As the days pass and the excitement about the arrival of the royal baby hits fever pitch, Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, neé Kate Middleton, may be preparing themselves to welcome their second child over a particularly special weekend. Both 25 April and 26 April are important dates for the two families – with Saturday 25 April being the birthday of Kate's late maternal grandfather, Ronald Goldsmith.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate may welcome their second child on a special weekend
Ronald, who passed away in 2003, was born on 25 April 1931. Ronald and his wife Dorothy welcomed Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, in 1955. The former builder, who Kate was reportedly extremely close to, only met Prince William for the first time shortly before his death.
Alternatively, the birth of the royal baby may instead fall on 26 April, a special date for Prince William's side of the family.
On 26 April 1923, William's great-grandfather Prince Albert, affectionately known as Bertie to friends and family, wed Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, the woman whom he had loved for years, but had knocked him back at least twice as she was fearful of joining the royal family.
© Photo: Getty ImagesKing George VI and the Queen Mother on their engagement day, when he was Prince Albert and she was Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon
The Duke and Duchess of York, as they were styled after marriage, welcomed daughters Elizabeth in 1926, and Margaret four years later.
Neither expected Bertie to become King, but as detailed in Oscar-winning film The King's Speech, he would be forced to take the throne after his brother Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson in 1936.
The Duke took the reigning name George VI to emphasise continuity with his father and restore confidence in the monarchy.
© Photo: Getty ImagesWilliam and Kate proudly show off Prince George in 2013
Which day the baby makes his or her entrance remains to be seen, but one detail is certain: the new baby will be born in the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital, where both William and his brother Prince Harry were born, and where Prince George was welcomed to the world in 2013.
William and Kate are reportedly ready for the birth, and have been staying in the capital since 19 April, using their palatial home, Apartment 1A, as their base.
Prior to this the pregnant Duchess was spending time with her parents Michael and Carole Middleton in Bucklebury, Berkshire, where Kate grew up. The royal has also been enjoying her maternity leave at her country house, Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.
