The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, and her husband Prince William have no plans to hire a maternity nurse, HELLO! magazine can exclusively reveal. When Kate, who is seven months pregnant, gives birth in April, it is believed that, contrary to previous reports, the couple will defy royal tradition by not seeking the help of a second nanny.
Instead, William and Kate will take on the baby duties themselves and bond with their new arrival, just as they did in the early hands-on days with their firstborn Prince George.
"As new parents, the Duke and Duchess wish to enjoy being with their new baby and all that this entails," a royal source told HELLO! magazine. "There are no plans to advertise for a nanny or a maternity nurse."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate and Prince William 'do not plan to advertise for a maternity nurse'
In the first few weeks following the birth, Kate's mum Carole Middleton is expected to remain at her daughter's side and provide a helping hand, much like she did when George was born in July 2013. The Duchess spent the first few weeks of motherhood recovering at her family home in Berkshire.
Read the full interview in HELLO! magazine out now
As previously reported, the plan is for royal baby number two to be delivered in the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London – a favourite with the royal family. Both Princes William and Harry were born at the Paddington hospital, as well as their cousin Zara Phillips.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate will give birth in the Lindo Wing, much like she did with Prince George in summer 2013
The Queen's surgeon-gynaecologist Doctor Alan Farthing, who helped deliver George, will oversee the birth alongside an elite medical team including obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston, who was also present at George's arrival.
While Kate's due date was previously reported to be at the end of April – around the time of her and William's fourth wedding anniversary – Kate could be welcoming her second baby earlier than predicted.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate is thought to have been pregnant when she visited the poppy installation in August
Kensington Palace announced that the Duchess was pregnant again on 8 September, when she was forced to miss an engagement due to severe morning sickness. Until now it has widely been believed that the 33-year-old's due date was towards the end of April, because she was thought to only be five or six weeks pregnant at the time of the announcement.
However artist Paul Cummins, who created famous poppy installation at the Tower of London, has said that the Duchess nearly didn't come to see his artwork on 5 August because she was already suffering from Hyperemisis Gravidarum. This would bring Kate's due date nearer to the middle of April.
