About the Duchess of Cambridge & the new heir to the throne

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have proudly announced the arrival of the latest additional to the Royal family; a baby boy was safely delivered at 4.24pm on Monday 22nd July 2013 weighing 8lbs 6oz. #Royalbaby, will be third in line to the throne, nudging Prince Harry down to forth.

Kate Middleton’s first born is likely to be the most famous baby in the World! To make sure no one misses the first public appearance of the new heir, the world press have been on baby watch, camped outside the Duchess’s hospital along with huge crowds gathering each hopeful to see the baby for the first time.

As the Duchess looks forward to the birth of her first born, we take a look at her birth plan and the first few months of the new heir’s welcome to the World...

Where was the Royal baby born?

Catherine Middleton gave birth in the Lindo Wing of the prestigious St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. She had a top medical team on standby, led by the Queen’s former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell. The hospital’s post-natal room boasts a classic, modern hotel feel and was kept free for exclusive use by the Duchess who arrived in the early hours of Monday morning, around 0530, her private en-suite includes a satellite TV, a bedside phone and a safe plus a comfortable fully reclining sofa for new dad Prince William.

St. Mary’s was opened in 1937 by the Queen Mother and has long been a favourite of the royal family. It is where Prince William himself was born in 1982 and Princess Diana proudly showed off her first born on those famous steps at the front entrance.

Although the baby was born at 16.24 UK time, the proud parent's delayed the announcement of the birth until 9pm to allow valuable bonding time as a new family. As Prince William and Catherine announced the news to their immediate family, Prince Charles said in a statement “Both my wife and I are overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild. It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy…” and Prince William has said “We could not be happier”.

The Royal couple’s private secretaries, by tradition will have announced the birth to the Prime Minister, David Cameron & a small number of highly placed individuals including Catherine’s close family. Buckingham Palace announced the new royal arrival to the heads of 54 commonwealth countries and first ministers of Scotland and Northern Island and placed an official announcement on an easel placed outside of the Palace.

When will we see the new baby?

The proud new parents will present their baby to the world on those famous steps outside the St. Mary's Lindo Wing once Kate has been officially released from hospital.

How will their new born be addressed?

The Queen recently overturned a 1917 decree whereby the 'Succession To The Crown Bill' will make the UK’s old fashioned rules are fit for the 21st Century! The Royal baby boy will take the title His Royal Highness, Prince *** of Cambridge.

William and Catherine have not yet chosen a name; they will have selected a few possibilities and will not make a decision until the baby is born. The world is rife with guesses – most popular choices including George, James, Philip, Arthur & Alexander.

The new baby home

William and Kate are currently residing in the modest two bedroom Nottingham Cottage within the Palace grounds, it’s in close proximity to Kate’s chosen hospital. It’s anticipated that Kate will want to spend valuable time with her parents at their home in Berkshire where her mum and sister will help her to adapt to being a new mum. The Duke and Duchess will eventually move into their newly refurbished apartment, 1A Kensington Palace in the Autumn.

Kensington Palace

This 21 bedroom apartment and former home of Princess Margaret has recently undergone a £12Million public facelift and refurbishment since it has not received any major attention in over a decade. Certain parts of the Palace and grounds will be open to the public.

How the World will celebrate

Experts predict the UK public will spend approx. £243million on memorabilia, champagne and food for parties. Australian and US travel companies have seen a surge in travellers to the UK capital, with the hope they will get to see the new born and join in with the exciting party atmosphere.

To mark the special occasion, The Royal Mint has produced a special Lucky Silver Penny stamped with 2013. Silver has been given to babies and children as a symbol of good luck for centuries, this coin from The Royal Mint lets you to continue this tradition but in a new way.

The silver penny is marked with the year 2013, marking the important year. The coin comes housed in a blue or pink drawstring pouch that, in turn, is held in a pleasingly illustrated gift card, a perfect birth or christening gift.

Heads of states are finding the choice of gift from their country a tough decision. Australia were rumoured to have considered sending the new born a stuffed Kangaroo knitted by Julia Gillard as part of their gift for the royal baby, however is Prime Minister Kevin Rudd choosing something more elaborate? An opal-encrusted baby rattle perhaps?

Almost every major high street chain will sell memorabilia to mark this special occasion, from wine to chocolates and sweets and the traditional glassware and ornaments. Mothercare are also jumping on the royal baby band wagon with special edition romper suits and babygros expected to be a sell out.

Whatever you’re planning to do to celebrate the new heir to the throne and this special and one of the most important days in the history of the UK, enjoy!

Written by Chrissie for ExpatWoman.com