Senior royal aides have arrived at the hospital where Kate Middleton is due to give birth leaving fans excited that the new baby might be coming.
The group of royal press officers arrived outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington on Tuesday afternoon (April 28).
Although the aides claimed to be on site only to support members of the waiting press, their action has fuelled speculation that Kate Middleton has gone into labour.
One reporter on the scene, Victoria Murphy, said: "They say they came to relax us and have a chat because there are so many media gathering here.
"However, it had the opposite effect and everyone got very excited and thinking there would be an imminent announcement, but they insisted there would not be.
"While they are saying there is no news yet, the birth could still come any moment now so that does not mean she will not be admitted later on today."
Rumours that the child would be born on Tuesday began circling in the morning.
Royal watchers outside the hospital got excited after seeing protection officers going into the building in the early hours.
Police and a sniffer dog were spotted outside St Mary's Hospital, fuelling speculation that Kate Middleton may be about to give birth to the new royal baby.
The team of officers were seen outside the doors of the west London hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge will appear, along with Prince William, after giving birth to show the new child off to the world.
Photographers and members of the public outside the hospital noted an increased police presence on Tuesday morning (April 28), leading to excitement that Kate might be on her way.
Rumours started flying Kate was due to be admitted imminently after protection officers were also spotted entering the side door of the Lindo Wing in the early hours and a photographer known to be close to Kate's PA, Natasha Archer, also turned up.
A sniffer dog was then seen by some people in the area, while others suggested the royal protection officers were making sure the hospital was safe and clear of any threats.
However, others thought it could simply be a 'dry run' - much like the one that was held before Prince George was born in 2013.
Officers and security staff often run through their roles and responsibilities a number of times before the event, to make sure everyone knows what they have to do.
Media organisations were on high alert sending their anchors to the hospital, including Sky who sent Kay Burley to be ready to go on air if needed.
Kate is now thought to be at least three days overdue after telling fans her baby was due "mid-to-late April".
Parking restrictions have been in place since April 13 and media pens have also been up for almost two weeks. Royal fans have been waiting outside the hospital for weeks to catch a glimpse of the new arrival.
Kate and William have not found out if they are having a boy or girl but bookies are favouring a girl called Alice.
Niraj Tanna, a photographer camped outside the hospital, said: "A couple of protection officers were seen in Paddington early this morning.
"Either it was a test run or she's in."
During George's birth, photographers outside the hospital first announced increased activity early in the morning, after which it was officially announced the Duchess had gone in.
This time around, news of Kate's condition will only be officially announced by Kensington Palace between the hours of 8am and 10pm.
News that Kate may be giving birth has led to excited outbursts on social media.
Stacy LaMontagne said: "Is it weird that I'm super excited about this Royal Baby? Can't wait."
Originally published on Mirror Online.
