Is the world's media waiting in the wrong place? Hospital doubts raised ahead of Royal birth
Doubts have been raised as to the present whereabouts of the Duchess of Cambridge as the world’s media continue their vigil outside St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington.
It is assumed that the Duchess will head straight there from her parents’ home upon going into labour but speculation is mounting that she may give the press the slip by heading to Reading instead.
Aides confirmed that a ‘contingency plan’ for the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading, is currently in place but insist that the Duchess still intends to head to St Mary’s.
Doctors are concerned that the 53 mile trip to London could be too arduous if her labour progresses more quickly than expected, making nearby Reading a better bet.
A ‘royal source’ told The Telegraph: “There are contingencies in place for wherever the Duchess happens to be, and one of them is the Royal Berkshire.
“It is still a possibility that she could give birth there, though that would only be in extremis, as the expectation is that she will go to St Mary’s.”
Any move to Reading would see the Duchess share a public ward with other mothers as the hospital does not have a private wing.