So could Kate's baby be born outside London? Hospitals in Reading and Norfolk put on standby in case the Duchess decides to leave London
- St Mary's Hospital in west London is the first choice of venue for the birth
- But Royal Berkshire in Reading and Queen Elizabeth in Norfolk on standby
- Plans in case Kate goes into labour while visiting parents or country estate
Although St Mary’s Hospital in London is the first choice of venue for the delivery of the royal baby, hospitals in Reading and Norfolk are on standby
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s second child could be the first Royal to be born outside London for 85 years.
Although St Mary’s Hospital in west London is the first choice of venue for the delivery, two other hospitals have been put on standby in case the Duchess leaves the capital.
Kate is nearing the end of her pregnancy and is currently staying at Kensington Palace, less than two miles from the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s where Prince George was born in 2013.
But it is understood that the Royal Berkshire in Reading and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, have been told to prepare in case she goes into labour nearby.
The 33-year-old may visit her parents in Bucklebury, Berkshire, this week – just 12 miles from the Reading hospital.
Or she could opt to stay at Anmer Hall, the royal couple’s country home in Norfolk near Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The Duchess’s private obstetricians have been warned that they could be called to either location, The Daily Telegraph reports.
Princess Margaret was the last member of the Royal Family to be born outside London.
She was delivered at Glamis Castle, Scotland, in 1930.
The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry were both born at St Mary’s, while the Prince of Wales, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward were delivered at Buckingham Palace.
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Although the Duchess’s due date has not been officially confirmed, she told well-wishers at a charity event last month: ‘I’m due mid-April, to the end of April.’
Bookmakers have predicted that the baby will arrive on April 24 or 25.
Prince William is due to attend a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph on April 25 to mark the centenary of the First World War’s Gallipoli campaign.
A royal spokesman said: ‘The Duke’s intention is to be at the commemorations. Being the 100th anniversary, it is very important to him.’
It is believed the Royal Berkshire in Reading and Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, have been told to prepare in case she goes into labour nearby. Pictured: The couple with their first born, Prince George
St Mary’s Hospital in west London is the first choice of venue for the delivery and is where the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Prince George. Final preparations are underway at the hospital for the delivery
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