Welcome "Royal Baby" William and Kate Middleton

Kate Middleton has been admitted to the hospital to give birth, according to a Kensington Palace spokesman.

"Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London 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," the palace said in a statement today.

Middleton was admitted shortly before 6 a.m. today with The Duke by her side, and she is progressing normally, the palace said. There is no suggestion that she was induced.

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Regardless of the baby's gender, Prince William and Kate Middleton's firstborn will be third in line to the British throne, after grandfather Prince Charles and father Prince William.

Kate and William have chosen to be surprised and do not know the sex of the baby, according to royal sources.