Stephen Locke /i-images
Today, journalists in London were briefed on the impending arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge‘s second child. Back in July 2013, reporters and photographers were camped out across the street from the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington since the beginning of the month.
Things will be a little different this time around, with restrictions in place after lessons learned from Prince George‘s birth.
Royal reporters Emily Nash, Rebecca English and Richard Palmer tweeted highlights from the press conference, while royal photographer Mark Stewart echoed the sentiments of the entire press pack after news of “camping out” restrictions.
In order to avoid 2013’s media circus that was the “Great Kate Wait,” the palace has made it clear that this is first and foremost a “private family moment.”
“We would appeal to all media to respect the family nature of this moment and provide the appropriate amount of privacy they should be able to expect,” the palace said. To that point, no press is allowed to camp outside the wing until Catherine has gone into labor.
Rather relieved to hear at the Buckingham Palace briefing this morning that we will be spared the #greatKateWait2! pic.twitter.com/KXu5Cn6ddZ
— Mark Stewart (@RegalEyes) April 9, 2015
After they leave the hospital, the Cambridges will spend a few days at Kensington Palace before heading out to their country home, Anmer Hall. Catherine may not return to official duties until the fall, a source told reporters.
Kate will take a longer maternity leave this time, source: “With two very young children her focus will be on her family during the summer” — Emily Nash (@emynash) April 9, 2015
Catherine will be based in the couple’s London home at Kensington Palace ahead of the birth, but alternate plans are in place in Cambridge and Reading should she go into birth while at Anmer Hall or her parents’ home in Bucklebury, respectively.
“The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received from people throughout the UK and indeed around the world over the last few months,” a statement from the palace read (via Daily Mail). “They know that people are excited Prince George will soon have a little brother or sister and it means a great deal to them that so many will be celebrating this important moment for their family.
“They are very appreciative that so many people share their excitement as they await the arrival of their second baby.”
William is currently training with Bond Air Services, which provides pilots for East Anglia Air Ambulance. Even though he’ll be training in a few different locations, English reports that William will “never be more than a few hours away” from London. No helicopter will transport the Duke to St. Mary’s, though. Instead, he’ll get a police escort on the ground.
Just like George’s birth, the palace will first send out a press release confirming the delivery, followed by a message on social media. A footman will then transport the official birth notice from the hospital to Buckingham Palace, where it will be posted at the gates.
If the baby is born after 10pm local time, an announcement will not be made until at least 8am the next morning, according to English.
No word yet on whether George will make a public appearance and visit his new sibling.
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