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What Life Looks Like for British Royal Babies

Being a parent is no easy task, and if you've been one, you most likely agree with us on this matter. There are countless books, guides, lectures, and research papers on the proper ways to take care of a developing baby. People specialize and dedicate whole professions to the matter of a baby's sleep or nutrition.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could be accompanied by the highest-trained professionals at all times? Imagine having the world's most reliable nannies at your disposal! This is, more or less, a royal mother's experience. Discover the cool and surprising facts about the British royal family's babies, the only babies in the world who are given passports at birth.

1. The royal birth

Diana and Charles with baby William Diana and Charles with baby William/Source


Traditionally, royal mothers gave birth at home, in the palace. Princess Diana, however, gave birth in St. Mary's Hospital in the private Lindo Wing, thus breaking this tradition and paving the way for a new one.

In the past, an official witness had to be present at the time of birth to make sure there was no baby swapping. This ancient tradition ended before the birth of Prince Charles in 1948. This witness, usually a secretary, was the only male allowed in the room - even fathers weren't allowed!

2. A royal welcome to the world

The guns firing at Green Park The guns firing at Green Park/Source

Royal babies are welcomed into the world with many announcements and ceremonies. The new royal is honored by a 62-gun salute from the Tower of London, followed by a 41-gun salute from Green Park. As a tribute to tradition, the town crier also announces the birth. This position was invented in medieval times when most people couldn't read the news.

Upon the baby's safe delivery into the world, a birth announcement is displayed on a golden easel in front of Buckingham Palace. This announcement used to be handwritten, but nowadays, it is typed and carefully signed by the delivering doctor.

3. What's in a name?

Prince George on his first day at school Prince George on his first day at school/Source

Royal babies bear three or four names, usually those of previous monarchs. They traditionally don't use a last name. Instead, they are known by the name of the royal house or by the country they rule. For instance, Prince George is known at his school as George Cambridge. Other members of the family can go by Windsor or Mountbatten-Windsor when required.

The names of royal babies are not revealed to the public right away. The news is revealed either on the day of leaving the hospital or a few days later. The gender, too, is not disclosed until the baby's arrival.

4. First appearance

Kate and William's first appearance after birth Kate and William's first appearance after birth/Source

The royal mother's clothes are carefully chosen for her first public appearance after giving birth. The babies are traditionally wrapped in a merino wool blanket made by the small family business GH Hurt and Son. This century-old company has been making luxurious knitted-lace shawls for three generations of royals. The royal babies usually (but not exclusively) ride a classic Silver Cross stroller, a brand known as the Rolls Royce of baby strollers. The oldest existing stroller dates back to 1877, and generally, they can cost up to 4,000$.

It is a custom that royal families worldwide send gifts to newborns. But the public can also send their own gifts! Prince George received no less than 610 unofficial presents from well-wishers from all around the world.

5. Baby's first public steps

Queen Elizabeth holding Charles in his christening gown Queen Elizabeth holding Charles in his christening gown/Source

Royal babies, just like any other baby in the United Kingdom, have to be registered at the local register office within 42 days of being born.

But before 42 days have passed, royal babies are christened by the official head of the Church of England. This is done using water from the Jordan River, the place where Christians believe Jesus was baptized. On the day of the event, the baby is dressed in a christening gown made of white silk and hand-sewn lace. This gown was made in 2004 as an exact replica of a gown used in 1841 for the christening of Queen Victoria's eldest daughter. No less than 62 royal babies have been christened in this gown, which has been in use for eight generations. There will usually be about 6 godparents announced, all related in one way or another to the Royal family, but none are Royal family members.

6. Royal education

William, Kate, and young George with their nanny William, Kate, and young George with their nanny/Source
Children of the Royal Family are traditionally homeschooled. However, some royal parents prefer an elite private school instead. Princess Diana broke this tradition too when she chose to send Prince William to public school. In between school hours, the main caretakers are nannies. They are highly trained and hold an impressive skill set, usually taught at this academy.
British royals live a privileged lifestyle that is highly regimented and luxurious from the moment they are born.
Source: 1, 2, 3, 4
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