Britain’s Prince William and Duchess Catherine have banned the press and public from waiting outside the hospital where they will welcome their second child into the world.
The duchess plans to give birth at the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London – where she had first son Prince George in July 2013 – again but she and her spouse are keen to avoid a "media circus" around the new arrival, though sources assured the Daily Mail newspaper they are "grateful" for the interest in their family.
The couple have also vowed not to make a public announcement until at least 8am the next day if the baby is born after 10pm and will inform their families – including William’s brother Prince Harry, who is on a month-long secondment to Australia – before the news is broadcast.
And sources say the announcement will wait until any major political speeches or press conferences relating to the general election have taken place on the day as the family don’t want to be seen as interfering with campaigning.
The baby’s birth will be announced in a press release, followed a few moments later on Twitter and other social media sites before the traditional bulletin will be posted on an easel at Buckingham Palace later in the day.
William is training to be an air ambulance pilot at three airports, Staverton in Gloucestershire, Norwich and Cambridge – so faces a two-hour dash to be with his 33-year-old wife if she goes into labour while he is working.
Though Catherine will be based at Kensington Palace in the weeks leading up to her due date to ensure she can be at her chosen hospital, contingency plans have also been drawn up to take her to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading if she goes into labour while visiting her parents at nearby Bucklebury, or to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn if it happens while she is at the couple’s country home, Anmer Hall in Norfolk.
The 32-year-old prince is planning to take two weeks paternity leave, while his wife is said to be keen to take several months off from royal duties after giving birth.
William and Catherine want baby privacy
