Britain’s Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted to a London hospital in the early stages of labour.

Kate, wife of Prince William, was taken by car to a private wing of St Mary’s hospital on Saturday morning.

The new baby, whose gender is unknown, will be fourth in line to the throne behind one-year-old brother George, father William and grandfather Prince Charles.

Bookmakers are tipping the child to be a girl, with Alice, Elizabeth, Charlotte and Victoria the favourite names.

James and Arthur are the front-runners if it is a boy.

In keeping with tradition, the official announcement of the birth will be made by placing a notice on an easel at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

Kate, 33 and William, 32, met as students at St Andrews University in Scotland, married at Westminster Abbey in April 2011 and have since become global stars.

When Kate leaves hospital after giving birth, the couple will initially return to their London residence, Kensington Palace, for a couple