It’s the moment the world has been anxiously waiting for: at approximately 6:00AM BST, or 1:00AM on the eastern seaboard in the United States, Catherine and the Duke of Cambridge arrived at St Mary’s Hospital in west London, the BBC reports. Following their arrival, a crowd surged in anticipation.
Although an official due date was never formally announced, speculation suggested a July birthday for the newest addition to the English royal family. The BBC’s royal correspondent, Peter Hunt, had thought the duchess was a week past her due date, and his tweets along with the hashtag ‘#royalbaby’ have supplied information as well as well-wishes from those all over the world who are expectantly awaiting the arrival of the royal newborn, who will be the Queen’s third great-grandchild and third in line for the English throne.
The Duchess of Cambridge is in labour and has gone to give birth at the private Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital in London. #RoyalBaby
— Peter Hunt (@BBCPeterHunt) July 22, 2013
William and Kate may choose to announce the name when they leave hospital– or they may wait several days.#RoyalBaby
— Peter Hunt (@BBCPeterHunt) July 22, 2013
On the baby @David_Cameron says ""Best wishes to them, a very exciting occasion and the whole country is excited with them" #RoyalBaby
— Peter Hunt (@BBCPeterHunt) July 22, 2013
After marrying Prince William in April 2011, the royal couple had announced their first child in December following Kate’s hospitalization for a case of morning sickness. The Duchess went on maternity leave in June. For those interested in even more moment-to-moment updates on the royal baby, the Guardian will be live-blogging the story.