It is a glorious week in London: the sun is shining, leaders from all over the Commonwealth have assembled for a historic week and, of course, Baby Cambridge is due to arrive any day now. Several of you have been in touch asking if there's any official word on Kate's due date. There isn't, however royal reporter Emily Andrews has been reliably informed Kate's due on Monday, 23rd April. I believe Emily has very solid information on this; she's had a number of spot-on scoops. The couple returned to London at the beginning of the week as George returned to Thomas's Battersea, Emily reported Kate was spotted on the school run during the week. Below, Chris Ship posted a photo of Buckingham Palace in the sunshine this week...
Hello! reports 'How Prince William and Kate are spending what could be their last weekend as a family of four':
'Duchess Kate, 36, who is expecting to give birth any day now, will certainly be warm this weekend with the glorious April weather hitting an all-time high in London.
In fact, it's believed that the Cambridges may even head out of the humid capital and escape to Bucklebury, Berkshire, to spend time with Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton. The pregnant royal enjoyed some quality time with her folks there during the Easter period and takes the opportunity to spend time in the country whenever she can. While she would be further from the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, should she feel the early signs of labour while at her family home in Berkshire, it wouldn't take much more than an hour to drive the 50 miles to the hospital from there.
Of course Kate might choose to be nearer the hospital just in case - her maternity unit is only a quick 10 minute dash from their home in Kensington Palace, and if she did it would mean she and husband Prince William were closer to the Queen's birthday celebrations on Saturday evening. The monarch, who turns 92 this year, will be enjoying an exciting concert at London's Royal Albert Hall which will be broadcast live on BBC1.'
As the Great Kate Wait continues, royal fans have set up camp outside the Lindo Wing.
Eager royal fans set up camp outside the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in anticipation of the royal baby pic.twitter.com/eQI6oxPlHZ— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) April 12, 2018
Many of you will recognise Terry Hutt who has been a constant presence at royal events since he first saw the Queen when he was four years old.
Terry Hutt, 82, has been a constant presence at every royal event since he first saw the Queen during the war when he was four— HuffPost UK (@HuffPostUK) April 18, 2018
He's been camped outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London since April 10 waiting for Royal Baby 3 pic.twitter.com/barBaVIoDf
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As part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), Her Majesty talked to Sir David Attenborough about her ambitious legacy project, the Queen's Commonwealth Canopy, which aims to create a global network of protected forests in each of the 53 Commonwealth countries. The Queen's Green Planet was a fantastic piece of television; it was a delight to see Her Majesty looking at trees she planted for each of her children and hearing about her love of nature. It's available on YouTube at the moment. Click here to view it.
William and Kate's 2016 Canada tour features in the documentary (10 minutes in). In previously unseen footage of the Cambridges' visit to Great Bear Rainforest, the couple are seen catching salmon. One wonders how many videos and photos are recorded for official purposes during tours and never seen.
Meanwhile, Prince William has been undertaking a number of CHOGM duties in London. Below, William and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson meeting leaders of African Commonwealth countries to discuss proposals to stamp out the illegal wildlife trade.
At the State dinner at Buckingham Palace last night, Prince William joined a host of world leaders. As the event is held in various Commonwealth countries biannually, it is very much thought it will be the last time the Queen attends. Today, it was confirmed Prince Charles will succeed his mother as Head of the Commonwealth, and it is thought Her Majesty will reduce her duties in the area from here on in. I thought this was a terrific photo of William from last night. I'm sure he's anxiously awaiting the arrival!
The Queen looked resplendent in the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara, and the Ruby and Diamond Floral Bandeau Necklace. It was last publicly worn by Kate at the Spanish State banquet last year.
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To celebrate the new addition to the Royal family, Merci Maman have launched a new limited-edition collection, inspired by the brand's Duchess Necklace, which was worn by Kate.
Kate was spotted wearing her Duchess Necklace during a shopping trip in London in October 2013. Founder Béatrice de Montille was thrilled when she discovered Kate wore one of her pieces and told Hello!: "I was so delighted to see Kate wearing it. I see her as the most inspirational woman of our generation."
More on the new pieces from the brand: featuring two brand-new necklaces and two best-selling designs, Merci Maman’s collection has push presents all wrapped up. Starting from $89, treasure this memorable moment with uniquely personalised designs to create a combination as special as your family!
The Personalised My Royal Baby Necklace is hand-engraved with ‘My Royal Baby’ on the front and illustrated with a crown and personalised name on the reverse, add a birthstone and make this new design fit for royalty.
A look at the birthstones available for the necklace.
It was fun to see the name Alice engraved on the Personalised My Little Prince/Princess Necklace. It was the second most popular girls name in our 'Royal Baby Name Poll' and seems to be incredibly popular among media outlets. The $89 necklace is described: "Choose a front engraving to suit your baby boy or girl and personalise the reverse with a hand-engraved name and date of birth! Available in 18k gold-plated and sterling silver to perfectly match your collection of crown jewels!"
The New Baby Necklace is the perfect gift to mark the arrival of a new addition to your family. It features the birthstone of your choice, the newborn's name and a girl or boy charm. With Mother's Day coming up in the US, it's a beautiful option.
More from Merci Maman:
'Celebrating their 10th anniversary last year, Merci Maman have love and family at their core, so what better way to cherish your loved ones than with personalized jewelry inspired by the bond of Motherhood, that’s fit for a Princess!
Every order is presented in their signature orange gift box, hand-engraved with care in their studio, handpacked with love and delivered to your doorstep. From Buckingham Palace to The White House, Merci Maman is topping the wishlist of leading-ladies such as Kate Middleton, The Duchess of Cambridge, and political royalty, Chelsea Clinton who were recently spotted wearing bestselling designs from the brand.'
The brand has also launched a special Tying the Knot necklace ahead of a certain royal wedding. :)
The next time I see you, it will very possibly be with a post announcing Kate is in labour. In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! :)
