As the birth of Kate Middleton's second baby draws closer, police in London have begun clearing the roads and setting parking restrictions around the premises of St. Mary's Hospital. Authorities are making sure that the Duchess of Cambridge will have a smooth transport on the day she gives birth.
According Heatworld, roads from the London home of Prince William and Princess Kate to the hospital in Paddington have already been set with "extra-strict" parking restrictions. US Weekly also provides a photo of the yellow signs that indicate the suspension of parking in some areas from April 15 to April 30. The princess is expected to give birth within those said dates.
Back when Kate Middleton was due to give birth to Prince George in 2013, supporters and well-wishers camped outside the hospital grounds for days. This time, Buckingham Palace has disallowed this, at least until the princess is safely in labor at the maternity wing. But within hours after the restrictions were set in place, people started flocking the streets with their Union Jack flags waiting for any sign of Kate arriving at St. Mary's. Meanwhile, marks and perimeters for where the press can take their spots to report the second royal baby's birth will be set later in the week.
The Duchess will be giving birth in the same hospital where Prince George was born two years ago in July. US Weekly pegs the cost of the room at the hospital's Lindo maternity wing at $9,650 a night, while doctor's fee is at $8,800. The royals rely on Dr. Guy Thorpe-Beeston, a leading surgeon-gynecologist, to be on hand when Kate goes into labor. It is expected that the royal family will be staying at the hospital for two nights after the birth. According to QZ, since this is their second time at St. Mary's, the royal couple has been given a 10% discount on room cost.
Kate and William have previously expressed that they do not want to know the gender of their second baby until the birth. The mystery has been a continuous guessing game among several news outlets that follow the princess at different events. Meanwhile, since the announcement of her pregnancy, bookers have been taking bets on the most popular baby name for the coming royal baby. "Alice" is pegged as Britain's favorite.
Once Kate gives birth, Buckingham Palace will make the official announcement, which will detail the baby's name, birth time, and weight. The royal couple will then stay at Kensington Palace for a few days before leaving for Anmer Hall with their latest addition.
