On the 3rd December, 2012 Clarence House announced:
'Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby.
The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news.
As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter'.
It was assumed the Duchess was still in the first trimester of pregnancy and an early announcement made because she had been admitted to hospital for treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum or severe morning sickness.
Catherine had been staying with her parents in Bucklebury, Berkshire while William was away for the weekend with friends. When he arrived at the Middleton's home he found his wife extremely ill. Shortly thereafter, arrangements were made for the couple to travel to King Edward VII hospital in London.
After three days in hospital receiving fluids and anti nausea treatment, the Duchess left hospital on December 6th. It can be assumed that her condition is under control and she will need further anti nausea medication to prevent another acute episode. Catherine and Prince William returned to their home Nottingham Cottage, in nearby Kensington Palace.
Managing a smile, Catherine said she"was feeling much better" but looked pale and weak when leaving the hospital with William by her side.
