BREAKING NEWS: The Duchess Has Gone Into Labor

This time there is no doubt about it - the Palace has confirmed that the Duchess of Cambridge has gone into labor.

 Catherine's security team are shown here marching into the hospital after her and soon afterwards a member of the protection squad then headed back to the cars, which then swept away

The announcement on Twitter confirmed the moment we had all been waiting for months - the Duchess of Cambridge had gone into labor.

Prince William and Catherine travelled by car from Kensington Palace where the couple spent the weekend, to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, West London accompanied by royal protection officers at 5.45 a.m. this morning. Catherine "went into labor naturally, is feeling very well and is progressing naturally" . It is understood the Duchess was seen by royal gynaecologist Marcus Setchell before the announcement was made. Royal photographer Niraj Tanna said "even the protection officers were shaking after they got Catherine into St Mary's hospital. One replied 1 nil to us" . No doubt the protection officers were delighted to have got Catherine safely inside without photos being taken. Royal photographer Jesal Parshotam/Ikon Pictures was one of the many that broke the news on twitter this morning.

As you can see, the excitement on Twitter is electrifying.

Catherine is giving birth at the internationally renowned Lindo Wing, a dedicated private facility at St Mary's which caters for complex pregnancies and deliveries as well as multiple birth. Princes William and Harry were born at the exclusive wing and it seems a perfect choice for the Duchess.

A look at the new artwork in the Lindo Wing by London aritst Julian Opie, one of the first sights Catherine would have seen as she entered the wing.

Suites are available upon request and each one is fitted with a phone, radio, safe fridge and satellite TV. Following Baby Cambridge's arrival, Catherine and her visitors can choose from an extensive wine list and enjoy a glass of champagne and a toast.

More from the Official Website:

'You and your visitors can access the internet and you have the choice of a daily newspaper which is delivered to your room each morning throughout your stay. Hotel services are provided by our dedicated team. Our extensive and nutritious menu caters for special dietary, cultural and religious requirements. Tea and coffee are provided throughout the day for you and your guests.'

The Lindo Wing has a dedicated team of maternity support staff and nurses on hand to answer any questions the Duchess may have and to provide reassurance. The wing provides expert neonatal and obstetric care and has been described as having 'modern, consultant-led world-class care' as part of one of the UK's leading teaching hospital groups, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.

Catherine is in the safe hands of the Queen's gynaecologist Marcus Setchell and Alan Farthing, the surgeon-gynaecologist to the royal household along with the support of a midwife, consultant anaesthetist and paediatrician as required. It is understood Mr Setchell (who treated Kate for acute morning sickness last December) is taking the lead for Kate's delivery, assisted by Mr. Farthing.Once the baby is born, a proclamation signed by doctors who delivered the baby will be swiftly taken to Buckingham Palace and displayed on an easel at the gates. The Palace recently said they wanted to "retain some of the theatre of the notice" and doing this is very much in-keeping with tradition. The Palace have made clear this will not be done until the Queen, senior members of the Royal Family and the Middletons have been informed.However if the baby is born between 10.30 p.m. and 8.00 a.m, the news will be sent out via press release. The Palace plan to announce the birth via social media shortly afterwards.It certainly is exciting isn't it? Please share your excitement and thoughts in the comments below! Good luck Kate :)

LIVE BLOG

8.30 a.m. It is understood Prince William drove Kate to the hospital this morning. It is under a five minute drive from Kensington Palace to St Mary's Hospital.8.35 a.m. Watch all the days events as they unfold at The Telegraph's live camera.

8.38 a.m. A spokesperson for the Lindo Wing said "We are delighted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen to give birth here" .

8.45 a.m. The press pack assemble outside the Lindo Wing.

 8.50 a.m. It's 33 degrees in London with possible thunder storms expected. Another interesting note, if the baby is born before midnight his/her zodiac sign will be Cancer. It was widely reported Carole Middleton said the baby would be a Leo. Just one day off...

9.00 a.m. Royal reporter Richard Palmer shared this via Twitter:

Below is a photograph of the press assembling outside the hospital. The press from all over the world is eagerly awaiting the news of the baby's arrival, some have been camping out here for days, awaiting the announcement.

The Prime Minister released his congratulations via Twitter.

As we are awaiting the royal baby's arrival, some of us may feel like looking back at a similar event, thirty one years ago, when William entered the world.

I myself can't wait for the news that Baby Cambridge has arrived, and have been following Live Blogs and Videos that are relaying every moment outside the Lindo Wing.

I am following http://hrhduchesskate.blogspot.com/ for live blogs as well as http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2350630/Kate-Middleton-goes-labour-Duchess-Cambridge-Royal-baby-progressing-well.html for live video feed.