The wait is almost over. Palace officials have confirmed that Kate Middleton is in labor.
"Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London in the early stages of labour," the palace said in a statement.
Middleton is reportedly progressing normally and was not induced.
According to palace officials and witness reports, Middleton arrived at the hospital with Prince William before 6 a.m. The pair, along with their royal entourage, traveled in two vehicles and used side roads behind the hospital to avoid photographers that have been camped outside of the building for weeks.
People Magazine reports Middleton is being tended to by the Queen's former gynecologist, Marcus Setchell and surgeon, Alan Farthing. Also in the hospital are the couple's private secretaries, Miguel Head and Rebecca Deacon.
Middleton's mother and sister are also said to be on their way.
When the baby is born, as per royal tradition, an announcement signed by doctors will be posted on an easel outside of Buckingham Palace. The document will include the baby's gender, weight and time of birth. In a royal first, the announcement will also be posted on Twitter.
It's not known when the baby's name, which is the subject of many high-stakes bets, will be revealed. According to ABC News, Prince Harry's name was announced the day he left the hospital, while Prince William's name was not revealed until several days later.
Upon it's birth, the royal baby will become third in line to the throne, after grandfather Prince Charles and father Prince William.
British Parliament just recently changed the law so that the baby will be the rightful heir, regardless of whether it is a boy or a girl. If the baby is a girl, she will be the first female to keep her place in royal succession, even if she later has a brother.
