Britain’s royal couple expecting 2nd child, Republicans get a boost
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BRITAIN’S Prince William and his wife Kate are expecting their second baby, his office said yesterday.
The baby will be fourth-in-line to the British throne, after grandfather Prince Charles, father William and elder brother George, the couple’s first child who was born in July last year.
“The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news that their royal highnesses are expecting their second child,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.
William’s office said Kate, 32, was suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, an acute morning sickness which causes severe nausea and vomiting and requires supplementary hydration and nutrients, a condition that led to her hospitalization in the early months of pregnancy with her first child.
A spokeswoman said Kate had not needed hospital treatment this time, but was under the care of doctors at Kensington Palace, the couple’s London residence. There was no detail of when the baby was due.
Kate pulled out of an appearance yesterday because she was feeling unwell, and future engagements would be reviewed on a case by case basis, the spokeswoman said.
George was born amid an international media frenzy, underlying the global popularity of the young British royals. Since his birth, George has graced the cover of Vanity Fair and his few public appearances have garnered huge media attention.
There had been speculation this year that William, 32, and Kate, officially known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge since their marriage in April 2011, would announce a pregnancy.
“Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I’m delighted by the happy news that they’re expecting another baby,” British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter.
Scottish impact
The announcement of the pregnancy came on the day British newspapers carried front page stories saying the 88-year-old queen was growing increasingly concerned about the possibility Scotland will vote for independence in a referendum in 10 days.
An opinion poll in the Sunday Times newspaper put support for independence on 51 percent against 49 opposed to the breakaway.
The pound slid to a 10-month low against the dollar yesterday and shares in Scotland-based companies fell.
A Yes vote in next week’s referendum would end Scotland’s 307-year-old union with England and plunge Britain into uncharted constitutional and economic waters.
“I’m quite sure that all that is completely above politics,” Alistair Darling, the former British finance minister and leader of the pro-union Better Together campaign, said.
Pro-independence leader Alex Salmond, who has said the monarchy would remain head of state of an independent Scotland, also welcomed the announcement.
“Congratulations & best wishes to the Earl & Countess of Strathearn,” he said on his Twitter feed, referring to the couple by their Scottish titles.
Republicans said it would be a boost for their campaign.
“Like thousands of other parents-to-be across the country, Kate and William must be thrilled — but their news just highlights the absurdity of hereditary office and focuses minds on what kind of future we want for Britain,” said Graham Smith, chief executive of campaign group Republic.
“A royal baby is great news for the republican movement as it raises serious questions about the future of the monarchy, ones the royal family would rather avoid.”
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