The wait for the second royal baby is nearly over.
The Duchess of Cambridge was in the early stages of labor at a London hospital, Kensington Palace announced early Saturday.
It will be the second child for Prince William and Catherine, who was scheduled to give birth last month. Their son, Prince George, was born in July 2013.
A media frenzy ensued outside St. Mary’s Hospital as journalists gathered following the announcement. Some wore pink or blue — depending on their preference for a boy or a girl.
But Terry Hutt , who just celebrated his 80th birthday, said either a prince or a princess is fine with him.
“Well I’d like both! Can you imagine how George feels?” Hutt said. “It’s probably his new toy.”
The Seller family gathered outside the Lindo Wing, where the baby will make his or her debut.
“I want it to be a boy,” said Jacob Seller, 6.
Displacing uncle Harry
The newest addition — whether a prince or princess — will be fourth-in-line to the throne, bumping William’s brother, Prince Harry, to fifth place.
But Prince Harry’s ascension to the throne was a long shot, anyhow. The second child of royal parents is known as “spare heir.” Traditionally, they were expected to rule if an older sibling died or could not become king or queen.
While the older brother or sister is destined for a life of regal duty and obligation — of public engagements, investitures and ribbon cutting ceremonies — the role of the younger royal is less defined.
Break from tradition
The duchess, 33, was accompanied by her husband on the drive to St. Mary’s Hospital.
William was born in a private wing at the same hospital on June 21, 1982. So was George.
While that might seem normal to most in his generation, it is a break with tradition. Before William, all heirs to the throne had been born at home or at the home of a royal family member.
William’s father, Prince Charles, was born at Buckingham Palace.
Big question
When George was born, William and Catherine opted to use the shorter version of his name. The chubby-cheeked toddler’s official name is Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge.
George and his new sibling will use “Cambridge” as a last name when they attend school in a few years.
Until then, a big question remains: Is George getting a little brother or little sister?