Royal Baby Almost Here, Well Wishers Flood Twitter

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Monday, July 22, 2013

Kate Middleton went into labor early Monday morning, setting off a firestorm of excitement across as well as on Twitter.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived to the Lindo Wing at London's St. Mary's Hospital at 6 a.m. (1 a.m. EST), according to a statement from the Palace.

"Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London in the early stages of labour," said the statement.

As a result, media outlets are pouring over updates and speculating over the baby's gender and name.

Furthermore, Twitter has been inundated with people's excitement over the royal baby, with everyone from celebrities to politicians voicing eagerness for news on the child.

"It's time #RoyalBaby," wrote actress Lisa Rinna.

Author Joan Collins added, "I bet it's a girl!"

Former Spice Girls singer Melanie Brown posted, "Whoop whoop the royal baby is coming(sic)"

Mother of one and "Jersey Shore" star Snooki added, "Push girl, pushhhhhh! #KateMiddleton #RoyalBaby #excited"

British television personality Piers Morgan posted that he is "100%" certain that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will welcome a baby boy.

E! News host Guiliana Rancic agreed that a royal baby girl could be her future daughter-in-law.

"Yesss," Rancic posted before retweeting a fan: "Hoping that the #RoyalBaby is a girl so her and Duke Rancic can fall in love."

Among the royal baby frenzy on Twitter, The White House Twitter account posted a possible homage to the royal baby. The post included a photo of President Obama making a funny face while holding a smiling child with the caption, "Oh, hello there!"

Meanwhile, St. James' statement also noted that the expectant mother arrived Monday alongside her husband of two years.

"The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge," the statement said.

The husband and wife entered the hospital through a rear entrance, according to Us Weekly.

As for Middleton's labor, "things are progressing normally," said a source at Us Weekly.

Once the baby arrives, the gender, weight and time of birth will be revealed in a public declaration posted to a wooden easel right behind the gates of Buckingham Palace- a longstanding tradition.

However, the child's name may not be immediately released.