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Another Royal Baby On The Way: Duchess Expecting 2nd Child, Coping With Hyperemesis Gravidarum

There is big news today, word that William and Kate are expecting their second child.

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge Website

The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge Website

Kate is not yet at the 12-week mark. Just as with the first pregnancy, the couple was again forced to announce the news early because the Duchess is coping with hyperemesis gravidarum.The announcement was once again made on Twitter.

Clarence House Twitter

Clarence House Twitter

Kate’s illness has resulted in the Duchess canceling her participation at today’s event in Oxford. (She was schedule to attend the official opening of the Oxford China Centre at St. Hugh’s College.)

CNN’s Max Foster reported via Twitter that Kate & William only found out recently themselves.

Max Foster Twitter Feed

Max Foster Twitter Feed

Many readers will recall how serious Hyperemesis Gravidarum can be, it is a condition that can far transcend morning sickness (misery enough on its own). We return to the information we shared during Kate’s first pregnancy from the Hyperemesis Education & Research Foundation:

“HG is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening pregnancy disease marked by rapid weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration due to unrelenting nausea and/or vomiting with potential adverse consequences for the newborn(s).”

The condition was so serious with Kate’s first pregnancy she was hospitalized for several days, here you see her leaving King Edward VII Hospital in December 2012.

Splash News

Splash News

Here is the official news release from the Palace:

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child.

The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.

As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today. The Duchess of Cambridge is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace.

It’s delightful to think of Prince George being the big brother to a little sister or brother.

John Stillwell/PA Wire

John Stillwell/PA Wireui;lding

This child will be fourth in line to the throne.

All of this meant Prince William undertook a solo engagement at St. Hugh’s College this afternoon, he was officially opening the Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building. Richard Palmer, Royal Correspondent for the Daily Express shared this image of William greeting well-wishers at the College.

Richard Palmer, The Daily Express

Richard Palmer, The Daily Express

Here is a link to ITV’s story, it references William speaking about how Kate is doing.

The Duchess of Cambridge, who it was announced today is expecting her second child, may be over the worst of her acute morning sickness in a “few weeks time”, the Duke of Cambridge said today.

Below, William being given a flower posy and a stuffed animal for George, a swan.

The Duke of Cambridge opens The Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building

UPDATED:

Richard Palmer was in Oxford with prince William and shared these comments from William. ,

Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) Twitter Feed

Richard Palmer (@RoyalReporter) Twitter Feed

A few quick notes:

  • the Palace has said that decisions about Kate’s participation in events will be determined by her health on a day to day basis
  • Although Kate had to cancel her participation at today’s engagement, she is still expected to attend Wednesday’s Invictus Games opening ceremony
  • My guess is that the Duchess will not be at Thursday’s drumhead service with William and Harry
  • this news makes the 2-day Malta trip very much a question mark

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

News of another child for Kate and William, as well as word of Kate’s illness, far transcend any fashion content. We’ll merely share a few images and leave the broader post with style notes for another time. We’ll simply note that in this first trimester Kate has dressed in pieces much like those worn in the first trimester with Prince George.

Aylssa Philips/Splash/Splash/PA Wire/Splash

Aylssa Philips/Splash/Splash/PA Wire/Splash

More looks seen during the first three months of Kate’s previous pregnancy. I would be surprised if we saw any drastic departure from the styles seen previously.

Paul Harrison Sky News/Splash/Splash

Paul Harrison Sky News/Splash/Splash

We will have a more in-depth look at fashion in our next post.

LINKAGE:

  • HER (Hyperemesis Education and Research) has a wealth of information and links about Kate’s illness
  • Pregnancy Sickness Support, a UK foundation helping those with nausea and vomiting, as well as HG

 

 

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ajxpressionz

Thursday 18th of September 2014

Congratulations to the House of Cambridge! May the Duchess's health improve steadily daily!

My own BFF fell victim to this condition which knows no hours. She was seriously ill with nauseous feelings leading to vomiting right through her son's delivery when it finally ended nine months later! She lost perilous amounts of weight, her husband became guilt-ridden having "done" this to her, her job suffered as did her other child who could not understand why Mommy was so terribly ill and weak for months when she observed her friends' mothers sailing through their pregnancies more easily; she became very concerned about the welfare of her mother and more protective of her.

maureen

Thursday 11th of September 2014

I had severe morning, noon and night sickness and cannot imagine what the Duchess is coping with having a much more debilitating disorder. And certainly nobody expected me to be camera-ready.

Hope the Duke and Duchess will manage her calendar so her health, comfort (and George) are the priorities.

I think all of us on this website form a community of support around that family and while I adore reading about what she wears - the Duchess having a happy and healthy pregnancy have moved to the top of my list until she's feeling better.

Bat-el Miller

Thursday 11th of September 2014

You are so right we are like a community! I'm glad the duchess is going to be open about her pregnancy so we can kind of almost feel part of the experience ourselves. I really hope she will have a girl, I think that would be so adorable. I really wonder what they are going to name her?

Feel better the day sickness sounds like a serious hassle. Hope it goes away soon!

http://royal4less.blogspot.com

EA

Thursday 11th of September 2014

Having suffered acute morning sickness myself with this pregnancy and not being able to take time off to recover well, I'm so glad she gets a chance to drop every and just rest. Going to work after spending all night in hospital with IVs is no fun.

Loren

Wednesday 10th of September 2014

I am happy for Kate and can't wait to see her outfits. I don't actually think she has HG- because of that last year Mustique trip which conveniently ended her illness- but I do think she may be struggling with severe morning sickness. It's also good that she's staying away from the Invictus games- her pregnancy would have detracted attention, through no fault of her own-from the real focal point, the wounded soldiers. Humanity needs to focus more on the truly important things. For us it's good to have this distraction anyway, puts a bit of glamour in our lives. Thanks Susan!

Mary

Thursday 11th of September 2014

Personally I'm not a physician, so I'm happy to leave the diagnosis to others.

Lauri from Ca

Wednesday 10th of September 2014

Hi Loren,

I have to disagree with you, I don't think the Palace would say she has HG if she doesn't. HG is very debilitating for those that suffer from it and certainly not something to lie about. From the research I have done HG can last the entire pregnancy or just the first few months.

Prue

Tuesday 9th of September 2014

I'm so pleased for them! A new baby while George is relatively young will be good too, and they'll be close in age.

How grim to be so awfully sick. Last time when Kate came out of hospital she looked so tired and drained so I hope they caught it earlier so she won't suffer quite as much. She's a very fit and healthy young woman so she should bounce back quickly. Pity if she has to miss her trip to Malta.

Bat-el Miller

Thursday 11th of September 2014

I agree!! It is so much better when your sibling is close to your age. My brother and I are 3 years apart and only now we are beginning to see common ground.

I'm excited to see what gender the child will be.

http://royal4less.blogspot.com

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