Kate Middleton is pregnant, claims a 'friend' of the royal

Pregnancy rumours have begun again for the Duchess of Cambridge, after a 'close friend' said she will announce her happy news next month

Kate Middleton is pregnant, according to outspoken childhood friend Jessica Hay, who made the claims in an interview with an Australian magazine.

The Duchess of Cambridge's old acquaintance reportedly told publication New Idea that she and Prince William are expecting, and will announce their news to the world soon.

And so the pregnancy rumours begin again…

50 REASONS WHY KATE MIDDLETON IS A STYLE ICON

According to Hay, who also claims Kate Middleton told her about the royal engagement before anyone else (really?!) William and Kate will make a pregnancy announcement in December, just in time for Christmas.

'They’re planning to make an announcement in December,' Hay told the magazine. 'William and Kate are focused on starting a family.'

'It seems very traditional, but of course they’ll be happy with boys or two girls, they don’t want more,' she added.

'They’ve discussed it endlessly and don’t want to be older parents.'

Last week royal fans' interest was piqued, when a new role was advertised in William and Kate's press office, leading to speculation Prince William is on the verge of giving up his role in the RAF, and becoming a royal full time.

And during the summer it was revealed Prince William and Kate Middleton could be thinking about having a family as sooner rather than later.

'I'm still trying to decide. It's a really difficult one because I really enjoy my time in the Air Force and I'd love to continue it,' William explained of giving up his royal role.

'More importantly, I'd rather like to have children. So that's the key thing really'.

With a successful Diamond Jubilee tour under their belt, and no big engagements planned in the coming months, it's thought 2013 could well be the time we hear the pitter patter of tiny royal feet.

Back in June, rumours began to circulate that Kate Middleton was pregnant, after MP Claire Perry made the claims during a visit to Marlborough College.

Claire Perry made the revelation as she gave a talk at the Duchess of Cambridge's former school - the exclusive Marlborough College - claiming a royal baby would be 'good for the economy'.

'I think Kate Middleton is pregnant – and that would be good for the economy,' she told the audience.

WATCH: reasons we love Kate Middleton

Do you believe that Kate Middleton is pregnant? Or are the latest round of rumours complete rubbish? Let us know in the comments box below...

50 REASONS WHY KATE MIDDLETON IS A STYLE ICON

WILLIAM & KATE'S RELATIONSHIP IN PICS

LATEST CELEBRITY NEWS