By Kate Torgovnick
Kate Middleton is pregnant. No, for real this time.
St. James Palace announced the news earlier today, confirming that the Duchess of Cambridge is 8 weeks along. Tabloids have been buzzing for weeks that Middleton was pregnant, after her former roommate Jessica Hay claimed it to be true. However, it appears that Hay — who has also claimed to the press that she shared an intimate kiss with Duchess when they were teens — did not have any real insider info and was simply spreading rumors. After all, the tabloids have not been exactly trigger shy in proclaiming Middleton to be with child at the mildest of signs, from her refusing peanut butter to her tummy looking a millimeter away from flat.
So why is the royal family announcing this news before Middleton even crossed the 12 week mark? According to the Daily Mail, Middleton checked into King Edward VII Hospital last night, suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, an acute type of morning sickness. Middleton reportedly started feeling sick this weekend while at her parents’ house. When it became clear that she was severely dehydrated, she and Prince William drove to the hospital rather than call for an ambulance. Prince William stayed at her side while she received a drip to boosts fluids and nutrients.
Doctors at the hospital assure there is “no cause for alarm,” though sources are reporting that hyperemesis gravidarum can last for months. “As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter,” St. James Palace announced.
The royal family is reportedly “delighted with the news” that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are having a baby. Before the announcement was made, there was a mad dash to inform the family, with Prince Harry and Queen Elizabeth receiving the news only hours before the world did.
Meanwhile British Prime Minister David Cameron has spilled how he heard about the pregnancy. “I was handed a note in a meeting,” he said. “And I have to say, it was difficult to keep it a secret.”
The Daily News reports that website Ladbrokes has started a betting pool for the baby’s name. Elizabeth is the 8-to-1 favorite if it’s a girl, while Diana has a 12-to-1 advantage. For boys names, many are betting that the couple will go with George or David. Here’s hoping they shock everyone and pick a crazy name. Let me suggest Squeak.
By Kate Torgovnick
Got a Kate-
