Britain's Duchess of Cambridge has been taken to hospital in the early stages of labour.
Kensington Palace says the duchess was taken to St Mary's Hospital just before 6am this morning.
The child of Prince William and the former Kate Middleton will become the third in line to the British throne.
The duchess was taken to the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in the early stages of labour before 6am this morning.
The news comes nine days after the supposed due date for the child.
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London in the early stages of labour.
— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) July 22, 2013
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The world's media have been camped outside the hospital for nearly a fortnight awaiting news of a child who is set to be the head of 16 Commonwealth states one day.
The child will be the third in line to the throne, irrespective of its gender.
The leaders of the Commonwealth countries decided two years ago to change the laws of succession - so if it's a girl, the child will still take precedence over any future brothers.
