The Kesington Palace in London on Monday announced that Prince William and his wife, Kate are expecting their third child after Kate boycotted a planned engagement  due to a severe form of morning sickness.

The news is coming  the same week as the eldest child of the royal couple, four-year-old Prince George is expected to begin school in London.

“Their royal highness the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their third child,” the Palace said in a statement.

“Her Royal Highness will no longer carry out her planned engagement at the Hornsey Road Children’s Centre in London today. The Duchess is being cared for at the Kesington Palace,” the statement added.

The statement also disclosed that the grandmother to Prince William, Queen Elizabeth II and members of Kate’s family have expressed delight over the news.

Prince William and Kate, who also have a daughter, two-year-old Princess Charlotte are expected to stay away from public engagements for the time being.