The Duchess of Cambridge has put her trust in the same medical team that helped deliver Prince George. When she gives birth to her second baby, which punters are betting will be on April 25 or 26, the Duchess, née Kate Middleton, will be attended by Alan Farthing and Guy Thorpe-Beeston.As consultants neither obstetrician is referred to by the title 'doctor' – instead they are called Mr.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate will return to the Lindo Wing for the birth of their second child
Both Mr Farthing and Mr Thorpe-Beeston were on duty the day of George's birth in the exclusive Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, where Prince William's wife had her first child.Also on hand was Sunit Godambe, a consultant neonatologist at St Mary's who had the job of checking the health of the baby Prince as soon as he was born. The Duchess was also monitored by several midwives throughout her pregnancy and two of them eventually delivered the royal heir in July 2013.
© Photo: Getty ImagesAlan Farthing is heading up the Duchess' team of gynaecologists and midwives
Parking restrictions are already in force around the Lindo ahead of the new baby's arrival and media are being banned from congregating near the hospital until they are informed that Kate is labour. The royals – who released a statement last week thanking the public for their support – are hoping that this gives the Duchess a measure of privacy as she arrives for the birth.Last time around the medical team was led by Sir Marcus Setchell – the Queen's surgeon-gynaecologist for 18 years. He was given his knighthood in the 2014 New Year honours list following his retirement.
When asked about his royal patient, the physician said he regarded William and Kate as "just another healthy young couple giving birth to a hopefully very healthy baby".When Sir Marcus stepped down his place was taken by Mr Farthing, who initially began treating the royal family in 2008. He qualified as a doctor in 1986, became a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1991 and a fellow in 2003.
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe media have been asked not to gather until Kate is in labour
Alan, 51, is a consultant at St Mary's Hospital as well as Queen Charlotte's Hospital in Shepherd's Bush, London. He also has a private practice in Harley Street. His areas of expertise are gynaecological cancer care and keyhole surgery.
Meanwhile, Mr Thorpe-Beeston graduated from Cambridge University in 1984 and specialised in foetal medicine at King's College Hospital. Now based at Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, he specialises in high-risk pregnancies, as well as multiple pregnancies and recurrent miscarriages.
