Duchess of Cambridge pregnant (From Cotswold Journal)

Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, is pregnant

4:10pm Monday 3rd December 2012 in News

EXPECTING: The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby, St James’s Palace announced today.

The palace said the duchess was admitted this afternoon to the King Edward VII Hospital in central London with acute morning sickness and is expected to stay in hospital for several days.

Worcestershire dignitaries have welcomed the news and have extended their good wishes to the royal couple.

The news was confirmed by St James’s Palace, but a spokesman would not say when the royal couple became aware of the pregnancy only saying “recently”.

The spokesman said the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales and members of both families were delighted with the news.

But they said Kate had been admitted to a private hospital for treatment for a severe form of morning sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum, which can be so severe women cannot keep food or liquid down.

It is understood the pregnancy has not passed the 12-week point and the announcement was prompted by the Duchess’s medical condition.

Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge said: “I was delighted to hear the extremely good news, not just for the couple but for the whole nation. I offer my prayers for a speedy recovery from her morning sickness and a safe rest of her pregnancy and delivery.”

Mayor of Worcester Councillor Roger Berry said: “I offer heartfelt greetings from the city and wish them the very best from us.”

Worcester MP Robin Walker said: “I think it’s fantastic news that we’re expecting a new third-in-line to the throne. Everyone in the Faithful City should be celebrating that.

“I’m sure they will make wonderful parents.”

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, said: “Congratulations to the royal couple on this wonderful news.

“I am delighted that the law is changing so that this first born child will be able to take his or her place in the line of succession.”

Peter Luff, MP for Mid-Worcestershire, said: “That’s wonderful news. The nation should be absolutely delighted and so am I.”

Olympic rower Zac Purchase, who is originally from Upton, tweeted: “A royal baby! Amazing news!”

Lisa Ventura, director of the annual Worcestershire Literary Festival, tweeted: “I’m chuffed to bits for the royal couple and want to extend my warmest wishes to the Duke and Duchess.”

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