Prince George -- Kate and William's Royal Baby

Now 16-months-old, Prince George is all smiles as he sits on the steps of Kensington Palace.

Prince George celebrated his first birthday on July 22, 2014. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited a butterfly exhibit at the Natural History Museum in London.

Prince George enjoys his first official playdate during a visit to New Zealand in April 2014.

Kate wrangles 11-month-old George at a Father's Day polo event supporting Will and Uncle Harry.

The royal family pose with 8-month-old George and the family cocker spaniel, Lupo, in their home at Kensington Palace.

George Alexander Louis, held by Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, as the royal family departs the hospital.

Will looks over at Kate, while holding onto his new son, George Alexander Louis.

Outside of the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in London, journalists and fans gather to get a first glimpse of the royal baby. Many more watched the royal family's appearance by streaming video.

Will holds onto the new prince's baby carrier as the family departs from the hospital, and heads home.

An easel outside of Buckingham Palace announced the birth of the royal baby, at 4:42 pm on Monday, July 22, 2013.

Even before her pregnancy was announced, people wondered if Princess Catherine and Prince William were expecting. And it wasn't just gossip columnists speculating -- there was anticipation for a royal baby all around the world.

Kate Middleton's pregnancy was announced in December of 2012, after a hospital visit for her hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness.

While awaiting the birth of the royal baby, we wondered about the gender of the baby, the birth plan, Kate and Will's parenting style, and even why we cared so much:

After being hospitalized for morning sickness, Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, leaves the hospital accompanied by Prince William.

The Duchess of Cambridge, with one hand on her growing bump, on a visit to the studios where the Harry Potter movies were produced.

News of Kate Middleton's pregnancy - and a future heir to the throne - resulted in front paper coverage on April 12, 2012, the day after Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, and William, the Duke of Cambridge, announced the news.

A royal baby means much memorabilia. These commemorative mugs are ready for whenever the baby is born.

There will be only 750 commemorative horses available to mark the birth of Kate and Will's baby.

These commemorative silver coins are created by the Royal Mint to mark the occasion.

While on a visit to Scotland, Kate - known as the Countess of Strathearn in Scotland - is shown a doll by a little girl.

Kate is still in the early months of her pregnancy during this visit to Warner Bros studios in Leavesden, Herts.

Diana and Charles, the Prince and Princess of Wales, leave the hospital with a newborn Prince William. Kate Middleton is expected to give birth in that same hospital, St. Mary's, in the Lindo Wing.

Prince William at just 9 months old, on a royal visit to Australia with his parents, Diana and Charles.

A young William, with Diana and Charles.

In this photo from before Kate's pregnancy, Prince Will cradles a baby while at a London hospital.

Prince William reads aloud to children in a community center in Austrialia.

Kate is on a charitable visit to the headquarters of CBUK. The Duke is the Patron of the charity, which offers support to bereaved parents and children with a recently deceased parent.

The royal family, gathered to celebrate the Diamond Wedding Anniversary of the Queen and the Duke in 2007.

The Duke of Cambridge and the Queen wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Diamond Jubilee.

Prince William, at his father's farm in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

The royal family, gathered on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, watching a parade.

Prince Albert and Princess Caroline, pictured with their mother, Princess Grace, in 1961.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway and Prince Sverre Magnus celebrate Norway National Day in Asker, Norway.

Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel of Sweden at the Christening of Princess Estelle at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden.

Copyright &copy 2013 Meredith Corporation.