Is Kate Middleton Pregnant? Why Duchess May Not Announce Baby No. 4 Until 2020

Now that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have officially welcomed their first child together, royal fans are speculating whether or not Kate Middleton and Prince William will announce plans to welcome a fourth child together as well. While the idea of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge having another child together isn’t completely off the table, there’s a good reason why the royal couple may not actually do so before the year is through.

According to the World Health Organization, the ideal spacing between pregnancies is 24 months, in order to “reduce the risk of adverse maternal, perinatal and infant outcomes.” Though 24 months is recommended, the studies also state that a time period of 18 months is also fine and carries less risks as well.

If Middleton were to follow those guidelines, then it’s worth noting that Prince Louis, their youngest, won’t be 18 months in age until October 23, 2019—meaning it would officially be 18 months from the point Middleton was also last pregnant. If they are choosing to have another child but waiting in order to follow WHO, then they likely wouldn’t be announcing their new baby (if they conceived) until sometime in early 2020.

Of course, it is also worth noting that despite Middleton’s tendency to suffer from hyperemesis gravidarum when she is pregnant, she and Prince William didn’t wait the recommended 18 months when it came to conceiving their children. Princess Charlotte was born just over 21 months after Prince George, while Prince Louis was born just before his sister’s second birthday.

Still, regardless of when a baby could potentially be announced, it is considered likely that a fourth pregnancy would happen, as Middleton herself is reportedly eager to try and have one more child.

“Catherine would like another baby,” sources said. “She loves children and is prepared to put herself through another pregnancy even though they have been complicated by severe morning sickness in the past.”