Kate and William Are Expecting

Get the nursery ready: Prince William and his wife Catherine are expecting their first child.

St. James's Palace announced the pregnancy today, saying that the Duchess of Cambridge — formerly known as Kate Middleton — has a severe form of morning sickness and is currently in a London hospital. William is at his wife's side.

The palace said that since the pregnancy is in its "very early stages," the 30-year-old duchess is expected to stay in the hospital for several days and will require a period of rest afterward.

The Associated Press reports that In recent days, Middleton has kept up royal appearances — recently playing field hockey with schoolchildren at her former school.

Speculation about when William and his bride would start a family has been rife since their wedding.  Finally, people can breath a sigh of relief, it's happened!

American tabloid speculation of the pregnancy has been rampant for months. One newspaper even cited anonymous sources talking about Kate's hormone levels. Others have focused on the first signs of the royal bump.  Good grief.

Whether boy or girl, the child will be next in line behind William in the line of succession to the throne.