Kate Middleton pregnant (a.k.a. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) LONDON -- It s official: Prince William and Kate Middleton are expecting their first child. In a statement released Monday, the palace confirmed the pregnancy, saying everyone, including the queen, is delighted with the news. By Christie D'Zurilla December 3, 2012, 9:29 a.m. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, the former Kate Middleton, is pregnant, expecting a first baby with husband Prince William! The news came via St. James' Palace on Monday, with a caveat that Catherine, 30, has been hospitalized with a severe form of morning sickness that comes with extreme, persistent vomiting. She's at King Edward VII Hospital in Central London. "[T]he pregnancy is in its very early stages," a rep said in the statement. Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter. Hyperemesis gravidarum sometimes requires the patient to receive extra fluids and nutrients via IV, according to the National Institutes of Health. If there's one thing Kate doesn't need, it's to lose weight, can we agree? This baby has quite the future ahead: Boy or girl, the child will be next in line behind William in the line of succession to the throne, Cabinet Office officials have said. William is second in line behind his father, Prince Charles. "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," the rep said. Will and Kate were married in spectacular fashion in April of last year. Thanks to St. James's Palace for saving the world from any more undignified baby-bump speculation, yes? The Associated Press contributed to this report. Kate Middleton, 'Hat Person of the Year'? Time for a recount! Will and Kate's firstborn could now be queen, if they had a girl Duchess Kate preps for first royal Christmas with William, queen Follow Christie D'Zurilla on Twitter and Google+.