Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, may give birth to her second child near her fourth wedding anniversary with Prince William, according to recent reports.
The Duchess, initially due to give birth mid-to-end of April, has reportedly discussed the possibility of induction with her medical team.
Medical Preparations ¶
Doctors at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, where Kate plans to deliver, conducted a scan and planned to wait up to two weeks past her due date before considering induction, The Telegraph reports.
The Telegraph also cites Whitehall sources indicating the Duchess's due date was actually Thursday, April 23, contrary to other reports suggesting it was Saturday, April 25.
Hospital Precautions ¶
In mid-April, St Mary's Hospital temporarily closed a surgical unit after detecting a bacterial infection, carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE), which affected eight individuals. Despite this incident, the Duchess still intends to give birth in the hospital's Lindo Wing, where she delivered Prince George in 2013.
The Lindo Wing is known for its high standards and corresponding costs, charging over £5,000 for the first 24 hours of care and an additional £1,000 per night thereafter.
Royal Tradition ¶
The Lindo Wing has a history of hosting royal births, including those of Princess Anne, the Duchess of Gloucester, and Princess Michael of Kent.
Support from the Royal Couple ¶
Prince William and Kate have shown appreciation for the well-wishers waiting outside the hospital by sending them two boxes of breakfast pastries and coffee. The gifts, adorned with pink ribbons, have led some to speculate that the royal baby might be a girl.
