The Duchess of Cambridge sparked speculation that she wanted a fourth child, to join her young family of three, after appearing on a podcast to discuss parenthood and what it’s like to be a mother. Since then, reports have gained momentum that another baby will join the Cambridge fold, and siblings Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. But a throwback report from the time she was pregnant with George revealed that she “might want her son to be born at the Royal Berkshire Hospital”, where Kate herself entered the world.
This was because in the final weeks of her pregnancy, Kate spent more time at her parents’ home, which is close to the Reading-based facility.
However, her wishes were dashed after royal correspondent Victoria Arbiter confirmed the baby would be born in St Mary’s Hospital, London, where Kate’s husband William was born.
She said that the Royal Berkshire Hospital was “not equipped to handle the security needs of the birth,” and that “the royals want the birth to be as easy on other patients at the hospital as possible”.
That need would only be fulfilled at St Mary’s, Ms Arbiter said, where “complex pregnancies” were routinely handled.
But what was most surprising in the build-up to George’s birth, was the revelation that police presence at the hospital would not be bolstered, despite the future king being born there.
The correspondent reported that as opposed to boosting police numbers, the couple would just want to return home as quickly as possible, so they could be with their newborn.
Ms Arbiter said: “Diana had William on June 21 and left on June 22, and I’m sure William and Kate are hoping for something similar.
“If all goes well with the delivery, Kensington Palace gives them privacy and security without added worries.”
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“The press will be respectful – nobody wants to get thrown out of the royal press pool.”
The excitement of a royal baby announcement emerged earlier this year after Kate chatted with the ‘Happy Mum, Happy Baby’ podcast.
She told the broadcast that all mothers suffer from “mum guilt”, and that “anyone who doesn’t as a mother is lying”.
The Duchess of Cambridge added: “There’s such a pull, but I am such a hands-on mum, and whatever you’re doing you want to make sure you’re doing the uttermost best job you can for your children.”
