MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

William and Kate expecting their second baby and fourth-in-line to British throne

“Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I'm delighted by the happy news that they're expecting another baby” said PM Cameron

Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate are expecting their second baby, his office announced on Monday. The baby will be fourth-in-line to the British throne, after grandfather Prince Charles, father William and elder brother George, the couple's first child who was born in July last year.

“The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news that their royal highnesses are expecting their second child,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

William's office said Kate, 32, was suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, an acute morning sickness which causes severe nausea and vomiting and requires supplementary hydration and nutrients, a condition that led to her hospitalization in the early months of pregnancy with her first child.

A spokeswoman said Kate had not needed hospital treatment this time, but was under the care of doctors at Kensington Palace, the couple's London residence.

There was no detail of when the baby was due. Kate future engagements would be reviewed on a case by case basis, the spokeswoman said.

George was born amid an international media frenzy, underlying the global popularity of the young British royals. Since his birth, George has graced the cover of Vanity Fair and his few public appearances have garnered huge media attention.

There had been speculation this year that William, 32, and Kate, officially known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge since their marriage in April 2011, would announce a pregnancy.

“Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I'm delighted by the happy news that they're expecting another baby,” British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter.

After the birth of his son last year, William spoke about his desire to be a hands-on father and soon after announced he would leave the military after more than seven years in the armed services, to focus instead on his charity and increasing royal duties.

However, in August he said he would start work as an air ambulance pilot next year based at Cambridge and Norwich in eastern England.