Kate Middleton and Prince William's Baby Due in July, Palace Says

LONDON, Jan. 14, 2013— -- One of the most anticipated births in recent history is expected in July, when the third in line to the British throne is due to arrive, St. James's Palace said this morning.

''Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in July," the palace said in a statement. "The Duchess's condition continues to improve since her stay in hospital last month.''

Click here for photos of Kate through the years.

Doing the math, if the new prince or princess arrives early, he or she could share a birthday with William's mother, Princess Diana, who was born July 1. But the due date looks likely to be mid-July.

Reading between the lines, the palace statement implies that the royal couple will have one child, dispelling speculation that the duchess is carrying twins.

Kate Middleton, 31, who is 13 to 14 weeks pregnant, is continuing to do better after spending four nights at a hospital last month because of severe morning sickness called hyperemesis gravidarum.

The duchess has since cut her public engagements, keeping a low profile as she recovers. Her most recent appearance was for the unveiling of her official portrait Friday with royal watchers spotting a tiny baby bump.

Prince Charles recently delighted at the prospect of being a grandpa, saying, it's ''a very nice thought of grandfatherhood at my old age, if I may say so. So that's splendid. And I'm very glad my daughter-in-law is getting better, thank goodness.''

A royal spokesman says both will be out of the picture for the foreseeable future with William, 30, carrying on with his day job as a search-and-rescue pilot and Kate putting her feet up and out of the spotlight.