Kate Middleton and Prince William are expecting their second child in April

(Image credit: Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

last updated 8 January 2015

Hear ye! Hear ye!

Kate Middleton and Prince William have confirmed they are expecting their second child next spring. An official statement delivered the news with adorably fussy palace language:

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in April 2015.

The Duchess of Cambridge continues to be affected by Hyperemesis Gravidarum, but her condition is steadily improving.

It was Middleton's second run of acute morning sickness that forced the news to leak back in September, prior to the typical 12-week mark. The royal was being treated for the rare condition, which affects 1 to 2 percent of pregnant women, at her home at Kensington Palace. While experts say it's unusual that a mother who had previously suffered Hyperemesis Gravidarum would succumb to it again, it does happen to an unlucky few.

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But with reports that Middleton's condition is improving, we can focus on more important issues, like betting on the name of the new baby. Last year more than $24 million was wagered on Prince George's moniker. And the pool is already filling up for baby No. 2: At the top of the list are Victoria, Mary, Elizabeth, and Philip, each with 10-to-1 odds. But if you're a risk taker, you might try your luck with Macbeth, Khaleesi, Ringo, or Caledonia, which bring up the rear with 500-to-1 odds each.

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Lauren Hansen produces The Weekâ€™s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.