ROYAL MOTHER. What kind of mother will the Duchess of Cambridge be? Photo from the Kate Middleton Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines - For sure, the 31-year-old Duchess is looking forward to the momentous event of her first child’s birth.

As early as a few days after getting engaged to Prince William while on vacation in Kenya, Africa, Kate said in an article on US Weekly, "I hope we'll be able to have a happy family ourselves.”

True enough, more than two years after their wedding in April 2011, the couple announced they were pregnant. Their royal baby, whether boy or girl, will move above Prince Harry in the line of heirs to the throne.

READ: Royal morning sickness: Kate Middleton’s condition explained

Kate will be the first commoner in 350 years to give birth to the future king or queen of England.

What’s in store for the #RoyalBaby?

According to a close friend of the Duchess quoted in an article by USMagazine.com, he or she can expect mummy Kate to be “firm but fair.”

The long-time pal adds, "Kate will let her children have fun and freedom, but she will also make sure they do what is best for them.”

READ: Prince Charles on Harry, and William and Kate's baby

The young mother faces the challenge of bringing up her child to be grounded and humble despite being born into privilege and wealth.

The royal heir’s first few years will be spent in Apartment 1A of Kensington Palace, a stylish, refurbished 21-room home where Princess Margaret, sister of the present Queen, once lived.

New home for a young family

These new digs will be an upgrade from the royal couple’s present living quarters, a cottage in the north of Kensington Palace grounds. At present, Kate and William pursue a relatively simple life doing their own cooking and washing. They employ no live-in staff although they do have a part-time housekeeper.

READ: Kate and William's royal baby due in July

When their baby comes, this may have to change. The tradition of Apartment 1A calls for at least a full-time housekeeper and maybe even a butler.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will be sure to surround their baby with special commoners starting with Kate’s parents. Even before becoming soon-to-be parents, William has greatly enjoyed the company of Carole and Michael Middleton.

READ: William and Kate snub queen for Middletons at Christmas

In an article by USMagazine.com, a close friend of the Middletons say, “I can imagine [the baby] spending summer visits at their grandmother and grandfather's."

And of course, Aunt Pippa will play a big role in her future nephew or niece’s childhood. The Middleton sisters, says a close friend, “share everything.” - With reports by Pia Ranada/Rappler.com