Yahoo Lifestyle Duchess Kate in labour: What happens now?
As the world waits patiently for Clarence House to announce the arrival of Duchess Kate and Prince William's first child, the Palace and royal baby team are busy carrying out their official duties to help safely deliver the next Prince or Princess of Cambridge.
So, what happens next?
NEWS: Duchess Kate goes into early stages of labour
Royal Birth
According to ABC Royal Expert Victoria Arbiter, despite the modern lives Prince William and Duchess Kate lead daily, the royal birth will involve the same traditions carried out when Wills and Harry were born.
"Nothing has changed, to be honest," said Arbiter.
PHOTOS: Duchess Kate's growing baby bump!
"The whole thing, from beginning to end, will be very reminiscent of Prince William's birth."
It's been widely reported that Kate - who entered the early stages of labour in the early hours this morning - is determined to have a natural birth, with unconfirmed reports the Duchess has been preparing to controversially undergo a Hypnobirth.
NEWS: Former bodyguard - 'Will & Kate will be modern parents'
However the birth pans out, Duchess Kate will be in the very capable hands of royal obstetrician and the Queen's former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, assisted by Dr. Alan Farthing.
A palace spokesperson revealed previously Prince William and Duchess Kate have asked not to be told their baby's gender, as they want it to be a surprise.
Royal Hospital Visitors
As Duchess Kate recovers from birth, she is expected to receive a number of visitors, including parents Carole and Michael Middleton.
Although Kate's mother Carole will stay close to help her daughter in the initial weeks after she gives birth, former royal bodyguard to Princess Diana says it is expected Duchess Kate will be encouraged to take advantage of help provided by two royal nannies.
ROYAL NEWS: Visit New Idea's official Royal Baby Hub!
Grandparents Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, are expected to visit the hospital, but the Queen is not.
"Queen Elizabeth II is not expected to visit at the hospital because she will be on her summer vacation at the Balmoral estate in Scotland," the Associated Press reports.
Prince William and Duchess Kate announce to the world they're having a royal baby in December 2012. Source: Getty
Official Announcement
Reports say no medical details of the Duchess's birth are planned to be released to the public; the royal medical team are to sign the formal notice containing medical information about the birth - including the baby's gender - which will be brought to the palace by car.
GALLERY: Who's who in the royal family?
In a tradition stretching back centuries, the formal notice will be displayed on a simple wooden easel in the Buckingham Palace forecourt, which represents the official announcement of the royal baby's birth, followed by a 41-gun salute by the King's Troop at the palace's Royal Park and, most likely simultaneously, at the Tower of London.
After this, the news will be announced on digital media.
Clarence House's official announcement that Duchess Kate entered labour. Source: Twitter
Royal Baby Name!
However - one major detail will be left out: The royal baby's name.
"It took six days to announce William's name, though Harry's was announced the next morning," Arbiter said.
RELATED: Prince Harry spills the beans on the royal baby!
"But it took William and Kate three weeks for them to tell us their dog's name, so I'm not holding out hope that it will happen too quickly."
No matter what Wills and Kate decide, it's very likely their royal tot will be bestowed with four or five names — just like dad William Arthur Philip Louis, or uncle Henry Charles Albert David.
First Public Appearance
The first time the public will see the baby will be in the arms of Duchess Kate and Prince William as they leave the hospital, where they will allow photos to be taken.
This is likely to occur the day after Kate gives birth if no complications are experienced.
GALLERY: Who will be godparents to the royal baby?
Duchess Kate will take maternity leave from her royal duties and Prince William will take two weeks off work at the RAF for paternity leave.
Finally, the royal bub is expected to be christened sometime within four weeks of the baby's birth date, presided by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and will be introduced to his or her godparents, named by Kate and Wills.
For rolling updates on the royal baby, stay tuned to our Facebook page and twitter accounts @newideamagazine and @Niroyalbaby!
