Kate Middleton pregnancy: second night in hospital

THE Duchess of Cambridge is “continuing to feel better” and she and her husband Prince

William are immensely grateful for the good wishes they have received, St James’s Palace said today.

Kate spent a second night in a private hospital where she is being treated for a severe form of morning sickness after revealing her pregnancy on Monday.

The duke spent most of yesterday at the bedside of his wife, who is likely to be on a drip so she can receive fluids intravenously to combat the effects of dehydration caused by the condition, known as hyperemesis gravidarum.

Her illness may indicate she is having twins, as mothers carrying two babies have a greater chance of developing the severe form of morning sickness.

But while there is concern for the royal couple, there is also excitement, across the UK and beyond, with messages of support sent from leading figures both at home and abroad.

A St James’s Palace spokesman said: “The Duchess of Cambridge is continuing to feel better.

“She and the duke are immensely grateful for the good wishes they have received.

“She will remain in hospital at present and will continue to be treated for hyperemesis gravidarum.”

As he left the hospital last night, the Duke of Cambridge, wearing a purple jumper, dark trousers and a blue shirt, looked relaxed. He smiled at reporters and photographers before being driven away.

Meanwhile, the Westminster government has received final consent from all the Commonwealth realms to press ahead with legislation ending discrimination against women in the line of succession to the British throne, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said.

Mr Clegg said ministers would now introduce the Succession to the Crown Bill in the House of Commons at the “earliest opportunity” available in the parliamentary timetable.

The legislation will end the principle of male primogeniture, so that the first child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will succeed to the throne,

regardless of whether the baby is a girl or a boy. The legislation will also end the bar on anyone in the line of succession marrying a Roman Catholic.

“This is a historic moment for our country and our monarchy,” Mr Clegg said.