The wait for the royal baby - in pictures

Royal baby fans have started to gather outside the private wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, where it is expected the Duchess of Cambridge will give birth to her second royal baby.

The royals have kept details of her due date deliberately vague, only confirming that it is from "mid-April to the end of April".

Anticipation has not reached quite the same pitch as for the couple's first child, and police and officials are stage-managing the process much more tightly.

A royal well wisher outside the Lindo Wing (Getty Images)

A royal fan dressed in his Union flag outfit and flags has been sleeping on a bench for the last four nights across the street from the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital

Artist Kaya Mar holds his painting entitled "Saint Kate" across the street from the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London

Royal fan John Loughrey

Royal fans Maria Scott, left Amy Thompson and John Loughrey (AP/Alastair Grant)

The world's media started counting down to the arrival of Britain's royal baby when a press pen was erected outside the hospital where Prince William's wife Kate is due to give birth (AP)

The world's media started counting down to the arrival of Britain's royal baby when a press pen was erected outside the hospital where Prince William's wife Kate is due to give birth

A well wisher waves flags as she waits outside the hospital for the impending royal birth

Royal fan Terry stands outside the Lindo Wing at St.Mary's Hospital (EPA/ANDY RAIN)

The nation's most British baby brand Philips Avent celebrates the impending royal arrival as some special 'royal guests' pick up last minute items for Catherine and William

New parking restrictions have been put in place in fornt of the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington (John Stillwell/PA Wire)