It's business as usual for grandfather-to-be Prince Charles who was in York on Monday morning just hours after news broke that Kate Middleton was in labour with the royal baby.As the media frenzy hit an all-time high outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's hospital, Paddington, Charles was more than 200 miles north in the cathedral city carrying out his official duties.The grandfather-to-be said "No news yet" as crowds and reporters asked him about the impending new addition to the royal family.When asked what he knew about the progress of the royal baby, Charles replied "Absolutely nothing, we're waiting."
Charles was due to visit the National Railway Museum where he would take part in celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the day that the world record for the fastest steam train was broken. The 64-year-old has a visit to York Minster scheduled for later on Monday afternoon.
Monday was the first day of his two-day tour of Yorkshire. On Tuesday, he will be joined by his wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
Prince Charles is no doubt being kept informed of progress at the hospital, the same hospital where his sons Prince William and Prince Harry were born.The second in line to the throne recently spoke of his excitement at becoming a grandfather.When asked if he was looking forward to little Prince or Princess's birth, Prince Charles said, "Oh, yes. It is very important to create a bond when they are very young."
"Any hints on grandparenthood?" he asked a women's circle in a village in South Wales last week."Spoil them and enjoy it, but give them back at the end of the day," said Eileen Joseph, 74, to much laughter. "You tend to have more time for your grandchildren than you had for your children ."
"It's true," said Prince Charles with a smile. "It's a different part of your life. The great thing is to encourage them. Show them things to take their interest. My grandmother did that, she was wonderful. "Meanwhile Prince Harry is at RAF Wattisham with his Apache squadron as he awaits the news of his little niece or nephew.
Great-grandmother-to-be the Queen is at Windsor Castle ahead of her annual holiday to Balmoral, Scotland. Last week she said she hoped the royal baby would arrive soon because she was going on holiday.
