Royal baby fever reaches well beyond the small isle of Great Britain. Credit: Reuters
Today: The Birth
It is confirmed that Kate Middleton has been in labor since at least 6 a.m. But so far the royal baby has played it pretty fast and loose with punctuality, so exactly when he or she will come into the world is anyone’s guess (as of 11 a.m., we have no word). But we can likely expect the arrival today.
The announcement will be done the traditional way, in the form of a bulletin propped on an easel outside Buckingham Palace, which will also tell us the gender of the baby. But if you aren’t within walking distance fear not, as the monarchy shall move with the times by announcing the news on Twitter and Facebook as well. And just in case you’re left in any doubt, a 62-gun salute from the Tower of London, a 41-gun salute from Green Park and town criers will also chime in.
This week: Celebrations
The festivities won’t be just a British affair, with the world getting in on the royal baby action. Celebrations of note include New Zealand’s plan to light up nearly 30 landmarks in colours that reflect the sex of the baby and calls in Canada to similarly illuminate Niagara Falls. In England, the London Eye will be lit in the colors of the Union Jack, and the capital’s Green Park will host the largest gathering of revelers.
The next couple of weeks: The Name
There is no official protocol for announcing the name a la the birth, but history tells us it is likely to be released in the next few weeks. Back in ’82 we were kept waiting for a week before finding out William’s name, but Princess Beatrice wasn’t known as such until two weeks after her birth.
The next month: Royal Coins
All the other babies born today already have their university funds sorted, as the Royal Mint will be giving each of them a silver penny that will probably end up on eBay in 20 years’ time. A special five-pound coin will also be created in commemoration of the birth.
