Movement at the Lindo Wing in London and outside the Middleton's house in Buckleberry spark speculation that today is the day.

Sources in Bucklebury have reported seeing a two-car convoy of Jaguars, with police motorcycle outriders, heading towards the M4. The Middletons don't usually have a police escort unless Kate is with them.

In Britain, May Day is traditionally a time for anti-capitalist protests or demonstrations against public sector cuts - but is Labour Day in many parts of the world.

That irony hasn't been lost by many avid royal followers.

The Duchess is thought to be a week overdue, suggesting the latest she would be allowed to wait by her doctors would be next Thursday, the day of the General Election.

Westminster Council had originally suspended parking outside the Lindo Wing until yesterday as Kensington Palace had expected the royal baby to have arrived by now.

But the restrictions will now run until Tuesday, May 5, and could even be extended further if the Duchess still has not given birth by then.

But, some reports have claimed her due date was April 25, which would mean the Duchess may not be induced until a week on Saturday, as doctors treat two weeks after the due date as the cut-off point for allowing labour to come on naturally.