LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The announcement was made at St. James Palace on behalf of Middleton and her husband Prince William.

The most pressing issue now is Middleton's immediate health. She has been admitted to the King Edward VII Hospital in London, suffering from acute morning sickness, or hyperemesis gravidarum. The condition requires hydration and nutrients. Prince William remains at Middleton's side.

"As the pregnancy is in its very early stages, Her Royal Highness is expected to stay in hospital for several days and will require a period of rest thereafter," a statement said.

The royal family is delighted by the news. "Their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby," the palace said in a statement today.

"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."

"It's absolutely wonderful news and I'm sure everyone around the country will be celebrating with them tonight," British Prime Minister David Cameron told the BBC.

"I was handed a note in a meeting. And I have to say, it was difficult to keep it a secret," Cameron added.

The baby will be the queen's third great-grandchild.

"The British public and indeed the whole world will be delighted for the same, it keeps the monarchy going," Robert Lacey, author of the definitive book "Majesty" said. "The royal wedding brought a magic back to the monarchy and people are fascinated by William and Catherine."

The British public had been hounding the couple to produce an heir since their wedding. Royal watchers the world around scanned the Internet and news pages for sings of a possible pregnancy.

Tabloids here began snapping close-ups of Middleton's stomach for any indication of a baby bump. Rumors were rife after the duchess held a baby at a press event and when she declined peanut butter at another event as British physicians warn women against eating peanuts during pregnancy.

The palace, which rarely comments on speculation, took the unusual step of saying, "We would be the ones to make the announcement, not Hollywood."

"It is quite strange reading about it, but I try not to let it bother me," Prince William said in an interview with ABC News' Katie Couric last May. "I'm just very keen to have a family and both Catherine and I are looking forward to having a family in the future."

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