Kate Middleton reveals when royal baby is expected

The Duchess of Cambridge has said she expects the next royal baby by the "mid-to-end" of April. Photo / AP

The Duchess of Cambridge has told families and volunteers at a children's centre for struggling parents that she is expecting her second child to arrive by the "mid-to-end" of April.

Kate visited Brookhill Children's Centre in Woolwich, southeast London, where she attended a coffee morning before watching a training session for volunteers and visiting an on-site creche.

Wearing a very thrifty blue and white asos maternity dress with black shoes, she chatted with families supported by the Home Start charity, which runs the centre, and some of its network of 15,000 volunteers.

The Duchess of Cambridge visits the Brookhill Children's Centre, London. Photo / AP

Volunteer Christie Osborne, 49, was among those the Duchess spoke to at the coffee morning.

Ms Osborne said: "I told her she is beautiful and that she's got a tiny little bump. I asked when her baby is due and she said mid-to-end of April".

Kate was showered with gifts during the visit, which will be one of her last engagements before she gives birth.

She laughed as Ayo, a three-year-old boy in the centre's creche, presented her with a card made by children as he exclaimed "Ta-da!"

Kate also received a goodie bag for Prince George, embroidered with his name and a bouquet of flowers.

- PAA