- .Kate, 32, mother to Prince George, one, is expecting a child next year
- .The Cambridges have long spoken of their desire to extend their family
- .Kate is again suffering from 'super sickness' hyperemesis gravidarum
- .She will no longer accompany William on engagement in Oxford today
- .Royal source: 'Duchess has not even reached crucial 12-week stage'
- .Prince Charles and Camilla 'only learned of pregnancy in last few days'
- .It comes about six weeks after Prince George celebrated first birthday
The Duke of Cambridge today said he and his wife were 'thrilled' to be having a second child - but admitted Kate has had a 'tricky week or so' after falling ill with severe morning sickness.
Prince William was forced to attend an engagement in Oxford alone today because the Duchess was too unwell to come with him.
He said: 'She's feeling okay. It's been a tricky few days - week or so - but obviously we're basically thrilled, it's great news, and early days. We're hoping things settle down and she feels a bit better.'
Kensington Palace announced today that the Duchess was pregnant again. Kate, 32, whose son, Prince George is just a year old, is expecting her second baby with William next year.
The Duchess is again suffering from the debilitating condition hyperemesis gravidarum, which causes extreme sickness in pregnant women - but William said she may be over the worst of it in a fortnight.
Happy man: The Duke of Cambridge formally opens The Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building today, on the morning of the announcement of his second child with the Duchess of Cambridge
Royal couple: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a second child, it was revealed today. They are pictured here at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport during their tour to New Zealand and Australia on April 16
Four years older than George: William speaks to five-year-old Bethlily Barton as he arrives in Oxford today
Unlike her first pregnancy, however, Kate is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace and has not been admitted to hospital.
Sources have told MailOnline that the Duchess has not yet even reached her crucial 12-week stage and were once again forced to reveal details of the new baby because of her condition.
Meanwhile, a beaming William attended an engagement alone in Oxford today, where he opened a university building. The father-to-be arrived to cheers and shouts of congratulations and said Kate was 'extremely disappointed' not to be there.
When a well-wisher sympathised with Kate's condition and said they wished she could have attended, the Duke replied: 'I know, she wishes she could be here - a few weeks' time.'
And when the High Sheriff of Oxfordshire, Tony Stratton, offered his best wishes on the news, saying he was sure he would be one of the first of many to offer his congratulations, the prince said: 'Thank you so much, yes I am sure you will be. I think it will be a feature of the day!'
Bethlily Barton, five, from St Aloysius School in Oxford, presented William with a toy swan for Prince George and some flowers for him to take home to his wife.
Flags: The Duke said his wife may be over the worst of her very acute morning sickness in a 'few weeks' time'
On his own: It became apparent that the Duchess was no well enough to join the Duke on a joint engagement in Oxford today, a senior royal source told MailOnline
Thanks: The prince put his arm round Bethlily Barton, five, from St Aloysius School in Oxford, presented William with a toy swan for Prince George and some flowers for him to take home to his wife
'It was a present for George, I didn't know they were having another baby,' she said.
Her father, Stuart McPherson, added: 'It's wonderful news. He was great with Bethlily and I think he will be a wonderful father second time round.'
'The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news'
Kensington Palace
William was inundated with congratulations as he walked through the grounds of St Hugh's College, Oxford.
'Thank you' he replied as students lining the path clapped and cheered. But he hinted he may not be relishing sleepless nights with a crying newborn.
Talking to Erica Payne, 27, who was with her 12—week old daughter Isabel who was being very quiet, William said: 'They're good when they stay like that. Quiet.'
Shortly after, little Isabella Rawlings, two-and-a-half, handed William a posy of pink roses for sick Kate. Her father Tom, 33, said: ‘William said “thanks” and “Are they for Kate?” He asked if we bought them this morning.’
Smiles: Prince Harry beamed at the news he is to be an uncle again as he arrived to welcome Invictus Games competitors to London
Baby butterflies: A photo to mark Prince George's first birthday at the Natural History Museum in London
It is understood that William's father Prince Charles, and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, only found out about the pregnancy in the last few days.
A senior royal source said: ‘The couple only found out very recently. The Duchess has not even reached the crucial 12-week stage.
'But when it became apparent that she was no well enough to join the Duke on a joint engagement in Oxford today and that the number of forthcoming engagements could be affected, the Duke and Duchess have taken the difficult decision to be fully open about the pregnancy.’
In a statement the palace 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. The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news. As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum.
Engagement: Kate and Prince William visits the Tower of London's 'Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red' poppy installation on August 5
Recent appearances: Kate looks at graves at St Symphorien Military Cemetery in Mons, Belgium, on August 4 (left), and plays Three Tins during a visit to the Commonwealth Games Village in Glasgow on July 29 (right)
‘Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today. The Duchess is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace. ‘
A TIMELINE OF BABY HINTS
- March 17: On a visit to Aldershot, when asked if there would be a new arrival soon, William tells Sergeant Major Ray Collister: 'One's enough for the moment. Maybe one day when there's time'
- April 12: During a tour of New Zealand, William tells wellwisher Cynthia Read 'you might have to make another soon', after he was presented with a shawl she had knitted for George. However, just hours after William appeared to hint another child was imminent, the couple went wine tasting, where Kate was reported to have said how much she was enjoying being able to drink again after having George
- May 29: Kate dispels any rumours she might be expecting by sampling whisky during an official trip to Crieff in Scotland
- July 15: Bookmakers Coral suspend betting on a pregnancy announcement after a flurry of wagers.
Kate’s sickness means that her first solo foreign visit to Malta later this month is seriously in doubt. A palace source said that a decision would be made nearer the time.
But the Duchess does plan to support her brother-in-law, Prince Harry, at the opening ceremony of his Invictus Games in London on Wednesday.
The following day she is due to attend a solemn Drumhead service at Lee Valley Athletics Centre with the Duke and Harry, and later with William to watch Invictus competitors taking part in matches and heats.
The Duchess is due to make her first official solo overseas tour for two days in two weeks' time, from September 20-21. A palace spokesman said: 'We will be planning this on a case by case basis.'
Prime Minister David Cameron offered his congratulations to the couple today, saying: 'Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I'm delighted by the happy news that they're expecting another baby.'
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond said: ‘This is very happy news for any couple, and on behalf of the people of Scotland, I am delighted to send our best wishes to the Countess and our hearty congratulations to the royal couple.’
The Duchess is known in Scotland as the Countess of Strathearn.
With the Scottish referendum just days away, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg refused to be drawn on whether the news of a royal baby would help the campaign to keep the United Kingdom together.
Home: Members of the press gather outside the couple's home in Kensington Palace following the announcement
Happy: Kate claps from the Royal Box during the men's final at Wimbledon in south-west London on July 6
At a Westminster press conference, he said: 'The last thing we should do with such wonderful, heart-warming news which will thrill the whole nation is to start bringing politics into it.'
Father-of-three Mr Clegg advised the royal couple to 'stock up on as much sleep as you can' before the new arrival.
KATE'S SUMMER APPEARANCES
- July 1: Blessed Sacrament School, London
- July 2: Wimbledon Championships, London
- July 5: Tour de France, Harrogate
- July 6: Wimbledon Championships, London
- July 29: Glasgow Commonwealth Games
- August 4: WWI commemorations, Belgium
- August 5: Tower of London poppy display
And Labour leader Ed Miliband said: 'Fantastic to hear that Prince George will soon be a big brother! Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their happy news.'
Ukip's Nigel Farage offered his congratulations and said it was 'a bit of happy news'.
The Archbishop of Canterbury also offered his support, and called for divine intervention to help ease the acute morning sickness suffered by the Duchess.
The Most Reverend Justin Welby said: 'Wonderful news that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting second child. Praying for the family, and that morning sickness subsides.'
William's uncle, Prince Edward described the news as 'fantastic', the BBC reported.
Former England rugby star Mike Tindall, husband of William's cousin Zara Phillips, said he found out about the new baby when it broke on the news. He told talkSport: ‘I just sent them a message saying it was nice to hear the news on the radio.’
Out and about: Kate and William watch riders at the finish line of Stage 1 of the Tour De France in Harrogate on July 5 (left). Kate is also pictured leaving the Blessed Sacrament School in London on July 1 after a visit (right)
Anyone for tennis? Kate and William watch a men's quarter-final match at Wimbledon on July 2
'I'm delighted': Prime Minister David Cameron has offered his congratulations to the Duke and Duchess
Statement: Clarence House said in a tweet that the Queen and members of both families were 'delighted'
Villagers in Bucklebury expressed their delight at the news of the Duchess's pregnancy.
Alistair McOran-Campbell, 80, said: 'It's great news, fantastic. We've all been expecting it for ages. It's got to be a daughter, you have to even things up a bit.'
'Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I'm delighted by the happy news that they're expecting another baby'
Prime Minister David Cameron
Another villager, a mother-of-three who declined to give her name, said: 'That's fantastic news. Living here is a nice connection to have. It would be nice for them to have a girl I suppose.
'I don't see them a huge amount but have seen them driving around.'
Cyril Lexington, 77, said: 'I'm very pleased for them.' A woman in the village added: 'I'm delighted for them, it's wonderful news and that's going to be really lovely for the other baby.'
A Twitter spokesman told MailOnline shortly after the announcement that #RoyalBaby was the top trend worldwide and in Britain - and the news was also four out of ten of the top trends.
'SUPER SICKNESS': HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM EXPLAINED
Hyperemesis gravidarum afflicts one pregnancy in 50 and is much more serious than the nausea commonly experienced by expectant mothers.
The condition can lead to severe dehydration and puts both mother and baby at risk of being deprived of essential nutrients.
Sufferers can be left vomiting up to 30 times a day, with exhausting and hazardous consequences.
They cannot eat or drink without retching and may lose up to 10 per cent of their body weight, which can trigger a build-up of toxins in the blood or urine known as ketosis as the body tries to compensate for lack of food by mouth.
Hospital treatment for these women is essential, as without intravenous feeding and fluids they are at risk of becoming dangerously dehydrated.
The condition is thought to be caused by elevated levels of ‘pregnancy hormone’ HCG, or human chorionic gonadotropin, which increases after conception.
Miss Leila Hanna, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician at Queen Mary's Hospital in London and BMI The Sloane Hospital told MailOnline: 'The condition is extremely common in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
'It is associated with the changes in hormonal levels in the body, where the pregnancy hormones are quite high and it is the effect of those on the expectant mother.
'If anything it is associated with a normal, healthy pregnancy. Every so often, in extreme cases it is necessary to scan the mother to see if she could be expecting twins.
'In twins expectant mothers experience twice the hormones, and so often twice the sickness.'
But Miss Hanna moved to dispel the idea the royal couple could be preparing to welcome twins, saying it is 'highly likely' Kate will have already been scanned.
She said the condition is usually diagnosed around the six-week mark and in most cases carries on until 12 weeks.
Royal baby will be fourth in line to the throne
As a sibling to Prince George, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's second child will not be expected to be crowned sovereign.
But second-born royal children - often dubbed the 'spare to heir' - have on occasion ended up as monarch.
The country's last king, George VI, was not meant to accede to the throne and only did so when his older brother Edward VIII abdicated over his love for American divorcee Wallis Simpson in 1936.
Flashback: The Duke and Duchess leave St Mary's Hospital in London with newborn George on July 23, 2013
Once the baby arrives, Prince Harry (left) will shift down the line of succession to fifth in line to the throne
George VI's father, George V, was also not destined to wear the crown. But he outlived his older brother the Duke of Clarence and Avondale - Prince Albert Victor - who died from flu in 1892. George V became king in 1910.
COUPLE FREE TO FOCUS ON FAMILY
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been allowed the space to focus on their family in the early years of their marriage after lessons were learned in previous royal marriages, a social historian has suggested.
Judith Rowbotham, founder of the Solon academic network, said the couple were enjoying the freedom of not being full-time royals as they looked forward to having two youngsters under the age of two.
Dr Rowbotham said: ‘We know that the royal family, who badly need this to be a marriage that works, are giving all the space they possibly can to the Cambridges.’
She added: ‘The Prince and Princess of Wales from the start did a huge amount of royal duties. But lessons have been learnt. They're going to leave this particular royal couple to sort it out themselves.’
The Duke is set to become an air ambulance pilot next spring when he will join the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
William, Kate and George are expected to spend much of their time enjoying the sanctuary of their newly renovated countryside home Anmer Hall on the Sandringham estate.
Dr Rowbotham said: ‘The improving health of the Duke of Edinburgh has very likely meant that, instead of stepping up to the plate, instead of taking on more royal duties, there is a little slack for the Cambridges to stay, not exactly in the background, but as not quite full-time royals. The Queen still treasures and feels that the early years of her marriage when she did have the space to grow her family, first Charles, then Anne, were hugely important to the enduring years of her marriage.
‘There's sensitivity after the breakdown of three of the Queen's children's marriages.’
William and Kate's new baby will be a great-grandchild to the Queen and a great-great-great-great-great-grandchild of Queen Victoria.
Once he or she arrives, Prince Harry will shift down the line of succession to fifth in line to the throne, while the Duke of York will move to sixth place and princesses Beatrice and Eugenie to seventh and eighth.
The baby will be a prince or princess thanks to the Queen, who stepped in ahead of Prince George's birth to ensure all William's children would become HRHs with fitting titles.
The Queen issued a Letters Patent under the Great Seal of the Realm in December 2012 when Kate was just a few months' pregnant, declaring 'all the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales should have and enjoy the style, title and attribute of royal highness with the titular dignity of prince or princess prefixed to their Christian names or with such other titles of honour'.
A Letters Patent in 1917, issued by George V, limited titles within the royal family, meaning a daughter born to William or Kate would not have been an HRH but Lady (forename) Mountbatten-Windsor instead and a second-born son would also have lacked the HRH title and become Lord (forename) Mountbatten-Windsor rather than a prince.
William's cousin Princess Eugenie, who was born in 1990, was the last royal baby to be given the title Princess.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex's daughter Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor is also technically a princess, but her parents decided, with the Queen's agreement, that she would use the courtesy title of the daughter of an Earl instead.
If the baby is a girl, it will be the first time a great granddaughter of a still-serving sovereign has been born in direct succession on the male line since 1897, when George VI's sister Princess Mary was born.
EXPLAINED: THE 'BIGGEST NOVELTY BETTING MARKET OF THE YEAR'
From baby names to hair colour and birth date... money has already begun to change hands over almost every conceivable aspect of the royal birth.
Odds on baby name (from Coral)
IF IT'S A GIRL
- 5-1 Alexandra
- 6-1 Elizabeth
- 7-1 Diana
- 7-1 Victoria
- 14-1 Georgia
- 16-1 Mary
- 20-1 Frances
- 20-1 Alice
- 25-1 Harriet
- 25-1 Pippa
- 25-1 Catherine
IF IT'S A BOY
- 3-1 James
- 6-1 Alexander
- 10-1 Louis
- 14-1 Henry
- 14-1 Albert
- 16-1 Richard
- 16-1 Arthur
- 25-1 Phillip
- 33-1 Edward
- 33-1 Spencer
- 33-1 Alfred
Bookmakers have described it as ‘the biggest novelty betting market of the year’, with odds even being offered on the likelihood of the royals becoming new parents to triplets.
Although the due date has not been made public, William Hill have odds of 16/1 that the brother or sister to Prince George, who celebrated his first birthday in July, will be born on April 21 - the Queen's birthday.
Meanwhile Paddy Power are offering 6/4 that the baby's hair will be brown, ahead of fair (5/2), red (3/1) or black (5/1).
Punters anticipating the royal household will swell by more than just one are being offered odds of 33/1 for twins and 250/1 for triplets.
A spokesman for the bookmaker said: ‘If there's one thing that baby George taught us it's that the British public love a punt on a Royal offspring and we're bracing ourselves for another baby betting bonanza.
‘Money is already pouring in by the pram-load and we expect this to be the biggest novelty betting market of the year.’
Speculation also includes any names for the new baby. Current front-runners include regal favourites Elizabeth, Henry and Victoria at 10/1 with Paddy Power, and Alexander and James at 9/1 with William Hill.
Joe Crilly, William Hill spokesman, said: ‘Last time around, we took over half a million pounds on the royal baby and we fully expect that once again the British public will all have their own opinions on whether a boy or girl is on the way.’
Royal baby banter as happy announcement sparks an array of online jokes
Within seconds of the royal baby announcement, internet jokers were revelling in the news posting an array of jokes online.
Car manufacturers Nissan were among the fastest to react, mocking up an advert for its latest X Trail model featuring crowns on each of the vehicle's seven seats.
Alongside the image, the UK branch of the firm tweeted: 'It could be triplets and there would *still* be enough room for the Queen... #XTrail #SevenSeats #RoyalBaby'
Jokes: Car firm Nissan had this jokey advert online within minutes of the baby announcement
Big brother: Spoof account @Charles_HRH suggested that Prince George may not be as pleased to hear the news as other well wishers
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmon could not resist sending his best wishes to the couple, and perhaps taking the opportunity to make a push for independence, referring to Kate and William using their Scottish titles.
He wrote: 'Congratulations & best wishes to the Earl & Countess of Strathearn. Wonderful to hear they're expecting their second baby – very happy news!'
Others also speculated over what the news could mean for the Scottish vote, including Piers Morgan who quipped: 'The Queen's offered to have the next royal baby named 'WILLIAM WALLACE ROBERT BRUCE BURNS' if the Scots agree to vote NO.'
Political: Scottish First Minister Alex Salmon could not resist sending his best wishes to the couple, and perhaps taking the opportunity to make a push for independence
Compromise? Others also speculated over what the news could mean for Scotland, including Piers Morgan
Comic timing: Comedian Rory Bremner also mused on what the baby news could mean for Scotland
Speculation: Matt Pearson was among those who posted jokes about Scottish independence
Braveheart: Funnyman Dom Joly also linked the Royal baby to the Scottish poll
And comedian Rory Bremner wrote: 'Wow-wee. Timing! Duchess of Cambridge delivers on the Devo-Max timetable. Scots to get their own dedicated heir. Go Kate!'
Spoof account @Charles_HRH suggested that Prince George may not be as pleased to hear the news as other well wishers, writing that the tot seems 'overjoyed' at the news - accompanied with a grumpy photograph of the one-year-old.
The Department for Business was keen to impart some helpful advice for William, who will soon start work with the East Anglian Air Ambulance - making him the first direct heir to the throne to become an ordinary PAYE company employee.
Tweeting a picture illustrating how mothers and fathers will be able to share their parental leave, the department wrote: 'Congratulations to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge! You might be pleased to know more about #SharedParentalLeave'.
Helping hand: The Department for Business was keen to impart some helpful advice for William, who will soon start work with the East Anglian Air Ambulance
Name game: It is unlikely that Kate and William will be taking up Pizza Express's suggestion
Options: Susanna Reid's Good Morning Britain co-host Charlotte Hawkins, who is also expecting a baby, has ruled out the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington for her own child
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