Kate Middleton pregnancy rumours intensify
Speculation continues to ramp up that Kate Middleton is pregnant following a U.S. media report claiming the wife of Prince William is expecting their first child.
In Touch magazine, quoting a "royal source," reported this week that the Duchess of Cambridge is six weeks into her pregnancy. According to the source, she is preparing three nurseries: "One in Nottingham Cottage, where Kate and William have been staying, another in their home in Wales, and yet another at Kensington Palace, which is undergoing a major refurbishment."
The couple has also picked names, the source says.
"They want something traditional. Edward, Philip and Michael are likely choices for a boy, or Alice or Rose for a girl."
Pregnancy rumours began earlier this month after the couple visited Denmark. The Duke of Cambridge gave his wife numerous meaningful looks, according to reporters who were there.
Royal watchers also took note that at one point, William put out his arm, as if to help her.
Media also observed that during their visit to a UNICEF office involved in African famine relief, the duchess, who is reportedly not allergic to peanuts, was asked to sample an aid food package that contained peanut butter. Pregnant women are advised to avoid peanuts because it may lead to allergies in their children.
But a royal insider told Us Weekly that she is "not comfortable eating in front of cameras."
"What if she didn't like it and made a face? That expression would then be on every newspaper."
The Duchess of Cambridge was also seen rubbing her stomach, and some commentators thought her red coat looked a bit large and wondered if she was trying to hide something, fuelling more speculation.
In September, The Star tabloid reported that she was expecting twins. But a palace spokesperson quashed that rumour.
"Suffice to say that were it true, it would be us that announces it, not a gossip magazine," told Us Weekly.
William's press office told CBC News that it doesn't comment on speculation.
"For once, the British press is biding its time in this story — very little coverage of the pregnancy rumours here, CBC's Anne MacMillan reported. "Most of them are coming from outlets in the United States."
