There are very few countries in the world where one can turn on the television on the eve of a national election, and find respected journalists discussing what type of blanket a baby that was just born will have. The United Kingdom, however, is an exception.
While politicians prepare for the polls that could throw Britain into its greatest period of political uncertainty in decades, most of the world looked instead to the brick frontage of a London hospital. The exclusive private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital Paddington is where Britons just saw the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge follow up the critical success of their first born son, Prince George, with an equally anticipated sequel: a little princess, who was born on Saturday, May 2. The princess, whose name remains unknown, is fourth in line for the throne.
For those Americans befuddled by the recent influx of Royal Baby Coverage, the Daily Dot has decided to try and shed some light on what we’ll be seeing on our TV screens for the next few days.
When?
Kensington Palace announced that the Royal Baby (™) was “safely delivered” at 8:34 am BST. An official notice marking the baby’s arrival was placed on an easel at the front of Buckingham Palace this morning.
The easel at Buckingham Palace giving details of the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s daughter today pic.twitter.com/0yp1lNi462
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 2, 2015
What kind of paper was the notice written on?
Cream notepaper by the Wren Press.
Why does it matter?
While Prince George is now in line to be King, it is not too rare in British history for a sibling to take up the crown unexpectedly. (Henry VIII, for instance only got his series on Showtime after the death of his older brother Arthur.) The Royal Baby is fourth in line to the throne behind her grandfather Prince Charles, her dad Prince William and her brother.
Where was it born?
The Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London. It’s famous for hosting royal births, as well as the births of other very important members of society (including that of this author). Rooms can go from £5,000 a night, with additional charges for extras like the provided minibar.
Unlike certain hotel chains, it is impossible to rack up frequent resident points in return for free stays, but those with their second child, like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, are given a small discount.
What will it be called?
While royal names are extremely hard to predict, there are some which are avoided, such as John after both the disastrous Prince John of Robin Hood fame (not actually a lion) and also the autistic Prince John, a 20th century son of King George V who died very young. Given that the Royal Baby is female, it’s unlikely that she’ll be given any of these names, but speculation is rampant on social media.
They better name her Amelia Mignonette Grimaldi Thermopolis Renaldo
— Nicholas Kusnir (@NicholasKThinks) May 2, 2015
The #RoyalBaby is a girl.
— Jon Snow (@LordSnow) May 2, 2015
Please don’t name her Cersei.
Bookies are also placing bets on the royal baby’s name, with the most popular options being “Alice” and “Charlotte.”
What kind of blanket will she have?
The same “aden+anais bird-print muslim” in which Prince George was swaddled, according to the tabloid Hello! Canada. The cloth comes in four different jungle-themed patterns, including “doodled bird,” “giraffe,” “elephant,” and “money.”
How is Her Royal Highness doing?
“Well,” according to a tweet from the official Kensington Twitter account.
Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 2, 2015
Photo via Christopher Neve/Flickr (CC BY SA 2.0)
