Royal Baby: Parking Ban At Kate's Hospital

Drivers have been banned from parking in bays in front of the hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge is due to give birth this month.

Signs the royal baby is fast approaching its expected due date appeared in the form of a parking suspension outside the building.

The suspension across four parking bays at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, central London, measures 24 metres.

It guarantees Kate and her protection officers plenty of room to park when she goes into labour.

Despite speculation that the Duchess' due date is mid-July, the suspension period beginning today only highlights the reality the future monarch could be born at any time.

The parking suspension states that from 00.01 on July 1, four pay-by-phone bays will be out of use for members of the public until 23.59 on July 31.

Kate and her husband Prince William chose the Lindo Wing as the place to have their first child, following in the footsteps of Diana, Princess of Wales, who gave birth to both her sons there.

The parking suspension will also make it easier for relatives to pay visits once the Duchess has been admitted.

William has vowed to be by his wife's side when she goes into labour.

Kate's parents Carole and Michael Middleton are also expected to be among the first visitors.

Official confirmation the Duchess is in labour will only come from Kensington Palace once she has been admitted to the Lindo Wing.

But the first indication the third in line to the throne has been born will be when a royal aide emerges from the hospital carrying a notice of birth signed by Kate's medical team.

The notice - or bulletin - will be transferred to Buckingham Palace by car where it will be placed on an easel by a footman on the palace forecourt.