once the baby is born they will return to Kensington Palace, which is where the family spend most of their time now Prince William has given up his job as a pilot to dedicate himself to royal duties.

A member of palace staff said that Prince George and Princess Charlotte are excited about having a sister or brother -and the Duke and Duchess have been hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received from around the world.