NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

British royal couples’ 2nd child due in April

LONDON

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have confirmed that their second baby is due in April — the first time they have offered a month for the royal birth.

Kensington Palace also said in a statement Monday that the duchess, who has been sidelined by prolonged morning sickness, continues to improve. There was no word on the baby’s gender.

The former Kate Middleton and Prince William are scheduled to welcome Singapore President Tony Tan when he arrives on a four-day state visit this week.

She also is expected to attend the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2014 award ceremony.

The duchess canceled several engagements after her second pregnancy was announced in September. She also had acute morning sickness during her pregnancy with Prince George, who was born in July 2013.

Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta dies

NEW YORK

Fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, a favorite of socialites and movie stars alike, has died.

He was 82.

The Dominican-born de la Renta — who also lived in Spain and France before coming to New York — was among a group of designers that also included Bill Blass and Geoffrey Beene who helped put the U.S. on the map in the late 1960s as a home of serious fashion.

His specialty was elaborate, embroidered eveningwear. First ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton both wore de la Renta gowns to inaugural balls, and Penelope Cruz and Sandra Bullock wore his work on the red carpet.

De la Renta catered mostly to his socialite friends and neighbors, but eyed more mass appeal with several fragrances and accessories licenses.

Associated Press