William and Kate chose to wait to see if new baby is a boy or girl

Kate will give birth in a private maternity unit supported by medical team with familiar faces.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London in 2015, with their newborn daughter Princess Charlotte (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be waiting on tenterhooks to see if their new baby is a boy or a girl – as the couple do not know their child’s gender.

During routine scans William and Kate did not ask if they would be welcoming a son or daughter – opting to be surprised as with the duchess’s previous pregnancies.

The Prince and Princess of Wales leaving the Lindo Wing, at St Mary’s Hospital with their baby son, Prince William. (PA) — The Prince and Princess of Wales leaving the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital with their baby son, Prince William (PA)

And just like her previous pregnancies, she is likely to have a team of more than 20 top medical experts and other staff working or on stand-by from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs St Mary’s.

Consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston and consultant gynaecologist Alan Farthing will be among the team, two senior medics who were involved in helping to deliver Kate’s previous children.

Consultant gynaecologist Alan Farthing will be part of the medical team looking after the duchess when she gives birth. (Toby Melville/PA) — Consultant gynaecologist Alan Farthing will be part of the medical team looking after the duchess when she gives birth (Toby Melville/PA)

Mr Thorpe-Beeston, surgeon-gynaecologist to the Royal Household, delivered Charlotte in 2015.

Kate’s baby is expected in April and, although a due date has not been released, it is thought the infant will be born in the second half of the month.

Bookies believe Kate will have a girl and a large number of punters have placed bets on the baby being named Mary, the favourite with firms like William Hill and Coral.

An easel was placed in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London to announce the birth of Princess Charlotte in 2015. (Steve Parson/PA) — An easel was placed in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to announce the birth of Princess Charlotte in 2015 (Steve Parsons/PA)

Kate is likely to take an extended period off to recover and nurse the latest addition to her family but is expected to attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding on May 19.

As a mother of three children under the age of four, the duchess’s role as a parent is likely to be her focus for the next few years, providing a loving and stable home for her family.