Parking Restrictions Imposed Outside St Mary’s Hospital Ahead of Royal Birth

As the world eagerly awaits the arrival of the third royal baby, parking restrictions have been imposed outside the exclusive private wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London.

At least four parking spaces have been cleared directly outside the hospital on South Wharf Road, with a notice stating that the area will remain closed from today until April 30.

It is understood that press will begin to set up from Wednesday.

The Lindo wing, where Kate has given birth to both Prince George and Princess Charlotte, follows the tradition set by Prince William's mother Princess Diana.

However, Kensington Palace has refused to confirm Kate's due date on all three occasions, only stating that the third baby will be born sometime in April.

It is believed that the baby will be born in the second half of the month.

However, with Kate being late to go into labour with her two previous pregnancies, it is assumed that plenty of extra time has been awarded with the road restrictions, giving more weight to a date around April 20.

Popular predictions for the birth include the Queen's birthday on April 21, as well as William and Kate's wedding anniversary over the weekend of April 28-29.

Royal watchers note that both George and Charlotte were born five weeks into Kate's maternity leave.

She carried out her last official engagement on March 22, pointing to about Thursday, April 26.

With the royal household keeping tight-lipped over the pregnancy, the world's media will be eager to catch any glimpse of the couple.

Following the birth of Prince George, William and Kate managed to give the hundreds of waiting journalists the slip by using a side entrance when they arrived in the early hours of the morning.

The announcement of the birth was not made for several hours.

With the new parents wanting to enjoy a slice of privacy, aware that they would soon have the eyes of the world watching, William and Kate kept the news secret for four hours after the birth of their 8lb 6oz bundle of joy, announcing Prince George's arrival at 8.30pm on the evening of July 22, 2013.

When Kate was pregnant with Princess Charlotte in 2015, fans pitched camp outside the hospital for weeks before the birth.

Speculation that Kate had gone into labour reached fever pitch when police presence heightened, sniffer dogs swarmed the unit and Royal Press officers arrived at the Lindo wing, but it appeared to be a dry run, similar to that seen before Prince George was born in 2013.

In 2013, television crews and photographers camped out for an entire month awaiting the arrival of the heir to the throne, Prince George, but when Princess Charlotte was born, police and the local authority said they wanted to delay the arrival of the bulging press pack until Kate had gone into labour.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge do not know if they are having a boy or girl, opting to be surprised by the arrival.

In the Lindo wing, Kate will again be given a bespoke experience akin to a five-star hotel with ensuite rooms available providing a modern, homely environment in which to start your new or expanded family life, the unit's website states.

Deluxe rooms and suites are also available.

The latest price list, from July last year to March, states that a standard room package, including a one-night stay, costs from £5,900, while a deluxe package is £6,275, with an extra night price at more than £1,000 for both options.

William and Kate could spend close to £7,500 for a suite.

Each room has a satellite TV with major international channels, radio, bedside phone, fridge, free Wi-Fi and a choice of daily newspapers.

All meals are freshly prepared in a dedicated kitchen and there is even an afternoon tea service for parents to celebrate their new arrival, the website suggests.

As the world waits with bated breath, all eyes will be on the Lindo wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, where the newest member of the royal family will make their grand entrance.