The country is in celebration as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have welcomed their third child, a boy, who will be the Queen’s sixth grandchild.
The young prince was born yesterday in the Lindo Wing of Paddington Hospital, weighing at 8lbs 7oz, at 11:01 am. The newborn’s first visitors were his older siblings: Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Traditionally, Buckingham Palace announces the birth by placing a framed notice outside the palace, which after 24 hours is sent to the Privy Council in order for the birth to be recorded. However, just as with the two other young royals, the new royal was announced to the public via Twitter;
“@kensingtonroyal: Their Royal Highness’ would like to thank all staff at the hospital for the care and treatment they have received. They would also like to thank everyone for their warm wishes.”
This new royal family is definitely a modern one, with Princess Charlotte making history. The Succession of the Crown Act of 2013 was changed so that any new royal born after 2011, whether male or female, is in line to the throne. This took effect in 2015, so straight after Prince George, Princess Charlotte is the next in line. In the past, the crown would have gone to Prince Harry.
In an ever-changing society, the royal’s existence has come in to question. Does the United Kingdom need a royal family?
“The world has moved on. A royal family doesn’t really work in a place like the UK anymore,” said Katelyn Arnolds, 23, who was outside Waitrose on Holloway Road.
Jonathan Pryce, 32, was heading toward Highbury in a suit. He said that “it’s 50/50. They give the nation a good image and the Queen has some influence, but they’re more like a tourist attraction.”
“They do contribute to the country with charity, especially William and Harry,” stated Islington local Martin Fields, 27.
Whether you’re a royalist or a republican, this royal family will not disappear easily and it has a legacy that will live on for years. The interest is so strong that people are even willing to put money on them, and the new royal has not escaped bets on what he shall be called.
Will the new prince be Philip, Charles or Wayne? Watch this space…
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