Baby Joy!!!

Kensington Palace have officially confirmed this morning that the Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with the couple's second child. However this joyous news comes with a tinge of sadness, as the Duchess is once again suffering from acute hyperemesis gravidarum, although she is not as yet being admitted to hospital, so hopefully it will not be as bad as it was the first time around. She is instead being treated by surgeon gynaecologist to the Queen, Alan Farthing. Dr. Farthing assisted Marcus Setchell when Kate was expecting George at Kensington Palace. 'Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum are particularly isolating conditions and women are very often left feeling misunderstood and alone for months on end when housebound'.

We are already waiting with baited breath for the new arrival. The Duke and Duchess are already doting parents to Prince George. Although the exact date is not known yet, the new prince or princess is expected to arrive late March or Early April next year.

The Duchess has not yet reached the crucial 12 week stage, however the Duke and Duchess decided to break the news today, as Kate's morning sickness was so bad that she is unable to attend their joint engagement in Oxford today. They were due to formally open The Dicksoon Poon University of Oxford China Center Building later today, but only Prince William will be attending. The Duchess was also expected to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games on Wednesday and a Drumhead Service on Thursday. The Palace has not yet confirmed whether the Duchess will attend either event, it is likely to depend on her health on the day, however it has been reported that the Duchess is keen to attend and support Prince Harry with his event.

Prince William looked over the moon, as he attended today's engagement alone. He said; 'She's feeling okay. It's been a tricky few days - week or so - but obviously we're basically thrilled, it's great news, and early days. We're hoping things settle down and she feels a bit better.' Meanwhile, Prince Harry was busy today welcoming the representatives of the Invictus Games to London. Prince Harry said that Kate was 'pretty poorly' but 'doing the best that she can.'

Prince William at The Dicksoon Poon University of Oxford China Center Building

According to the Daily Mail; A senior royal source said: 'The couple only found out very recently. The Duchess has not even reached the crucial 12-week stage. But when it became apparent that she was not well eneough to join the Duke on a joint engagement in Oxford today and that the number of forthcoming engagements could be affected, the Duke and Duchess have taken the difficult decision to be fully open about the pregnancy.'

In a statement the Palace said; '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 famillies are delighted with the news. As with her first pregnancy The Duchess is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum. He Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today. The Duchess is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace.'

Hopefully the Duchess will make a swift recovery in time for her visit to Malta on the 20th & 21st of September. However the Palace have said that a decision about the visit will be made nearer the time and is working on a 'case by case basis'.

I will be back tomorrow with a post on the Duchess's best pregnancy looks and some of the best non-maternity copies!