Duchess of Cambridge in labour

Thousands of well-wishers have gathered outside Buckingham Palace and the London hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge is in labour as the world anxiously waits for her to give birth to the future king or queen.

Despite being the hottest day of the year so far, huge crowds have formed to welcome the royal baby's arrival. Kate is still in labour with Prince William by her side, after the couple drove from Kensington Palace to the private Lindo Wing St Mary's Hospital in Paddington at around 5.30am today.

Excitement reached feverish levels outside Buckingham Palace this afternoon when the Queen arrived home from Windsor Castle, where the huge crowd surged dangerously as she was driven through the gates

Concerns over the Queen

There were fresh concerns over the Queen's health as she has cancelled other raft of engagements this week, following her hospitalisation with symptoms of gastroenteritis.
The cancellations are attracting attention precisely because the queen so rarely misses enagegements, but nonetheless pressure is now growing for her to reduce her workload.The queen leaving hospital last week (Alastair Grant/AP)She attended 425 official events last year, justifying her work rate with the mantra: "I have to be seen to be believed."Buckingham Palace issued a statement this afternoon saying: “The Queen continues to make a good recovery following her recent illness, and today she presented The Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry and held a series of Audiences.“However, regrettably, she will no longer attend the Tech City engagement planned for Wednesday, or the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scriptures Association Service at the Guards Chapel on Thursday. Her Majesty will, however, continue with the usual rhythm of business at Buckingham Palace, including holding a Privy Council meeting tomorrow."Yesterday, she had been due to attend a Commonwealth service at Westminster Abbey, but cancelled at the last minute followign mediacl advice, although she went ahead with a reception for Commonwealth leaders the same evening.

British Queen to sign gender equality charter

Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain is set to lend her signature to a new charter on Monday which will promote gender equality and condemn discrimination of any form, prompting suggestions that it marks the first time she has declared support for gay rights in her 61-year reign. The new Commonwealth Charter declares: “We are implacably opposed to all forms of discrimination, whether rooted in gender, race, color, creed, political belief or other grounds.” However, the document makes no explicit mention of gay rights. The UK government will simultaneously introduce legislation ending discrimination against women in the line of succession, and will lift the ban on potential heirs marrying a Roman Catholic.

I cannot wait to see and hear how it would work.

The Queen is discharged

The Queen left hospital today after a spending just 24 hours being treated for symptoms of gastroenteritis.

Looking relaxed and smiling, she appeared on the steps of King Edward VII's Hospital in central London and walked to her waiting limousine.
The Queen was admitted yesterday for assessment by doctors after being struck down by the stomach bug on Friday.Her illness forced her to cancel a trip to Rome to meet the country's President Giorgio Napolitano for a private lunch on Thursday.
Being admitted raised concerns about the Queen's health generally as this was the first time the 86-year-old has been treated overnight at hospital in 10 years.But she looked well and cheerful as she said goodbye to a uniformed member of staff who curtseyed to her.The Queen, who wore a scarlet coat, was driven away by a chauffeur and is likely to spend time convalescing at her favourite home Windsor Castle.A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman declined to discuss in detail her condition and just said that she remained in “good spirits”.

Queen hospitalised

Queen admitted to hospital with gastroenteritis. http://goo.gl/mag/y8DoZKl