Royal baby to be born in same hospital wing as William in 1982

The Duchess of Cambridge will have her baby at the same London hospital where her husband was born 30 years ago.

Prince William will be at Kate's side but the couple have decided not to find out in advance whether it is a boy or a girl.

Sources are now beginning to divulge details of what will happen when the baby that will be third in line to the throne arrives next month.

It is understood that William and Kate have chosen the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in London. Diana Princess of Wales had both her children there, as did Princess Anne.

The first public announcement that the birth is imminent will be made once Kate is in hospital and in the early stages of labour.

When the baby is born, Kate's parents and the Queen will be told before a statement is issued.

A formal declaration will then be driven to Buckingham Palace and placed on an easel. The same happened after Prince William's birth.

The public will be told the baby's gender, weight, and time of birth but it may be some time before William and Kate decide on a name.

Changes in the rules of succession mean that if the baby is a girl she will one day been Queen, even if she has younger brothers.

It has been reported that Kate will go first to her parents home in Berkshire, but there is no confirmation.

Officials says they recognise it will be a time of "national celebration" but they are appealing for the royal couple's privacy to be respected.

Prince William will be given the statutory two weeks paternity leave from his job as a search and rescue pilot.

He has not yet announced whether his military career will continue or whether he will take on full-time royal duties.

Kate made her last official appearance before going to hospital at Trooping the Colour last Saturday.

The next time we see her, officially at least, she will have a baby in her arms.