Prince William, Duchess of Cambridge's royal baby due in July By Bryony Jones, CNN January 14, 2013 -- Updated 1848 GMT (0248 HKT) Britain's Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, leave hospital on December 6, 2012. Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William's baby is due in July, couple announce Royals were forced to reveal pregnancy earlier than planned, because of Catherine's illness Duchess has been suffering from acute morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum She was hospitalized for several days in December London (CNN) -- Britain's royal family are looking forward to a summer surprise: The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William's baby is due in July, the couple has announced. "Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in July," St. James's Palace said in a statement Monday. Photos: The Duchess of Cambridge's best looks The couple was forced to reveal Catherine's pregnancy earlier than planned last month when she was hospitalized for several days suffering from acute morning sickness, or hyperemesis gravidarum. Read more: Duchess's first official portrait revealed News of the expected baby sent royal watchers and the UK media into a frenzy of speculation about due dates, whether the eagerly-awaited child is a boy or a girl, and what he or she will look like. The duchess's illness has forced her to pull out of several public events in recent weeks, but she was at London's National Portrait Gallery on Friday for the unveiling of her first official portrait. On Monday, St. James's Palace said "the duchess's condition continues to improve since her stay in hospital." Read more: Duchess of Cambridge's style secrets Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge December 4, 2012 -- Updated 0335 GMT (1135 HKT) Britain's Prince William and Catherine Middleton are expecting their first child after 19 months of marriage, the palace announced Monday. December 4, 2012 -- Updated 1400 GMT (2200 HKT) "A nation's joy, a husband's nerves," exclaimed the Daily Mail, contrasting William's anxious wait at his wife's bedside with exciting news. December 4, 2012 -- Updated 1746 GMT (0146 HKT) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are intensely private; they are also the most famous couple on the planet. This presents a dilemma. December 3, 2012 -- Updated 2309 GMT (0709 HKT) CNN's Atika Shubert reports hyperemesis gravidarum, the pregnancy-related medical condition the Duchess of Cambridge has. December 3, 2012 -- Updated 1729 GMT (0129 HKT) CNN's Richard Quest explains how the birth of the baby the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting will affect the royal family. December 4, 2012 -- Updated 1511 GMT (2311 HKT) The news that William and Catherine are expecting has positive implications for the future of the British monarchy, says Andrew Roberts. December 4, 2012 -- Updated 1402 GMT (2202 HKT) Until 2011, any daughter born to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge would not have enjoyed an equal right to inherit the British throne. December 4, 2012 -- Updated 1407 GMT (2207 HKT) The Duchess of Cambridge - formerly known as Kate Middleton - is the daughter of self-made millionaires from rural England. November 21, 2012 -- Updated 1239 GMT (2039 HKT) Wherever she goes, the Duchess is surrounded by photographers. This time, she stayed behind the camera. May 4, 2012 -- Updated 1734 GMT (0134 HKT) Every time Kate Middleton steps out in public, the fashion world pays attention. Whatever she wears is an instant hit. March 19, 2012 -- Updated 1949 GMT (0349 HKT) The Duchess of Cambridge visits and formally opens The Treehouse, a children's hospice in Ipswich, England. January 9, 2012 -- Updated 1728 GMT (0128 HKT) As the Duchess of Cambridge celebrates her 30th birthday, CNN takes a look back at her childhood and her royal romance.