It’s the happy news that all royal watchers have been hoping for: a fourth baby for the Cambridge family.
In New Idea’s photo, the Duchess of Cambridge is sporting what appears to be a very small baby bump.
WATCH: Prince George breaks out in tears after being yelled at by Kate Middleton
Now a palace insider tells us that Kate and William have been planning on adding to their family for some time and they are privately delighted to be expecting baby number four.
The rumours about a possible pregnancy have been gathering pace in the past month with this picture of Kate holding Louis fuelling the rumours even more.
Last week, bookmakers even slashed the odds on the royal couple adding to their family, hinting that an official confirmation may not be far off.
Although many thought the royals had completed their family with the arrival of baby Louis last year, Kate’s desire for a fourth child has been evident for some time.
Kate has seen the bond between George and Charlotte and thinks it would be lovely if Louis had a sister closer to his age,” an insider previously told New Idea. “She is very friendly with Crown Princess Mary of Denmark and admires the way she has coped with four children.”
The Daily Mail also reported Kate’s hope of adding to her family, with a source telling them, “Catherine would like a fourth child. She loves children and is prepared to put herself through another pregnancy even though they have been complicated in the past.”
It’s likely that Kate and William – who have been keeping a notably low profile in recent weeks – will hold off on making an official announcement until the duchess is safely past the 12-week mark.
However, as she previously suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum in her three pregnancies, the happy news might be divulged sooner than planned.
“The morning sickness she suffered with her first two pregnancies wasn’t as bad with Louis, so she hopes it will be easier,” adds the source.
The royal couple will likely share the happy news with the Queen when they holiday in Balmoral. And, if everything goes smoothly the couple will likely welcome the new tot in January next year.
Despite being frank in the past about the difficulties of parenthood, the Duke of Cambridge is said to be absolutely thrilled about the news.
While he may have originally resisted the idea of having a fourth child, it’s clear he decided that as Kate felt strongly, he was only too happy to go along with it.
WATCH: Cheeky moment Princess Charlotte sticks out her tongue at sailing regatta
“He’s always supported her and will do anything to make her happy. That is a promise he made before they married,” explains the insider.
And royal expert Phil Dampier explains that while Kate will be happy with whatever nature has in store, she does have a preference on the gender of the new tot.
“She would love little Louis to have a sister of a similar age, just as George has Charlotte,” he tells New Idea.
HARRY RUINS THE HAPPY NEWS
Casting a shadow over Kate and William’s happy news is Prince Harry’s recent and apparently pointed comment about how he and Meghan will only have two children.
Now it’s thought this tactless remark, made in the issue of British Vogue guest edited by his wife, Meghan, could be the
root cause of Kate and William’s reluctance to join the family holiday in Balmoral.
Reportedly, Kate is furious that her brother-in-law’s tactless comment has ruined her upcoming pregnancy announcement and, as a result, she and William have decided to put off visiting the other royals in Scotland.
“It is understood William and his wife Kate may delay their trip until Harry and Meghan have returned to Windsor,” says royals writer Robert Jobson.
“The bond between William and Harry is said to have come under considerable strain and it’s not at all clear how long their wives wish to spend in each other’s company,” he added.
For more, see this week’s New Idea – out now!
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