Royal Watch News

Prince Charles 'thrilled' about Duchess Catherine's baby

Dec 6, 2012, 20:02 GMT

Prince Charles

Britain's Prince Charles is 'thrilled' at the prospect of becoming a grandfather.

The future king is delighted at the thought of having a grandson or granddaughter after Duchess Catherine announced on Monday (03.12.12) she is expecting her first child with Charles' son Prince William.

He told reporters: 'I'm thrilled, marvellous. It's a very nice thought to become a grandfather in my old age.'

Charles is also 'very glad' Catherine is making a good recovery after leaving the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London, where she was being treated for hyperemesis gravidarum (acute morning sickness), this morning (06.12.12).

Speaking of his delight before boarding HMS Belfast in London to head to South African ice-strengthened training ship SA Agulhas - where he met Sir Ranulph Fiennes - he added: 'I'm very glad my daughter-in-law is getting better, thank goodness.'

The Duchess of Cambridge - who was known as Kate Middleton prior to her and William's nuptials - left hospital this morning and told reporters she is feeling 'much better' before being driven away with the Duke of Cambridge to Kensington Palace to rest.

A spokesperson for St James's Palace issued said in a statement: 'The Duchess of Cambridge has been discharged from the King Edward VII Hospital and will now head to Kensington Palace for a period of rest.

'Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank the staff at the hospital for the care and treatment the duchess has received.'