Royal Baby Watch: Queen Hopes Heir is Born Before She Leaves for Vacation
As each day passes, Royal watchers are becoming more and more eager for William and Kate's baby to arrive. Queen Elizabeth, William's grandmother, recently spoke about her own wish for the baby to arrive soon.
"I would very much like it to arrive. I'm going on holiday. No sign yet," the Queen told children in Cumbria. She is due to head to Balmoral in Scotland at the end of next week for her traditional vacation.
Of course, Queen Elizabeth would love to be nearby when her great-grandchild and the heir to the throne, is born, but circumstances may dictate otherwise. For now, Kate and William are spending time at Kate's parents' home in Bucklebury and at Nottingham Cottage. William has taken time off from his work with the Royal Air Force to spend time with his wife in her final days of pregnancy.
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People around the world are taking bets on when the new Prince or Princess of Cambridge will arrive. While most thought that Kate was due on July 13, a source revealed that the true due date is July 23. Paparazzi have already camped outside St. Mary's Hospital where Kate will give birth. However, knowing the security and Royal protocol, no one will see her or William arrive at the hospital. Instead, a formal announcement will likely be made after she is admitted.
Royal birth announcements are traditionally hung on the gates of Buckingham Palace, although the baby's name will likely be kept a secret until Kate and William feel comfortable announcing it. Diana and Charles took several days to choose and announce the name of their sons.
The London Mint announced that a "lucky silver penny" will be given to all British babies born on the same day as the Royal baby. So far the newest addition to the monarchy has brought the U.K. quite a bit of income in souvenirs and other items commemorating the birth.
