Queen Elizabeth II hopes Kate has baby soon

LONDON — It seems Queen Elizabeth II is getting a bit impatient as she waits in a rare British heat wave for the birth of her third great-grandchild.

The queen said yesterday she hopes the former Kate Middleton gives birth soon.

Asked by a schoolgirl at a public event whether she was hoping for a boy or a girl, the queen said, "I don't think I mind. I would very much like it to arrive. I'm going on holiday.

The queen is shortly expected to begin her annual summer holiday in Scotland.

Prince William and his wife are expecting the birth of their first child, who will be third in line to the throne. The baby is due in mid-July.

William and Kate say they do not know the baby's gender.