SYDNEY: The former British colonies of Australia and New Zealand expressed delight that Prince William and wife Catherine are expecting their first child, who will one day be their new head of state.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the news "is going to bring joy to many around the world" and wished Kate Middleton a swift recovery from the morning sickness that triggered official confirmation of the royal pregnancy.
"Clearly it is a time of joy and it can also be a time of challenge," Gillard told reporters. "I'm sure many will be thinking of Kate when she deals with morning sickness and is in hospital.
"But from the Australian people to Prince William and Kate, delightful news and our congratulations."
Gillard's New Zealand counterpart John Key said the news was "fabulous" for the young royals and would make Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip extremely pleased.
"It is an important day in any young couple's life when a baby is expected and I know that Catherine and William will be as nervous and excited as anyone," he said in a statement.
"We wish them both the very best and hope Catherine's stay in hospital is a short one. On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I congratulate them both."
The baby will not only be third in line to the British throne, irrespective of its gender, but also third in line to become head of state of 16 Commonwealth nations, including Australia and New Zealand.
New Zealand led a push for Commonwealth nations to scrap centuries-old laws barring first-born daughters from inheriting the throne and the grouping agreed to the reform last year at a meeting in the Australian city of Perth.
The British royals remain popular Down Under and an opinion poll in New Zealand last month found 74 per cent of those surveyed favoured retaining Queen Elizabeth II as head of state.
Just 19 per cent supported a republic and seven per cent were undecided.
While Australians voted against becoming a republic in a 1999 referendum, the country's support for the monarchy is less staunch, with a poll this year finding 48 per cent favoured becoming a republic while 39 per cent objected.
- AFP/ck
Australia, New Zealand welcome royal baby news
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Australia, New Zealand welcome royal baby news
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Australia, New Zealand welcome royal baby news
