Mazeltov! Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her second child

By Sophie Eastaugh

The Royal Family have today announced that the Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with her second child.

Kensington Palace said the Queen and members of both families are “delighted” with the news.

Jewish community leaders joined Prime Minister David Cameron in offering their warm congratulations to the Duke and Duchess.

A spokesperson for the Board of Deputies for British Jews said, “We wish the Windsors and the Middletons a hearty Mazel tov.

“We are truly delighted for our future King and Queen. It’s wonderful to hear such good news and please god the safe arrival of another Royal baby.”

 Rabbi Laura Janner Klauser, Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism said. “We at Reform Judaism wish the Duke and Duchess b’sha’ah tovah. May God’s blessing and the light of love be upon them and on all expectant parents at this important time”.

Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband tweeted:

Fantastic to hear that Prince George will soon be a big brother! Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their happy news.

— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) September 8, 2014

However Kate – as when she was pregnant with Prince George – is once again suffering from acute morning sickness, hyperemesis gravidarum, and is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace.

The debilitating condition, which can lead to severe dehydration and weight loss, has led the Duchess to cancel her planned visit to Oxford today with Prince William.

Sources close to the Palace said that for the second time, Kate’s morning sickness has forced the couple to announce the pregnancy before it has reached the crucial 12 week stage.

Kate, 32, is already mother to one year-old Prince George, and will expect the new arrival at some point next year.

The baby will be fourth in line to the throne, after Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince George.