Kate Middleton forced to announce pregnancy?

It's thought that the Duchess of Cambridge was forced to announce her pregnancy early due to ill health

Kate Middleton and Prince William took us by surprise when they announced yesterday that they were expecting a baby. Apparently, even the Queen didn't know the happy news.

According to reports, the royal couple were forced to tell the world that Kate was pregnant due to her ill health and fears the news would be leaked over the Internet.

KATE MIDDLETON IS PREGNANT

Kate and William had only told Prince Charles and the Queen earlier on Monday that they were expecting.

'Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby,' a statement said.

The Duchess has been admitted to the King Edward VII Hosptial in London with hyperemesis gravidarum, an acute morning sickness which requires supplementary hydration and nutrients, the palace said.

KATE MIDDLETON IS PREGNANT, CLAIMS A FRIEND

She is expected to stay there for several days. Hyperemesis gravidarum affects about one per cent of pregnant women and is usually diagnosed during the first three months of pregnancy.

BBC Royal Correspondent Peter Hunt has reported that Kate Middleton is less than 12 weeks pregnant, which would explain the couple's reluctance to share the pregnancy news.

The world's media are now camped outside the London hospital, and Prince William was seen leaving at about 8:15pm last night having spent hours by Kate's side.

Have you suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum? What were your experiences? Let us know in the comment box below.

THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE ANNOUNCES PREGNANCY

WILLIAM & KATE'S RELATIONSHIP IN PICS

PICS: KATE MIDDLETON RETURNS TO OLD SCHOOL