Kate Middleton Baby: Duchess Leaves Kensington Palace for Parents' Home Ahead of Baby
Kate Middleton reportedly made her way to her parents' Berkshire estate on Friday, ahead of the royal birth.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 31, reportedly left London's Kensington Palace to avoid scorching temperatures, as Saturday marked England's highest 2013 temperature of 89.4 degrees. She is believed to have spent the weekend with her parents, Carole and Michael, at their Bucklebury home, according to Us magazine.
"It was just too warm in Nott Cott," the insider tells Us, referring to the couple's Nottingham Cottage residency, which allegedly lacks air conditioning. "She decided to spend the weekend with mum and dad. Much more comfortable."
The Middleton's $7 million estate reportedly boasts a swimming pool; BBQ patio; large living area and multiple bedrooms.
Middleton is expected to move in with her parents for at least six weeks after giving birth to her and Prince William's first child. Instead of hiring a maternity nurse and starting her new life in a royal residence, as is standard royal tradition, the Duchess will live in her parents' home with her baby who will be third in line to the throne.
"Kate says she 'just feels safest and most secure' with her family and believes that no one could be better placed to teach her about bringing up a baby than her mother, who has three children of her own," Daily Mail royal correspondent Rebecca English reported, quoting an unnamed source.
The Middleton family's Georgian manor is reportedly based in an affluent and rural area. Carole is said to be in the process of renovating the mansion in preparation for the baby's arrival.
Middleton, who is yet to learn the sex of her unborn child, is expected to have a natural birth in the Lindo wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington at any moment. The exclusive maternity suite reportedly costs an estimated $7000 for a one-night stay with normal delivery, according to reports.