New royal baby: Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge pregnant with second child

The Queen and members of both families are 'delighted' by the news of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s forthcoming royal baby, sources confirm.

By Dave Lancaster |

11:51 08 September 2014

Another royal baby is on the way, it has been confirmed: The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, is pregnant with her second child.

Clarence House said: "Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child."

Prime Minister David Cameron was among the first to react to the news: "Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I’m delighted by the happy news that they’re expecting another baby."

It is believed that the news was broken earlier than planned as the duchess' 'acute morning sickness' (called hyperemesis gravidarum) forced her to pull out of a planned engagement in Oxford on Monday September 8th.

The announcement of the new addition to the royal brood came two months after the couple's first child, Prince George, had his first birthday.

The unborn child will become fourth in line to the throne, effectively pushing Prince Harry down the line of succession once again.

The duchess is being treated at Kensington Palace instead of a regular hospital.

What is hyperemesis gravidarum?

Hyperemesis gravidarum, the acute kind of morning sickness that the Duchess of Cambridge is suffering from, affects just 3.5 out of every 1,000 pregnancies.

Its symptoms include a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine, called ketosis as well as severe vomiting and possible dehydration and weight loss. Low blood pressure, headaches and a fast heart rate are also factors. The treatment is commonly anti-sickness tablets or fluids given intravenously.