It’s official! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are parents-to-be. An official, royal announcement was made today, Dec. 3, 2012, that Kate Middleton, the wife of Prince William, is pregnant.

The royal couple, married on a worldwide stage in April 2011, has been the subject of much speculation and “baby bump” sightings during recent public outings.

"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby," the palace announced today, according to ABC News. "The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news."

Kate was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital and is being treated for acute morning sickness. According to the palace, the pregnancy is in its early stages and she is expected to stay in the hospital for several days.

ABC also reports that the 16 Commonwealth countries agreed last year to a change in the rules of secession that allows a child of either gender to claim the throne. However, the law has not yet been made official by British Parliament. Still, whether baby girl or boy, the royal lineage marches onward.

--SAMANTHA NEGRAVAL, NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM