Prince William and Kate expecting their third child
The Kensington Palace announced today that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and wife Kate, are expecting their third child. Elder son George is four while younger daughter Charlotte is two. In view of the development, Kate's engagement at Homsey Road Children's Centre was cancelled. It's been a special week for the family: George is to start school at Thomas's Battersea, London.
The kid will be fifth in line to be monarch
William and Kate's third child will be fifth in line to the throne, after Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Prince Harry, who called the news "fantastic", has been pushed to sixth place. Till March 2015, male heirs got precedence over their female siblings with respect to succession, but the rules were changed before George's birth.
Has any third-born ever been monarch?
A third-born becoming the monarch is rare. Something like that hasn't yet happened within the current House of Windsor. But in 1830, William IV, the third child of George III and Queen Charlotte, became king and ruled till 1837. He became heir when he was 62, after his older brother Frederick died. When his other brother George IV died, he became king aged 64.
Meanwhile, Kate is being cared for at the palace
Like the previous two times, Kate is again suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum - severe morning sickness. The first time, she had to be admitted to hospital. During Charlotte's birth, Kate was treated at the palace. She will be staying at the palace this time too.
