A tangle of ladders and metal barriers lies across the street from the hospital where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's royal baby will be born later this month, as the international media circus sets up its camp.

On Friday (July 5) some 60 ladders were in place in press pens and a few TV cameras were already in position, even though the expected due date for the Duchess of Cambridge isn't until the middle of the month.

Once the baby is born, it is expected that Prince William and Kate, will emerge holding their new baby and pose for the world's cameras at the main entrance of the private Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington.

It is the same hospital wing where Princess Diana gave birth to Prince William in 1982 and to Prince Harry in 1984.

Reportedly Kate is keen to have her mother and sister, Carole and Pippa Middleton, at her side in the hospital, especially as Prince William could be on duty as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Anglesey in North Wales when she goes into labour.

Prince William is determined to attend the birth and will fly in via helicopter if he has to, to follow in the steps of his father Prince Charles, who broke with royal tradition 31 years ago to be in the delivery room when William was born.

Some media report Kate's due date is July 13, while others report July 17. The Palace has refused to comment on specific due dates.

Presented by Adam Justice