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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UPDATED:

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

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

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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.

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.

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