Royal Crier Admits He Was Not Invited to Announce Kate Middleton's New Royal Baby Boy Birth (VIDEO, PHOTO)
A royal crier, who announced the birth of the future British King after Kate Middleton gave birth yesterday in front of St. Mary's hospital, revealed that he wasn't invited and that he had crashed the party.
Tone Appleton, 76, took world media by surprise when he brought a bit of tradition back into the 21st century by clanging a bell to announce the birth of the new prince.
He clanged a bell, before declaring: "Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye!"
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"On this day, the 22nd of July, the year 2013, we welcome with honorable duty a future king.
"The first born of the Royal Highness, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The third in line to the throne.
"Our new prince is the third great-grandchild of Her Majesty the Queen and the first grandchild of the royal highness the Prince of Wales.
"May he be long lived, happy and glorious and one day to reign over us.
"God save the Queen."
He then rang his bell again, before declaring: "We've had a prince here today."
Appleton, from Chelmsford, Essex, has been a town crier for 25 years. He has been a fan of the royal family since he met the Queen Mother as a child.
He told Yahoo! News: "I love the royal family, I love them to bits."
He also explained his surprise to find his face plastered across newspapers around the world: "I can't believe it, I've opened up the newspapers and my face is all over them," he said.
"I was not invited, I just crashed the party. I got out of my cab and I stood in front of the steps, because I didn't think I would be allowed on them, and did my bit. It was great.
"It was a great atmosphere, it's like the Olympics."
The atmosphere across London has been one of celebration and joy and with famous landmarks being used to celebrate the birth by lighting up in red, white and blue. Royal fans have flocked to Buckingham Palace to celebrate the birth and nearly a thousand journalists are waiting outside of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital to catch a glimpse of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their first child.
Middleton is expected to leave the hospital today and cameras are stationed directly opposite the Lindo Wing entrance to capture her departure.
A 41-gun salute was held by The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery at Green Park in London to mark the birth. At the same time, the Honourable Artillery Company also fired a 62-gun salute from Gun Wharf at the Tower of London. The church bells of Westminster Abbey also rang out for three hours.
