Palace: Duchess Kate's baby due in July

Britain's Prince William stands next to his wife Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, as she leaves London hospital Dec. 6, 2012 / AP

LONDON Palace officials say Prince William and the former Kate Middleton's first baby is due in July and that her condition is improving.

The Duchess of Cambridge, as she is formally known, had been hospitalized earlier in her pregnancy for acute morning sickness.

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Kate, Duchess of Cambridge

Officials said Monday she is feeling better. She made a rare public appearance last week and appeared to be healthy.

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The infant would be third in line for the British throne.

The announcement by the couple's St. James's Palace office lays to rest speculation that the duchess could be having twins.

The palace would not comment on whether the baby is a boy or a girl. The British government is changing centuries-old succession laws to ensure that a royal daughter will have the same claim to the throne as a son.

[mari1963]

She needs to start putting some weight on, she's way too skinny. Hey William! Take your wife out to dinner and make her eat!!!

[OldTimeTruth]

Who cares? Just another bunch of royals living free off the British people.

[jnostromo]

Just like the leaders of this country....the only difference is the royal family has class compared to the buffoons in Washington.