The Queen is to become a great-grandmother for the first time in December, it was revealed today.
The monarch is said to be 'delighted' at the news that her grandson Peter Phillips and his wife Autumn have announced that they are expecting their first child.
'Peter and Autumn Phillips are delighted to confirm they are expecting a baby in December,' the couple said in a statement.
'The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh as well as Autumn's family have been informed and are delighted with the news.'
Mr Phillips, who is 11th in line to the throne but does not use a royal title, is currently living with his wife in Hong Kong where he works for Royal Bank of Scotland.
He is the son of Princess Anne. He and his sister Zara, who is an Olympic horse jumper, both live private lives and do not undertake royal duties.
Mr and Mrs Phillips caused controversy when they married two years ago by doing an exclusive deal Hello! magazine for photographs of the ceremony
They are understood to have been paid £500,000 for the 59-page spread, which included images of the Queen, Prince Philip and Prince Charles.
The magazine deal in May 2008 was regarded as a serious error of judgment at Buckingham Palace.
A succession of MPs condemned the royals for 'selling out' in the style of a 'footballer's wife'.
Labour MP Ian Gibson said the cash-for-access to intimate pictures of the nuptials in St George's chapel in Windsor and the reception at nearby Frogmore House was inappropriate.
Pictures of Kate Middleton and Chelsy Davy the girlfriends of Prince William and Prince Harry, were also published.
The wedding cake – decorated with sugar-crafted lily of the valley – was cut with the Army sword of Captain Mark Phillips, the groom's father.
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