Royal pregnancy: Kate Middleton leaves hospital

The Duchess of Cambridge suffered from morning sickness, with the outcome of the royal succession debate still pending

21:29 06 December 2012

Kate Middleton was discharged from hospital on Thursday morning after three days due to her condition, as the Duchess of Cambridge suffered from morning sickness. The 30-year-old wasbelieved to have been receiving treatment at King Edward VII Hospital, in London, where Prince William was with his wife.

The Duchess, whose pregnancy was revealed on Monday, suffered hyperemesis gravidarum. This is a condition that affects pregnant women in the earliest stages of their pregnancy. With the condition, Kate was unable to eat or drink without being ill.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted that they’re expecting their first born, with the royal pregnancy coming more than a year and a half after their wedding.

Meanwhile, there is an update on the proposed changes to royal succession.

This relates to legislation that has been put forward questioning the tradition of male heirs taking precedence over women in line to the throne. The outcome of the Succession to the Crown Bill is hoped to mean that no matter what the gender is, the couple’s baby will trump all subsequent siblings. He or she will be the third line to the throne.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, has reportedly said the legislation will go before officials at the House of Commons as soon as possible.

Late last year at a Commonwealth Summit in Perth, Australia, the matter was addressed as Prime Minister David Cameron decided it was best time to change the rules of succession. Here, 16 other prime ministers signed a “heads of agreement”.

However, making this happen wasn’t easy as things in Britain are more complicated compared to other monarchies, because the Queen is Sovereign of 15 countries. Any change requires simultaneous unanimity from all of them.

News of the royal couple’s pregnancy was posted on their website, as a statement read: “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby.

“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news.”