Let all of your Disney childhood dreams go wild, a prince has been born to the royal couple! As we announced earlier this afternoon, the much anticipated birth took place Monday, July 22 at approximately 4:24 pm London time after about ten and a half hours of labor for his mother Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (formerly Kate Middleton). This small baby boy—one day to be the King of England—already has the eyes of the world upon him. Kensington Palace announced today through formal press release,
“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4:24 p.m. The baby weighs 8lbs 6oz.”
It adds that Prince William was present for the birth, which took place in the same private Lindo wing where Princess Diana gave birth to both William and Harry in 1982 and 1984 respectively. He was only the second royal to attend the birth of his children, following a new tradition started by his father, Prince Charles. The formal press release added that “The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families” have been informed and are delighted with their new family member.
A car will carry the details of the royal baby’s birth to Buckingham Palace, where they will be displayed on an easel at the gates for the public to see.
The official title of the newborn will be His Royal Highness Prince [Name] of Cambridge, ruling over Britain and the other 15 nations—including Australia and Canada—that recognize the British monarch as head of state. His Queen great-grandmother created this title, after granting his father the Cambridge dukedom on his wedding day and issuing a decree earlier this year that all of William and Kate’s children be granted the title “Prince” or “Princess”. The royal child now also eclipses his uncle Prince Harry, becoming the new third in line to the throne, after his father Prince William and his grandfather Prince Charles.
The world may have to wait a bit longer in anticipation of the name, however. The royal family has a history of keeping secret the royal baby’s names. Harry’s was released on his birth day, but William’s was not released until about a week after his birth—their father’s after nearly a month. Luckily we may not have to wait too long. CNN Royal Correspondent Max Foster reported that the baby’s name may be announced after the family leaves the hospital. He also noted that some British families have delayed naming their own children in hopes of either copying or avoiding the royal name.
The yet-unnamed baby has come into the world in great pomp and circumstance. The Royal Mint has minted 2,013 silver coins imprinted with a Royal Shield to gift to British babies who share their birthday with the royal son. Souvenirs and commemorative memorabilia will flood stores through Britain. According to CNN, “Merchandise ranges from diaper covers and clothing to a ‘prince potty chair,’ which of course is in the shape of a throne.” Some economists expect the birth of the new royal child to boost the UK economy by $380 million. His arrival has been surrounded by a huge betting market as well—on everything from his name (George and James being the most popular bets) to the boy’s age when the first photograph of him at a nightclub is published.
The little boy has already topped the charts of social media, with at least seven Twitter topics trending in the UK and “Kate Middleton” topping the list in the United States. Celebrities from around the globe have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts on the royal newborn. From Olivia Wilde: “I don’t understand how I’m still doing phone interviews when Kate Middleton is in labor. Don’t they have to go cover the crowning?!” Rashida Jones joked, “Today may be a good day to announce my new EDM DJ name: Royal Baby Labour”. Even Snooki encouraged the royal mother, tweeting “Push girl, pushhhhhh ! #KateMiddleton #RoyalBaby #excited”. The Obamas also sent their well wishes over to the British Royal Family!
After all the wait and anticipation, we are so excited to welcome the new royal baby into the world! Congratulations, Royal Family!