Almost a year after the birth of her first child Prince George, the Duchess of Cambridge is preparing to welcome second royal baby with Prince William, international media report.

The speculation is as yet unconfirmed by Buckingham Palace.

Radar Online reports that Kate Middleton’s pregnancy news was confirmed by the Duchess' "long time friend," Jessica Hay, in an exclusive interview with the magazine. According to the report, the royal couple is expected to make the official announcement in the "next few months."

"I've heard it from several different friends of theirs now and they're saying that they think there's going to be an official announcement in weeks," Hay added.

The website notes in the report, that Jessica Hay is the same friend who "famously confirmed" Kate Middleton's first pregnancy back in Nov. 2012. The news was spilled just few days before the official confirmation from the British royal family.

Kate Middleton has been slammed with pregnancy rumours for quite some time, which remained unconfirmed. However, this time the Duchess of Cambridge is reportedly showing the early signs of pregnancy.

Meanwhile, the friend suggests that the royals will try to keep Kate Middleton's pregnancy news under the wraps "for as long as possible." Unlike Prince George's time, the Duchess wants to keep the news from becoming public until 3-month period passes.

The website notes that Kate Middleton is also adopting a relaxed royal events schedule.

She is expected to be in Malta for celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Independence, but her pregnancy might mean a change of plans.