When the Duchess of Cambridge, neé Kate Middeleton, visits her parents in the little English village of Bucklebury, it's The Old Boot Inn which she picks as her pub of choice. So naturally, the establishment's management are very excited about their VIP client's impending new arrival.
Owner John Haley, who was invited to the royal wedding at Westminster Abbey in 2011, has revealed to HELLO! Online how the pub will celebrate the birth of the royal baby - though he stresses they have no inside knowledge about when the new little Prince or Princess will make an entrance.
"Because none of us know what day it is, on Friday 1 May we've got a big party to celebrate," said John, adding: "So we're hoping she will hang on for another week."
© Photo: Getty ImagesPrince William and Kate are expecting their second child any day soon
John and co know how to throw a royal party - in 2011 to celebrate Prince William and Kate's wedding they held a ticket-only barbecue and disco, with all proceeds going to local charity, the John Simonds Trust, an educational charity which teaches people about the countryside and farming.
After Prince George's birth in 2013, some royal fans are hoping for a little girl this time around. But John says his regulars don't mind either way. "We're guessing a girl as she has a boy already, but they don’t mind as long as everyone is happy and healthy," he says.
© Photo: RexThe Old Boot Inn is Kate's preferred pub of choice when visiting her parents
John also says that like many pubs up and down the country, in 2013 the locals did place bets on the royal baby's birth date, weight, and sex, but this time around, they haven't been as prepared.
He says: "We might, especially if it does last until next week when we have the party, so I might set it up again this weekend."
John has been welcoming guests to 18th century free house The Old Boot Inn for 17 years. Though he doesn't see Kate as much these days, he says: "We see plenty of her when she pops down to see her mum and dad."
When the Duchess does stop by, she asks for no special treatment and "eats off the normal menu", according to John. By the time of her next visit, there may be a new selection of dishes for Kate to choose from, with a menu possibly in the works - inspired by the new royal baby. "I may think of a special one for next week, maybe we’ll get some baby names," he says.
