Another prince or princess on the way

The two announcements came at about the same time, but the BBC flashed the news of another royal baby ahead of the new leader in the Kremlin. That's how important the announcement was seen here in London: Princess Diana is expecting a second child in October, an infant to be third in line to the throne.

Again the royal family has provided a welcome touch of joyful news at a time of international tensions.

The Buckingham Palace statement ended weeks of speculation. Pictured here is the couple's first child, Prince William. Above, he takes his first steps in public, during a visit to New Zealand in 1983 with his parents. He will be two years old this June.