Kate Middleton pregnant: the wait is over!

The official Royal Wedding group photograph in the throne room at Buckingham Palace with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Front row (L-R): Grace van Cutsem, Eliza Lopes, Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Elizabeth II, Margarita Armstrong-Jones, Lou (Getty Images)

Huzzah! The wait is over. The bump no gossip-rag figment. This afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sent the nation into paroxysms with the announcement that - after one and a half years of marriage - Kate is expecting her first child.

The Duchess was taken to hospital this morning complaining of acute morning sickness.

And later St James's Palace said in a statement "Their Royal Highnesses the The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby".

The internet promptly erupted with with speculation and polls are already up and running (ahem, here) on what the royal baby should be called.

Then there's the pressing question of when the national holiday should be announced. And what maternity-wear the Duchess will favour. And whether there'll be a spike in joyous civil baby-making to follow Kate's ever fashionable lead. There's also genuine concern for the health of the Duchess - and she can count on the well wishing of a sizeable chunk, if not all, the population.

Frankly it's an awful lot to take in on a Monday afternoon. But once we stop feeling giddy we promise to try.