THE news that Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting a baby has been greeted with joy in Notts.
St James's Palace announced yesterday that the couple were expecting a baby.
The office of Notts' Lord Lieutenant, Sir John Peace, led congratulations from the county.
A statement said: "The Lord Lieutenant is delighted with this wonderful news and wishes to add congratulations along with people from across Notts and the rest of the country."
Lord Mayor of Nottingham Councillor Leon Unczur added his congratulations.
He said: "The Duke and Duchess were given a great reception from Nottingham when they joined the Queen for her Jubilee visit to the city in the summer.
"I was delighted to meet them then and send warmest congratulations from Nottingham to them now."
Notts County Council leader Councillor Kay Cutts said: "This is wonderful news and further adds to the joy of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year.
"We are thrilled and delighted for the Royal couple, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and wish them all the best over the coming months.
"We look forward to the new arrival, who will also be in the line of succession to the throne."
The news comes at the end of the Queen's Jubilee year, which was celebrated up and down the country.
The couple came to Nottingham with the Queen as part of her tour of the country in June, with thousands packing the Old Market Square and Vernon Park, in Basford, to catch a glimpse of them.
The couple's wedding in April last year was also celebrated with street parties across Notts.
Marilyn Nurse, 65, of Wollaton, was one of those who organised a street party.
She is hoping another can be planned to celebrate the arrival of Prince William and Kate's first child.
She said: "This is wonderful news which should be celebrated. I am so pleased for them. It is great that the country can have such great news to celebrate at this time."
Jill Turner, 65, also organised a street party in Bulwell.
She said: "It is great that we are going to have another addition to the royal family and I'd like to congratulate Prince William and Kate."
No announcement has been made on when the baby is due, though it has been reported that the Duchess is less than 12 weeks' pregnant.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: "I'm delighted by the news. The couple will make wonderful parents."
