What should they name the baby?
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The wait is over.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed their first child, a baby boy, Monday afternoon at 4:24 p.m. (BST) at St. Mary’s hospital in London.
The baby, weighing 8 lbs and 6 oz., is third in line to the British Throne, after Prince Charles and Prince William.
Members of the Commonwealth joined the British in celebrating the royal arrival. In Tillsonburg, royal watchers following on television and social media welcomed the newest edition to the House of Windsor and the Royal Family.
“I’m excited but I’m also anxious to know whether it’s a boy or a girl,” said Elaine Balpataky Monday morning, waiting for the arrival of a new prince or princess.
Balpataky shared the sentiment that it is an interesting time for a royal birth because of recent changes to British succession rules, which allow for a girl or a boy – whichever is born first – to be a direct heir to the British throne.
“I think it’s wonderful that the law was changed prior to the birth of the baby,” she said.
Following royalty has been a life long tradition for Balpataky.
“When I was in school we sang God Save the Queen and we were very cognizant of the Royal Family.”
Mary Lou Sergeant has a British background, and a grandmother who was a royal watcher. She carries on the tradition today, especially on special occasions like a royal birth.
“I was told stories about her life in England and the royal family when she was a little girl, so in a sense I grew up with it,” said Sergeant noting that she still has family in Cheshire, England.
“I suppose because we here in Canada are so distant from them, it seems a little more interesting.
“And this is the year of the Queen’s jubilee celebration so there’s added interest. The royal birth and the royal couple have added a positive boost to the royal family.”
The Duchess of Cambridge and her baby son, yet unnamed, spent the night in hospital and are expected to leave sometime over the next couple of days.
To honour the new royal baby a 62-gun salute was scheduled Tuesday at the Tower of London, and following that a 41-gun salute in London’s Hyde Park.
The Royal Mint in London is giving out 2,013 commemorative coins – a silver penny with a shield of the Royal Arms, presented in either a blue or pink pouch to the first 2,013 British babies who share the royal birthday of July 22, 2013.