Prince Charles, the longest-waiting heir to the throne in British history, has spoken of his 'impatience' to get things done.Joking about the vigour with which he pursues his pet projects, he declared: 'Impatient? Me? What a thing to suggest! Yes, of course I am.'

Jessica Hay, a childhood acquaintance of Kate's, told Australian tabloid New Idea in November that the duchess is actually expecting this time and will announce it soon. (Most of the "Kate's preggo" rumors up till now have taken the form of quotes from sketchy unnamed "insiders.")