The weekend has passed and Monday is drawing to a close (you see where I'm going with this :)) and yes, there's still no sign of the arrival of Baby Cambridge.
It is very much believed the Duchess is now up to several days overdue and it is believed William and Kate have now discussed the possibility of being induced, particularly if she is feeling uncomfortable. However, it is thought they could wait up to two weeks after the due date to induce the Duchess.
More from the Telegraph's story:
'The Duchess of Cambridge is as many as four days overdue with her second child, raising the possibility that her labour may be induced in the next week. Several reports have suggested that the Duchess's due date was on Saturday, but Whitehall sources have told The Telegraph they were briefed that the due date was actually Thursday, April 23.'
The article continues to quote a source whose children were born at the Lindo Wing:
'The doctors don’t normally wait for more than a week. They will probably already have been in touch with Kate and talked about which day would suit her best to go in and be induced if the baby doesn’t arrive in the next couple of days.'
I thought it a particularly informative article, written by Gordon Rayner, as he spoke to a consultant obstetrician and spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Pat O Brien, who shared his views:
'We tend not to leave it more than two weeks after the due date, but most mothers are getting pretty fed up once they go a week past their due date. There are other considerations that come into play – if it’s a big baby it’s sometimes better to induce before it gets any bigger. The mother will normally have a scan on or around the due date to make sure the baby is fine and it’s safe to press on a bit longer.'
Royal reporter Emily Andrews shared her view via Twitter.
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| Emily Andrews Twitter Feed |
Indeed, many royal watchers are now hoping the royal baby arrives on 29 April - William and Kate's fourth wedding anniversary. It would make the 29th an even more special date on the calendar for the Cambridges :)
One member of the Royal family who will undoubtedly be disappointed the baby didn't arrive over the weekend will be Prince Harry. The Prince had briefly returned at the weekend to hand out prizes at the London marathon after undertaking engagements in Turkey to mark the centenary of the Gallipoli campaign. He returns to Australia tonight, where he is on a placement with the army. This official photo from Harry's secondment in Australia is too good not to share!
As we know, William, Kate and George are all at Kensington Palace where by all accounts it seems Kate is in very good spirits. On Friday, the couple had close friends Guy Pelly and his wife Elizabeth Wilson over for tea.
Carole Middleton has been spotted coming and going in recent days, too.
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What have the Cambridges been up to over the past week? Prince William made an official appearance at the Cenotaph on Saturday, joining Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh to commemorate the centenary of the WWI Gallipoli landings and ANZAC campaigns.
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| PA |
Last week, the Prince was spotted enjoying a shopping spree in Chelsea department store Peter Jones.William purchased £800 of men's clothing including jeans and jumpers. There's been many a comment on William's fashion sense, and perhaps we'll see him sporting some trendier looks? :)
And last Monday, the Duchess spent time shopping at Zara Home where she purchased furnishing accessories, as well as new items for Prince George.
More from People's story:
'"She looked so calm – you couldn't really tell that she was pregnant because she looked so great; I mean, she was wearing heels," the sales assistant who served Kate tells PEOPLE, adding, "She was so nice and polite, I was really impressed."
Browsing the store alone for 45 minutes, Kate bought some salad servers, a plain doormat and some dark blue bath towels with rope-print detailing. "She was really interested in the blue sailor-themed display where she got the towels from before she went down to kidswear," says the staffer.'
Kate wore a blue and white top, jeans and a pair of her favourite wedges.
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Meanwhile, at the Lindo Wing it's all relatively quiet, with the exception of reporters and photographers checking their positions and eager royal fans waiting for the arrival. Royal lookalikes Heidi Agan and Simon Watkinson paid a visit to St Mary's where they posed for photos and gave interviews.
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| Ben Lewis Twitter Feed |
Over all it's very much a calm scene. David Wilkinson shared this photo from the Lindo Wing.
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| David Wilkinson CNN |
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In fashion news, Kate's very popular ASOS Maternity Wrap Skater Dress is back in all sizes at the moment. Keep an eye on the page if your size goes out of stock as it appears to be updating quite frequently.
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| ASOS |
We hope to see you very soon! :)
Goodness, Charlotte! I hope Kate is feeling comfortable and her labor progresses naturally. When I was at 39 weeks with the baby's feet under my rib cage I had a hard time breathing and my doctor tried to induce me but it didn't work. 10 days later Camille arrived weighing in at 9lbs 11oz. ChristyByTheSea, California.
ReplyDeleteHow fun...I can't wait! - Missouri
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, thank you so much for all your coverage of Catherine and Baby Cambridge! I have been checking twitter every 20 minutes for the past couple of days, I feel like I'm about to go crazy! :) I'm thinking either tomorrow or Wednesday will be the day! And I think I'm one of the few who think it's going to be a boy! I guess we'll figure out it all out in the not so distant future. I can't wait for all the excitement when it does happen!
ReplyDeleteJust a quick question if you happen to know... I know they said they would be announcing on twitter about the baby and something about not saying anything between the hours of 10pm and 8am. Does this mean they won't be announcing between those hours if the baby is born or if Kate has gone into labor?
Hope all is well with you, I'm sure you are very excited too!
Hi Alexandra!
DeleteI'm going crazy with royal baby watch too! Officials have said that that Kensington Palace, as with they did with Prince George, will not announce labour or birth between the hours of 10pm - 8am. This is because Her Majesty must be informed before the media, and she will not be woken up during those hours if Kate happens to be admitted to hospital or gives birth.
Hope that helps!!
Jess x
I'm getting so excited! I can't wait to "meet" the new little royal. Thanks so much for all your updates on the family, I check out your blog everyday looking for updates, and have been for years now :)
ReplyDeleteThe photos of Prince William from this past weekend really made me see his similarity to his grandfather, side by side it's clear to see that he looks like HRH.
- Nicole from Canada
Yes, the 29th would be extra special......... :)
ReplyDeleteI think the baby is not coming until May 1 or after. In that last public photo of Kate she seemed too small to be due the last 10 days of April. Just my opinion! Also, I hope she does not allow the doctors to talk her into inducing labor. Too much intervention!
ReplyDeleteCharlotte:
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update.
An Australian magazine has photos of Prince George with his Nanny that are making the rounds on the net. They are obviously paparazzi and seem almost intrusive.
Keeping the Duchess and her family in prayers.
I'm hoping to meet Harry when he comes to Wellington! They still haven't released his itinerary for that day, which is a bit frustrating.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update! I've been checking your blog several times daily because I'm sure if there is anything to know you will tell us asap. Excitedly anticipating baby Cambridge!! North Dakota, USA
ReplyDeletelet do hope on their wedding anniversaries the baby cambridge its possible that they will be at hospital at 28 and they leave in hospital on 29 charlotte im kind finding that women day article and pics on their website but seems they are removed it
ReplyDeleteLoved the banana diversion!!
ReplyDeleteAt the three weeks overdue point of my first pregnancy, inducing was attempted and failed. It worked a week later. My other pregnancies also went well over term, but that doctor did not try to induce. The babies were healthy weights and have prospered into adulthood. I am therefore a little skeptical about ending pregnancies at only two weeks overdue.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteYou posted a very rare W&K wedding kiss. The common ones you find in just about all media videos and photos don’t’ show this well-fitting angle.
As their anniversary approaches,they should ignore the “delayed baby”, relax, dance, celebrate etc. etc. They will either be at the hospital during their celebration, or keep waiting up to May 3 or 4. As long as the baby's heart rate is good, the mother to be is monitored,the Placenta continues to do its job and placed in the right place, why should they bother with inducing unless there is something the public does not know.
I've always seen HRH as a woman with a good head on her shoulders. I'm sure she'll listen to the advice of her doctor's and to what her body is telling her. If she has to be induced, then I hope all will go well. As excited as we all are for this baby, let's remember that a healthy baby is the only thing that matters.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteYou posted a very rare W&K wedding kiss. The common ones you find in just about all media videos and photos don’t’ show this well-fitting angle.
As their anniversary approaches,they should ignore the “delayed baby”, relax, dance, celebrate etc. etc. They will either be at the hospital during their celebration, or keep waiting up to May 3 or 4. As long as the baby's heart rate is good, the mother to be is monitored,the Placenta continues to do its job and placed in the right place, why should they bother with inducing unless there is something the public does not know.
Hello charlote glad to finily here from you i am suprised we have not heard from you sooner due to everything that has gone this week i love hearing from you however everything you have written today is really old news looking forward to hearing a royal birth from you
ReplyDeleteWell, if nothing much is happening, the writer can hardly start making stuff up! We're all just waiting...
DeleteThere is nothing to write about!
Deletefed up waighting for baby carnt waite good luck kate xxx
DeleteOh! How cute is that child in the big cowboy boots standing next to Harry?! What a great picture of all of them.
ReplyDeleteAnd how great is that group of men dressed as bananas? What a perfect comment on the state of the world outside the Lindo Wing, both today, 21 months ago, and when the next child arrives. I laughed out loud when I saw that. Thanks for including it, Charlotte. A hearty laugh is greatly needed here.
Thank you for all the news, when the news does not include what we want to hear! May that baby come soon enough, but not sooner than it should.
Charlotte thanks for the update! I've been checking nbcnews.com,the bbc.uk and here almost hourly for days!
ReplyDeleteI can't see Catherine getting "induced' for at least 10 days overdue.....there is the possibility that they miscalculated conception, it happens frequently.
I'm thinking this weekend.
Now a days they really are on target because of the 12 week scan. Doctors are very careful not to let the mother go to far past 10 days because their are risks involved.
DeleteMel, this is my understanding also from my own and others pregnancies. They do not just induce due to dates, at least in modern facilities, as they can now actively monitor how the Mother and child are doing. I was induced with one of my kids due to the child showing some stress, I was not overdue at that time it was right around the due date. Ali
DeleteThose two "look alikes" look absolutely NOTHING like William and Catherine. That said, I am on pins and needles waiting! I hope if's a girl, but even more than that, I hope mother and baby are strong and healthy when the time comes. Thanks Charlotte for doing such good work. This site is the first place I go in the morning and the last place I go at night now that we are so close!
ReplyDeleteIt really is not great to wait a week or more after the due date. There are the risks of shoulder dystocia and meconium. Also sometimes there is a reason the baby isn't descending on his or her own such as a cord wrapped around the neck. It makes me nervous much after the due date, being a former L&D nurse. I didn't usually see great outcomes.People say babies come in their own time...but sometimes they don't. This presents more risks to mom and baby. JMO
ReplyDeleteI really like the polka dot black dress.
ReplyDeleteWonderful inclusion of Prince Harry, Charlotte. He really is the Children's Prince :)
Good to hear Kate is doing well and out and about and comfortable!
Would be nice to see PW out and engaging with his son now he has 6 weeks of paternity leave.
PS 2 weeks past-- yikes! That is just a bad idea. I hope they won't let it go that long.
ReplyDeleteBut I do agree with failed inductions that work a week later. In that case, probably the original due date was a little off. Only ultrasounds in the first trimester, preferably the first six weeks, are usually reliable. Babies grow so differently after that--there are many variables after that. Still, alot of times inductions fail for a reason. And sometimes that truly is because the pitocin (natural, not just chemical) receptors aren't ready. This could indicate it's a good idea to wait bc the body is not ready to deliver. So it does happen. But, also, the vast majority are not like this, or the due date was off. My opinion is the risks of waiting outweigh the benefits, for the most part. Again, JMO
DeleteI know what it feels like (twice!) to have one's due date come - and go - and no baby. I hope Catherine isn't too uncomfortable and that Baby Cambridge arrives happy and healthy. Thank you so much, Charlotte, for giving us anxious baby watchers some tidbits of news to tide us over till the big event! :o)
ReplyDeleteI like the bananas.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteCan't wait! My son was born April 12 and he was 10 days overdue. I know it gets uncomfortable but I'm so glad I finally went into labor naturally without having to be induced. Hoping the same for the Duchess!!
I have a sister who was told three more wks. Later that day, she was running after her other boy before he got into the street. Next morning b any two arrived,
ReplyDeleteAs a health practitioner and mother I can confirm that doctors usually insist on inducing the birth if the baby´s more than 10-14 days overdue. It´s not only the size of the baby but certain other factors that can put the baby´s health at risk. I hope and pray that "Baby Cambridge 2" will not have to be induced - it´s one of the most painful experiences you can go through as a woman and often it doesn´t even work so in the end a caesarean follows. "Traumatic" is about the best word to sum up such an experience for both mother AND child, so I sincerely hope the baby will come into this world "naturally"....
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping us up-dated, Charlotte. Let´s keep fingers crossed the little one won´t keep us waiting for much longer! ;-))))
UPDATE
ReplyDeleteProtection officers have been seen at the Lindo Wing. It may just be a test run though. I'll update the moment anything is confirmed.
Looks like a false alarm everyone!
DeleteIt can't be long now though!
Can't wait! Keep checking my computer for updates... It's such an exciting time! :)
ReplyDeleteI am beyond excited! This feels a little like waiting for Christmas morning to come...
ReplyDeleteI don't think she is overdue yet. I really think she is due around the 30th. I partly think this because of when she took her maternity leave. But also because William planned on the appearance on the 25th with the Queen awhile ago when he knew the babies due date. If the baby had been due before that he would not have arranged that engagement in the first place since he would have been with the new baby. It would make sense if Kate was due closer to the end of April. I just never thought Kate was due that early :). I just wish the Royals would narrow down the due date a bit and not be so vague. Especially knowing how crazy the media gets waiting. A little closer ball park idea would help instead of a 3 week period. It also would be nicer to the waiting public.
ReplyDeleteBut why give the due date earlier than it really is, knowing that people will be waiting and media will be building it up. If that were the case, wouldn't it be better to say she was due later than she really was?
DeleteWhat? I'm confused by your comment.They never gave a due date. Kate said she was due mid to late April. That's as close as they gave. The media assumed the baby was due the 25th. Royals never actually give out the due date
Deletecould it be april 28 will be labour and they leave in hospital 29 april they prince william and the duchess gave terry breakfast with a pink ribbon it does mean she will have a girl cant wait
ReplyDeleteThank you for any update! I check your blog several times a day! ha ha. Heather - Detroit MI USA
ReplyDeleteMore births centered around the full-moon phase than any other. George was born when the moon was full. So maybe not so long.
ReplyDeleteI work as a labor and delivery RN. I couldnt help but think last night as I was taking care of my patients and doing deliveries how much pressure that would be on the staff. Not that I dont want everything to be perfect for every patient... But just knowing that she is delivering a child in line for the throne And the whole world is watching. Shew! Being on your A game isnt even a good description. Lol
ReplyDeleteWaiting and waiting! Induction is not so bad in a mom who has had a previous baby. My second baby was induced and it went very nicely. Not a bad way to do things at all.
ReplyDeletewoke up to this lovely story from People Magazine here in the U.S. so delightful! (i sort of thought maybe it was a distraction for her to sneak into the hospital. but who knows…)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20395222_20918832,00.html
Annie,
NY, USA
I read that the Duke and Duchess sent coffee and pastries to the folks who have been waiting outside the hospital. How sweet that is! Hoping for a safe delivery of baby Cambridge. Thanks Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteHey I have a question! I read a few weeks back that the Great Kate Wait number 2 was not allowed. However I just saw some tweets about press officers going to the Lindo Wing. So there are some reporters allowed at the Lindo wing? How busy is it there?
ReplyDeleteOh I'm so excited! I hope Baby Cambridge will come soon :D I am hoping for a girl Frances.
A baby on their 4th wedding anniversary. What a gift it would be for William and Kate.
ReplyDeleteI simply can't wait!
Monica, France
Hi I have a question! (I'm hoping this message isn't going to show up twice)
ReplyDeleteI read a few weeks back that a second Great Kate Wait was not allowed. But I just saw some tweets about press officers going to the Lindo Wing. So there are some reporters allowed there? How busy is it there?
I think it is a girl and I would really love the name Frances!
Did anyone else see the report about breakfast being delivered to those waiting outside the Lindo wing this morning? I'm not sure if it was the Duke and Duchess; but it is very touching if it was. And if it was someone else, it's still quite thoughtful!
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for an excellent post ! I hope Kate is feeling good and baby is ok!
ReplyDeleteHarry looks gorgeous in that photo with the kids how adorable.
The Kate and wills "lookalikes" look ridiculous
Cheers
Charlotte, Do you think the report is accurate that William and Kate sent breakfast pastries over for those camping out in front of the Lindo Wing? Supposedly the pastries were wrapped and tied with PINK ribbon! It sounds like an elaborate hoax to me!!!
ReplyDeleteThe weather in London must be bananas, too! (Moreso than usual!!) William and Phillip are wearing overcoats on Saturday, and the little fake Kate, with a baby bundle that is much too small, I think, is wearing a sundress.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Nicole, I concur. William looks so much like Phillip in that latest picture--and they both look great! Phillip has always been a handsome man--as is William!
Hello everyone!
ReplyDeleteIt is true William and Kate sent pastries to well wishers outside the Lindo, I thought it a lovely gesture.
It's been a crazy day full of false alarms but there's a definite increased presence at the Lindo Wing. Plenty of press there, royal protection officers carried were spotted this morning. However, Kate has been spotted out and about driving. There's rumours photos have been taken...
We'll let you know if there are any updates!
It was a lovely gesture from them to sent some pastries. I wish it was over, really mind boggling.
DeleteI must also say I am gobsmacked that she drives a car while heavily pregnant. I find it odd really odd.
Not understanding your post? No reason you can not drive till you go into labor, even then many a woman has driven herself to the hospital when labor has started. You can go hours with minor contractions. If she is driving and goes from 0 to 100 in contractions in just a few minutes then you pull over and call for help. :) Ali
DeleteHi blue27--I have several friends who have driven themselves to the hospital to have their babies--nobody else was around to do it when the time came! It is not that difficult to drive, and when you just "have to"--well, you get on with the job. I imagine Kate is in such good physical condition that driving is not that hard, especially since she obviously was not in labor at the time.
DeleteI think the pastries were a lovely gesture, too. I thought "hoax" simply because they were supposedly tied with pink ribbon. Do you think that was just a coincidence?
DeleteCharlotte,
ReplyDeleteI meant to post anonymously - but may have accidentally used my google business account - (comment was about going 9 days overdue). If I did could you please delete the comment. I really enjoy your website you do a great job.
Hello!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for commenting! Unless it is already published (if so, let me know and I'll delete it immediately) it hasn't appeared for moderation :)
This poor woman. If I were her, I would have told everyone my due date was early June and surprised them all when I delivered in May. No one really knows the baby's due date except them and a due date to start with is just an estimate of the time the baby will arrive. Not everyone delivers at exactly 40 weeks. Daily Mail has a pic of her driving around this morning so obviously she is doing OK and not worried about dropping the sprog at any moment. :)
ReplyDeleteHaha Marlene that is a a smart idea!
ReplyDeleteI also actually have wondered why they do not give a date 2 weeks later, I have to assume that they think someone along the lines, i.e. a an ultrasound tech, a lab person, a receptionist would tell a different story and it would end up being a "scandal" of why the lies, "infidelity" etc. Ali
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary Kate n will.xxx .five kids.n every one of them born when ma nature decided. My big sis went over by two wks with her first .she had forceps in the end.baby's shoulders too big.she's thirty this year.xxxxx
DeleteLet's all just pray babe mk2 and Kate have a safe and quick delivery.I had 5babies all very different labours n all born before due date.happy anniversary Kate n wils xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's almost 8 pm in London again and still no baby news! I'm praying for a safe delivery. I really think the Duchess of Cambridge is hoping she goes into labor during the "media blackout hours" for their privacy!
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlotte for the added post! Oh I wish Harry would have been there but, life goes on......
ReplyDeleteAm I missing something, what do the people in banana costumes mean? Or is it all in good fun?
Glad that William and Kate have been getting out...nesting and getting ready :)
Have a lovely weekend DKF's