Kate Middleton has kept her cool during what must be the world's most minutely documented pregnancy, with Prince William loyally supporting her every step of the way. At every engagement, the royal trooper has been a model of maternity fashion, looking impeccable, clad in in sky high courts.
All this while battling morning sickness, overseeing refurbishments to the couple's new home in Kensington Palace and kitting out a nursery. Not to mention facing endless questions about the name and sex of the baby. As the road to parenthood reaches its culmination for William and Kate, we take a look at the major milestones along the way.
November:•Kate debuts fringe, sparking speculation that the cut signals major life change•William accepts babygro on walkabout sending rumour mill into overdriveDecember:•His wife goes into hospital for severe morning sickness•Prank call to Kate's ward•Duchess leaves hospital after three-day stay•Nurse who took call found hanged; royals send condolences• Much improved, Kate attends BBC Sports Personality of the YearJanuary:•Palace officially announces due date as JulyFebruary:• First sign of bump March:• Kate seen sledging during Alpine wedding• Visits Irish Guards• Kate given 'baby on board badge' while visiting the Tube with QueenApril:•William and Kate visit Harry Potter studio;•Duchess attends National Portrait Gallery reception wearing baby blue bespoke Emilia Wickstead•Pretty in peach while visiting a hospice on couple's 2nd wedding anniversaryMay:•Cambridges hire new housekeeper Antonella Fresolone•Kate lovely in lemon at Buckingham Palace garden party June:•Coronation Day anniversary service•Arrangements for birth announced•Mum-to-be joins royals at Trooping the Colour•Kate names ship•William attends wedding without her•Duke and Duchess give consent for royal baby memorabilia