The Most Famous Baby On Earth

Zoomer | July 22nd, 2013

Phil Dampier is one of the UK’s most respected royal writers; someone who has enjoyed privileged across to the monarchy across almost three decades. In our latest exclusive piece, he reveals how William and Kate’s baby – which arrived on July 22 – is set for a life like no other, and outlines 30 reasons why.

 

The arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s firstborn will have media organisations around the world clamouring for the first pictures of the future British king.

Millions of words have already been written about the royal newcomer, but much of it has been speculation. So as we welcome the latest addition to the House of Windsor, here are 30 FACTS about the boy destined to become monarch.

1: The baby will be third-in-line to the British throne behind Prince Charles and Prince William.

2: He was born in mid-July, making him a Cancerian.

3: If the baby had been born after July 22 he would have been a Leo. (Kate’s mother Carole has reportedly been telling friends it will be a Leo.)

4: Succession law changes going on now would have meant that boy or girl, the new arrival will one day be king or queen of the United Kingdom and 15 other Commonwealth Countries where the Queen is still currently head of state, unless they decide otherwise in the future.

5: The baby is Prince Charles’s first grandchild.

6: He is the Queen and Prince Philip’s third great -grandchild.

7: From birth the child will be a Prince with the title His Royal Highness.

8: The Queen issued Letters Patent at the end of last year to ensure a girl would become a Princess, overturning a 1917 decree by George V that only a boy would have a title from birth.

9: If Prince William lives until 80 the child won’t become king or queen until 2062.

10: If the child lives to 87 he will become the first monarch of the 22nd century!

11: Kate has said that she wants a boy and William said he was hoping for a girl. Before the birth, they did not know the sex.

12: Alexandra, Victoria, Elizabeth and Diana were the bookies’ favourite names for a girl.

13: George, Charles, Philip and James for a boy.

14: William and Kate would not have announced she was pregnant until after her 12-week scan but were forced to let the world know in December 2012 when the Duchess was admitted to hospital with acute morning sickness.

15: The baby was delivered by royal surgeon-gynaecologist Alan Farthing.

16: The baby was born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, the same suite where William and Henry were born.

17: Prince William was present at the birth.

18: Following tradition, it was thought the birth would be officially announced with a note pinned on the gates of Buckingham Palace. However, news of the birth was released via Twitter.

19: A 41-gun salute will be fired in London Parks to celebrate the birth.

20: The baby will be christened in the Music Room of Buckingham Palace by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

21: He will wear a lace christening gown made by the Queen’s dresser Angela Kelly and her team.

22: It is a replica of a gown made for Queen Victoria’s daughter Victoria, which was then used for more than 30 royal babies until it started to wear out.

23: Kate’s parents Michael and Carole will become grandparents for the first time.

24: The baby will have six or seven godparents drawn from family and friends.

25: Contrary to earlier speculation, Palace officials earlier confirmed Kate was NOT expecting TWINS.

26: Prince William has said he is looking forward to being a dad – but NOT the sleepless nights!

27: A nursery has been prepared for the new arrival in William and Kate’s new apartment at Kensington Palace.

28: Kate has already bought a blue Bugaboo buggy which can act as a pram or pushchair. They cost up to £1,000.

29: William prepared to be a parent by reading Commando Dad – Basic Training, a guide to fatherhood by former Marine Neil Sinclair.

30: The Prince has admitted he has never changed a nappy, but will learn how to do it.