The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her third child

The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her third child, Kensington Palace has announced.

Monday's announcement released in a statement says the Queen is delighted by the news.

Officials say Prince William's wife is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a form of severe morning sickness, and will not carry out her engagements on Monday.

Kate is being cared for at Kensington Palace, the statement said.

William and Kate already have two children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Their third child would be fifth in line to the British throne.

The news was announced as the royal couple were preparing to send their eldest child, Prince George, off to school for the first time.

They have chosen a fee-paying independent school in a south London borough for their four-year-old son.

Thomas's Battersea will welcome the young prince and his parents on Thursday.

George's first day at school will also mark a new chapter for the Cambridges as they are now mainly based at Kensington Palace rather than their Norfolk home Anmer Hall.