Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton on Monday was admitted to St Mary's Hospital in London, signaling the end of the long wait for the arrival of Britain's future king or queen.
According to palace officials, Kate is in the early stages of labour and left Kensington Palace for the the hospital around early morning. Her husband Prince William accompanied her in the car.
St Mary's Hospital is where Princess Diana gave birth to William and her second son Harry. Prince William's wife is expected to deliver in the same private Lindo Wing of the hospital.
The duchess revealed in her birthing plan that she will be attended by Dr Marcus Setchell, the Queen's former gynecologist, with the assistance of Dr Alan Farthing.
Details are scarce on whether Kate will have a natural birth or undergo a cesarean section. The baby's gender is also not known. The royal couple was particular about not finding out the sex of the child before birth.
The child will be third in line to the British throne after Prince Charles and his son William.
With Kate said to be going into labour, the level of excitement has grown multi-fold across the country. Well-wishers anxiously awaiting the birth of the royal child have camped outside of the hospital where Kate is due to give birth. The duchess was thought to be way past her due date.
Royal watchers must wait to be told of the baby's arrival by the palace, which is planning to reveal the news through a mix of traditional and social media.
The protocol requires that the Queen be informed first about the birth of the royal baby before the general public.
