School run for Samantha before she sorts out move to Downing Street

Samantha Cameron did the school run today before beginning to make preparations for moving her family into No 10.

The Prime Minister's wife, who is five months' pregnant, set off wearing a maternity dress borrowed from a friend, a grey Joseph blazer, Russell & Bromley pumps and clutching her trademark black Smythson handbag.

She later headed for Downing Street to inspect the family's new residence.

One Tory party source said: "It all happened so quickly in the end that we don't know when they will be moving to Downing Street, but it will be happening at some point."

Mrs Cameron, 39, may have mixed feelings about the move. Walking into the family's home in North Kensington two years ago, a neighbour said: "Next time you move, it'll be to Downing Street. " She is said to have replied: "I f***ing hope not."

Tory insiders said she wants life to carry on as usual. She expects to continue her four-day-a-week job as a creative director at Smythson, the leather goods and personalised stationery company.

But Mrs Cameron will have to juggle her family life with her responsibilities as unofficial adviser to her husband, escort on a string of foreign trips and hostess at numerous Downing Street receptions. The family is likely to live in the grand apartment above No 11 created by Tony Blair to accommodate his wife and children

It has a bright, modern kitchen and a dining room with a table large enough for the dinner parties so loved by the Camerons.

Mr Cameron's father Ian today said his son had called him this morning. "Everything is very much under control," he said.

The former stockbroker said he hoped to visit soon "but not today", adding: "I think we'll see them this weekend."