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The "Modern" Royal Family
The world has been enthralled this week by the sensation across the pond over the birth of the royal baby. The ceremony and the pomp and circumstance announcing the birth can be traced to centuries past, but some also to the customs of current day.
A scene that’s very traditional but also a little bit modern, critics say the birth of the royal baby might be a sign of things to come.
“The world celebrates the new prince, the future king, the possible 1st British Monarch of the 22nd Century,’ CNN’s John Berman says.
The parents William and Kate have been hailed as young, fresh, modern.
In that style, a break from tradition; they sent word of the birth in an email.
“William and Kate are expected to be more hands on parents than past royals,” Berman says. “Instead of a nanny, they have reportedly hired a housekeeper to help around the palace. So no Mary Poppins unfortunately.”
The Public Celebrates England’s Newest Royal
It’s official. England has a new heir and it’s a boy!
Announced the traditional way, on an easel outside Buckingham Palace, and spread over the world's airwaves, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine, now have a son.
The baby boy was born at 4:24 p.m., weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces. But his name has yet to be revealed. The world awaits that revelation and the moment when the royal couple steps out of St. Mary’s Hospital with their little prince.
“There might be a moment before that when William comes out to speak to us,” CNN’s Max Foster says from outside the hospital. “That's unconfirmed so far. There is a plan in place if he decides to do that.”
Foster says the family will likely come out after the standard checkups and the mother and baby are discharged as well as when they are ready to go and face the cameras.
In fact, there was a four-hour delay between the birth and the announcement, which is longer than the media was expecting, Foster says.
“That was essentially bonding time with just the three of them spending time together, getting to know each other.”
The public is also anxious to get to know the newest royal and have been celebrating his birth ever since the announcement was made.
“There's a small crowd right now outside Buckingham Palace. They’re here to see that royal baby notice still posted on the easels in the gates of the palace forecourts,” CNN’s Erin McLaughlin reports.
“There was a party here last night. People were dancing. They were singing. They were toasting the future king.’
Follow along at CNN.com for complete coverage on the royal baby.
Royal Baby Watch: Duchess of Cambridge Kate Now in Labor
The royal baby watch is nearly over.
After weeks of waiting, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, is now in early labor.
Kate and Prince William arrived at Saint Mary's Hospital at about 6am in the U.K.
“The labor is progressing normally,” CNN’s Max Foster reports live from London.
“She’s inside [with] her full medical team, her own medical obstetricians–two of them–plus the hospital staff,” Foster says. “She could not be in better hands.”
CNN Royal Commentator Katie Nicholl has covered the royal family for more than a decade. She explains what the birth of this baby—third in line to the throne, means for the royal family.
“It will be historic child whether it's a boy or girl,” Nicholl says. “I think lot of people are hoping it will be a girl because of historical implementations that that will have.”
Standing outside of Buckingham Palace, Nicholl says, “Behind me, at the gate, is where the easel will be posted, at some point later on today when the royal baby arrives, announcing the weight, the sex, possibly name, and it will be here in keeping with royal protocol and historic tradition that everyone will find out first about the birth.”
But this is only after the Queen finds out.
“Prince William is under strict instructions to telephone the queen as soon as the birth has happened,” Nicholl says. “He will make that call on an especially encrypted phone. Royal protocol dictates that the Queen must be the first to be told before anyone else about the future heir.”
Tune in to CNN or follow along at CNN.com for developments.
Awaiting Kate and the newest Prince or Princess – Max Foster
Londoners and royal enthusiasts continue to anticipate the birth of England’s newest prince or princess–who is now overdue!
Max Foster is outside Saint Mary's Hospital with the confirmation that last Saturday was the due date. “We are in overdue territory,” Foster reports. “No wonder the family is on tender hooks.”
Prince Charles’ wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, yesterday was caught on microphone saying the family is all waiting for word by the telephone.
“I think by the end of the week, he or she will be there,” she said.
Visit CNN.com for complete coverage on the royal baby.
Kate to chrisen ship; last solo appearance for Duchess before giving birth – Richard Quest reports
They're getting ready this morning for a royal ceremony this morning in Southampton, England where the Duchess of Cambridge is about to become a godmother—to a cruise ship.
The christening ceremony will be Kate's last, official solo appearance before the birth of her baby next month. CNN’s Richard Quest is in Southampton with more.
Queen Elizabeth's 91-year-old husband to undergo surgery – CNN's Max Foster reports
Prince Philip, husband of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, is expected to undergo "an exploratory" abdominal surgery Friday at a London hospital, a Buckingham Palace spokesman said.
The Duke of Edinburgh was admitted to the hospital Thursday and is expected to stay there for up to two weeks, according to the palace statement.
He is being treated "following abdominal investigations."
The surgery will likely take place Friday unless the medical advice changes, the palace spokesman said.
The 91-year-old is set to celebrate his birthday Monday.
READ MORE: UK's Prince Philip to undergo 'exploratory' surgery
Queen Elizabeth celebrates 60 years on the throne- Max Foster reports
The United Kingdom celebrates 60 years of Queen Elizabeth's reign today. Max Foster has more on the occasion.
In 1953, 27-year-old Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in Westminster Abbey in a ceremony “steeped in tradition and religious symbolism,” Foster reports. “The first coronation held in the exact same spot was for William the Conqueror in 1066.”
The Queen returns to the Abbey today, marking the 60th anniversary of her reign in a low-key affair with close family and special guests.
Queen Elizabeth’s grandson Peter Phillips calls the occasion “a moment of great pride.” Phillips says, “There’s also the pride of being able to show our support as grandchildren and as children, to ensure she’s got a very supportive family around her.”
Camilla makes first solo trip abroad; Queen in Waiting visits Paris – Max Foster reports
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall makes a bold choice in making her first solo trip abroad to Paris. Max Foster explains.
CNN Trends: American women want 'royal' nose & Obama's ideal Israeli excursion
According to the New York Daily News, there's something the Duchess of Cambridge has that American women really want— her nose. There’s been a surge in women asking plastic surgeons for "The Kate Middleton". Experts say her nose has a feminine look with a cute upturn at the end.
Also trending on the web is an interview President Obama had with Israeli television ahead of his trip to Israel where he appears to be channeling Joe Biden in talking about what he'd really like to do there. He just wants to wander down Tel Aviv, go to a bar and spend time with strangers! The president heads to Israel for the first time as president next week.
VIDEO: Queen Elizabeth II hospitalized for stomach infection – Max Foster reports
CNN's Max Foster says the queen is suffering from the symptoms of gastroenteritis, and will likely be released tomorrow if things go smoothly.
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