Weeks of anticipation are finally over as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby son is born weighing in at 8.6 pounds – congratulations to Kate and William!
News of the Royal Baby’s birth was announced at the hospital, prior to the official notice displayed in the traditional fashion, via an easel hung from the railings of Buckingham Palace:
Weight: 8.6 pounds
Gender: Boy
Time of Birth: 4.24pm
Although in a truly modern twist the announcement was also made on twitter and facebook! The little prince is now third in line to the British throne, after Prince Charles and Prince William.
The next big question surrounds the name, with the announcement potentially being days or even weeks away. Betting has been frenzied, with bookmakers’ favourites being George, James and Henry.
One cheeky bookmaker even offered odds of the baby being named after the South Korean ‘Gangnam Style’ singer Psy, with odds of 5,000-1. Bets were also taken on the baby’s date of birth, gender and hair colour. The surname will also be decided (although it’s not required) and could potentially be Mountbatten-Windsor, Cambridge or Wales. One thing’s for sure, the baby’s name will influence the next generation of babies!
Kate Middleton remains in St Mary’s Hospital in West London and she gave birth on the Lindo Wing, where Prince William and Prince Harry were also born. In fact, the birth of William in 1982 was the first royal birth to take place in a hospital, as all previous royal babies were born at home. In another modern move, Prince William will now take two weeks paternity leave from his role as a search and rescue pilot within the RAF.
The first glimpse of the new royal baby will be likely be on the steps of St Marys Hospital, as the proud new parents show off their son to the international media, who have been camped outside at the hospital for weeks.
Over the coming weeks and months, countries within the Commonwealth, of which there are 54, will light up key building in blue to celebrate the royal birth. Buildings in Canada and Australia as well as the UK will be lit up. The royal birth will hold with traditional and will be marked with a 41-gun salute in Green Park and also a 62 gun salute at the Tower of London. In addition, government buildings across the Commonwealth will fly the Union Jack flag.
