Kate Middleton and Prince William are just weeks away from welcoming their first child into the world and royal baby excitement is at an all time high. When William and Kate's baby is born in July, celebrations around the world will take place to mark the new heir to the throne's arrival.The euphoria surrounding the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first child is set to be similar to when Prince William was born when hundreds gathered outside the St Mary's Hospital in London hoping to catch a glimpse of the newborn, in what was described as a "carnival atmosphere".In London, the baby will be announced in a traditional manner and news of the baby's birth will be placed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
"We wanted to retain some of the theatre of the notice," a palace spokesperson revealed. "It is quite important to us that this is done properly and with the degree of dignity that the event demands. This is the birth of a child who will be in line to the throne. "After the announcement, crowds are expected to gather near the Palace, as a 41-gun salute in Green Park will mark the city's celebration of the newborn. As Britain welcomes the Queen's third great-grandchild, across the Atlantic thousands will celebrate the birth of William and Kate's son or daughter.Tea parties are planned across America and newspaper The Washington Post has already declared that the couple's first child will be "the world's most famous baby".
In 2011, when Prince William married Kate Middleton, 30 million Americans watched the ceremony on TV, and since their magical day interest in the coulpe has soared with several special programmes due to air in the coming weeks.Last week, US morning show Today featured a segment dedicated to how William and Kate's dog Lupo will react to the baby's arrival and gave tips on how to introduce the newborn to the family pet.In New Jersey, an outdoor party has already taken place with an actress playing the part of the pregnant Duchess.Parties have also been taking place across the US, in South Africa and in India. "We wanted to mark the occasion with a big party," revealed Texan local Judy Phillips.
In Canada, where the couple visited just months after they were married, Niagara Falls is expected to be lit up blue or pink depending on the gender of William and Kate baby after a request from the Monarchist League of Canada. "There has been a noticeable surge in Canadian interest in the Royal family in the last few years," explained president of the league, Robert Finch.The group are also hoping the Toronto CN Tower will light up after the news of the baby's arrival.With just a couple weeks to go until Kate's due date, Australia has also joined royal baby mania. Earlier this week, former Prime Minister Julia Gillard was pictured knitting a kangaroo for the newborn.
Many Australians are also expected to travel to the UK to mark the occasion, with Adelaide-based travel agent Phil Hoffman Travel seeing an 80 per cent increase in bookings to London to coincide with the baby's arrival. "The much-anticipated arrival of the Duchess of Cambridge's baby has given holiday-makers even more reason to head back to London," a company spokesman explained.As celebrations take place around the globe, millions are expected to purchase royal baby memorabilia to honour the occasion. Earlier this month it was reported the British public are set to spend £250million on champagne, memorabilia and food for parties. It is expected Britons will buy three million bottles of Champagne and sparkling wine as they toast the newborn.As William and Kate's first born becomes the most famous baby in the world, magazines across the globe are planning special editions for the new arrival, from the USA and Canada to Spain, Russia, India and Germany. "Women’s magazines are all ready to make a huge splash of the royal birth," revealed one royal commentator.
In June it was confirmed that Kate plans to follow in the footsteps of William's mother Diana, Princess of Wales, by giving birth in the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London. The Lindo Wing, within one of London's NHS-run teaching hospitals, has welcomed previous royal babies, including Zara Phillips and Peter Phillips.According to the hospital's website a normal delivery package costs £4,965 for the first 24 hours, rising to £6,420 for the first 24 hours of a Caesarean birth.