In an age of social media, the British royal family used the perfect blend of current-day technology and traditional custom to announce the arrival of Prince William and Duchess Catherine’s third child – a boy!
Not long after the Prince’s arrival was declared on the Kensington Palace Twitter account, an official notice was placed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to mark the birth of their third child.
“A notice has been placed on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace following the announcement of the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child,” Kensington Palace explained via Twitter.
“It is tradition that a framed notice of birth goes on display on a ceremonial easel on the forecourt at the Palace,” the statement continued.
The practice of posting a bulletin to announce a royal birth dates back to as long as Buckingham Palace has been the monarch’s place of official residence, reportedly from around 1837.
In keeping with strict protocol, the bulletin will be displayed for 24 hours before it is removed.
After it’s taken down, it’s then sent to the Privy Council Office so the details of the announcement can be logged by the Privy Council records.
Earlier on Monday, April 23rd Kensington Palace confirmed Duchess Catherine and Prince William had welcomed a son at St Mary’s hospital in Paddington, London.
“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs. The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz [about 3.8kgs]. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well,” the palace confirmed in a statement.
News that Kate was in labour was first announced at 08:23am, London time, in a statement which said: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London earlier this morning in the early stages of labour.”
“The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge.”
All eyes remain on the Lindo Wing as the world awaits the Royal Baby’s big debut!