Kate Middleton Baby: How Will We Know When It's Arrived?

Kate Middleton's baby is thought to be due sometime next week – but she could go into labour any day now. Find out how the world will be informed of the royal baby's arrival

Kate Middleton has got the whole world waiting with bated breath for the arrival of the royal heir.

While the due date is thought to be 13 July, the royal baby could arrive any day now – so how will we know when the newborn has arrived?

Photographers and TV crews began to set up camp outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington on Monday as we entered the month of the baby's due date, so it's unlikely that the Duchess of Cambridge's arrival at the hospital will go unnoticed, unless she is somehow smuggled in.

When the baby is born, a medical official will emerge from the hospital with a signed document confirming the baby's healthy arrival and the sex. The document will then be driven by a car to Buckingham Palace, where in line with royal tradition, it will be posted on a golden easel for the general public to see.

An announcement about the birth won't be made until the Queen has been informed. A tweet will then be sent via the Clarence House Twitter account to announce the safe arrival of the little one tot he world. How exciting!

Given how many royal sources have spoken openly about Kate's pregnancy, and the presence of so many of world's press stationed outside the hospital, we should be able to bring you news of Kate's admittance as soon as it occurs. Princess Diana gave birth to Prince William in the very same Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital back in 1982.

The birth was announced in the very same way – minus the tweet – but Prince William's name wasn't announced until a few days after his arrival. Princess Diana and Prince Charles posed for photographs with their new baby outside the hospital entrance before heading off in a car. Kate Middleton and Prince William will do the same – although it's not known just yet where they'll stay, as their £1million Kensington Palace apartment is still being refurbished.

We'll bring you royal baby updates along the way and the official announcement of the royal baby's birth as soon as we know. Watch this space...

WATCH THE 1982 ANNOUNCEMENT OF PRINCE WILLIAM'S BIRTH

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