Royal Baby On The Way As Kate Goes Into Labour

The royal baby is on its way at last - with the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton admitted to a London hospital in the early stages of labour yesterday.

Kensington Palace said in a statement: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted at 06.00hrs to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London and is in the early stages of labour.

"The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge."

Kate, who had gone several days overdue, is being cared for by consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston in the private wing of the west London hospital.

The press have been banned from camping outside, but an area has been set aside in the hospital for journalists, photographers and camera crews.

The baby's birth will be announced in an email to the press - with a tweet from Kensington Palace following two minutes later.

The new arrival will be fourth in line to the throne - after grandfather Prince Charles, dad Prince William and brother Prince George.