Prince William and Kate Middleton expecting third child
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have confirmed they are expecting their third child.
In a statement on Monday, Kensington Palace announced that George and Charlotte will be expecting another sibling.
"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child," the statement said.
"As with her previous two pregnancies, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer carry out her planned engagement at the Hornsey Road Children's Centre in London today.
"The Duchess is being cared for at Kensington Palace."
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child pic.twitter.com/DZCheAj1RM
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 4, 2017
Read the press release in full ↓ pic.twitter.com/vDTgGD2aGF
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) September 4, 2017
Hyperemesis Gravidarum is a severe form of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 35, suffered from the condition during her two previous pregnancies with Prince George, now four, and Princess Charlotte, who is two.
The condition can often lead to dehydration and weight loss and is treated via supplementary hydration, medication and nutrients.
Hyperemesis gravidarum affects approximately 15 per cent of all pregnant women, but its most extreme form, where hospitalisation is required, is less common.
It is much more serious than the nausea commonly experienced by expectant mothers and can last throughout the pregnancy.
The condition is thought to be caused by elevated levels of 'pregnancy hormone' HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin.
The Duke and Duchess' third child would be fifth in line to the British throne, relegating Prince Harry to sixth in line.
Currently the royal succession line is Charles, then William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, then Harry.
The news of the Duchess' pregnancy comes in the week that Prince George starts his first year at school in London.
It also follows recent commemorations on the 20th anniversary since Princess Diana's death.
When the Duchess was seen in public last week visiting a memorial garden dedicated to Princess Diana at Kensington Palace, there appeared to be no visible baby bump, according to royal-watchers.
But when the royal couple travelled to Poland in July and the Duchess was presented with a gift for a newborn baby she is reported to have said: "We'll just have to have more babies".
UK Prime Minister Theresa May sent her congratulations via Twitter after the announcement, writing: "This is fantastic news. Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge."
