With the royal baby due in the next two weeks, fans have already started to gather outside the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, is due to give birth. Excitement is beginning to build outside the exclusive Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, with preparations underway for the arrival of Prince William and Kate's little Prince or Princess.
Among the royal enthusiasts gathered outside the hospital is John Loughery, a self-confessed "super fan" who has been present at every major royal event over the last ten years. The former chef camped out overnight ahead of Prince William and Kate's wedding in 2011 and was the only member of the public to attend every day of the 2008 inquest into Princess Diana's death.
Royal super fan John Loughery is waiting at the Lindo Wing
Joining him is 71-year-old Margaret Tyler, who also camped outside the hospital for six days ahead of Prince George's birth in July 2013. The pensioner has amassed a collection of royal memorabilia worth more than £10,000 and recently showed off her extensive haul on BBC show Collectaholics.
"I was there for six days. [My son] Andrew was born at St. Mary's and I was only there for two days," she said. "I just wanted to feel close to them [William and Kate], I suppose, I spent the time meeting people and chatting. I was convinced it was going to be a girl, but it wasn't."
Meanwhile the police have also erected barriers outside the hospital and will be setting up press pens with specific spots marked out for journalists, photographers and television crews.
In a bid to avoid the frenzy that occurred outside the hospital ahead of Prince George's birth, press and fans are prohibited from camping outside the Lindo Wing until Kate actually goes into labour.
In a statement released on behalf of William and Kate, the couple thanked members of public for their support.
"They know that people are excited Prince George will soon have a little brother or sister and it means a great deal to them that so many will be celebrating this important moment for their family," the statement read. "They are very appreciative that so many people share their excitement as they await the arrival of their second baby."
