Babies born on the same day as Kate Middleton and Prince William's firstborn will receive their own royal gift in the form of a lucky silver coin.The Royal Mint has announced it will give away 2,013 silver coins to newborns who share their birthday with the couple's child.
Crossing the palms of babies with silver is a traditional way of wishing them luck, health and wealth.
Silver coins are usually sold by the Royal Mint as gifts, but 2,013 will be available at no extra cost; with an average of 2,000 babies born in the UK every day, the Royal Mint should be able to distribute one to every parent who can prove their baby was born on the special day.
The sterling silver penny will bear the shield of the Royal arms — three lions, the Scottish lion and the Irish harp — along with the year 2013. Depending on the sex of the child, it will be presented in a pink or blue pouch.
Shane Bisset, of the Royal Mint, said, "The birth will be a joyous occasion for the whole nation. It will also be a special day for many mothers and father across the country as they too welcome their new baby.
Kate is just eight days away from her 13th July due date, and is set to give birth to the future monarch at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, where William was also born in 1982.