Princess Kate and Prince William Expecting First Child

Cue the celebrations: the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a child, palace officials announced Monday. The pregnancy is in its "very early stages," according to a statement from the Royal Family.

"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting a baby," read a statement posted in the official Facebook page of the British Monarchy.

"The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry and members of both families are delighted with the news."

The news is not all good, however, as early pregnancy complications left Princess Kate hospitalized Monday.

Officials said Kate was hospitalized with hyperemesis gravidarum, a type of morning sickness so severe that no food or liquid can be kept down, which can lead to severe hydration if not treated. The Duchess is expected to be hospitalized for several days.

The condition affects about one in every 50 pregnant women, and tends to be more common in first-time pregnancies.

"It's not unusual for pregnant women to get morning sickness," said Dr. Kecia Gaither, director of maternal fetal medicine at Brookdale University and Medical Center in New York, "but when it gets to the point where you're dehydrated, losing weight or vomiting so much you begin to build up (toxic) products in your blood, that's a concern."

Doctors said there are no long-term complications for the mother or baby as long as proper treatment is administered early.

"The rest of the pregnancy could be entirely uneventful," said Dr. Dagni Rajasingam, a spokeswoman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "She should just be looking forward to having a healthy little plump person."

Princess Kate should be able to resume her royal obligations in the second trimester.

The palace said the royal family was "delighted" by the news, and British Prime Minister David Cameron announced on Twitter the duo "will make wonderful parents."

No due date has been released for the couple's first child.