For almost a week now, the world has been impatiently awaiting the arrival of the royal baby. But it seems that mum-to-be Kate Middleton might not overdue after all.Well placed sources have revealed to the Telegraph that medical staff at St Mary's Hospital, where the Duchess is expected to give birth, were told the due date was actually 19th July — not the 13th as previously reported.
Kensington Palace has only ever said that William and Kate's firstborn was expected in "mid-July", and it has been assumed that she is now past her due date.But an insider has disclosed, "A small number of staff at St Mary's who might be called upon when the Duchess gives birth were told they had to remain teetotal for a month before the Duchess's due date. "They were told the due date was July 19, meaning they couldn't drink from June 19 onwards. "Only a handful of people were told, because there are very few hospital staff who might be needed in the case of an emergency. "Kate is due to give birth in the private Lindo wing of the hospital in Paddington, with the Queen's former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell and the Queen's current gynaecologist Alan Farthing in charge of the delivery.A later due date does raise the possibility that the royal baby could arrive as late as 2nd August, if he or she is two weeks overdue.
It also ties in with the fact that William and Kate have spent the last week at her parents' home in Bucklebury, more than 50 miles away from St Mary's, as well as the Prince's decision to play polo last weekend.Furthermore, Kate's mother Carole Middleton has reportedly told friends that she thinks the baby could be a Leo, meaning she doesn't think her grandchild will arrive before the 24th July.