To insure the succession of a Catholic heir, she was most desirous of having a son by her consort, Philip, and she constantly prayed and wished for pregnancy.

Finally her menses stopped; the breasts began to enlarge and became discolored around the nipples.

She had morning-sickness of a violent nature and her abdomen enlarged.

On consultation with the ladies of her court, her opinion of pregnancy was strongly confirmed.
Her favorite amusement then was to make baby-clothes and count on her fingers the months of pregnancy.

When the end of the ninth month approached, the people were awakened one night by the joyous peals of the bells of London announcing the new heir.