The long-awaited royal heir finally graced the world with his presence on Monday and people in every corner of the globe are buzzing over his birth. Although the long wait for the royal baby's arrival is over, we still don't know his name or what he looks like.
To ease that almost overwhelming sense of anticipation, let's take a minute to acquaint ourselves with the future King of England. Here are five things to know about the newborn boy:
First things first - the child's name. Although his parents haven't publicly announced it yet, the baby will officially be known as "His Royal Highness Prince [Name] of Cambridge." CBS News reports that this title is the result of a Royal decree issued by Queen Elizabeth II earlier this year that allows all children born to Kate and William to be titled Prince or Princess.
Specifically the decree reads: "All of the children of the oldest son of the Prince of Wales should have and enjoy the style, title and attribute of Royal highness with the titular dignity of Prince of Princess prefixed to their Christian names or with such other titles of honor."
Along with new traditions come the old. One of the most important? The child's baptism. The Los Angeles Times reports that the future head of the Church of England will be baptized in a copy of the christening robe of satin-lined English lace that Queen Victoria had made for her eldest daughter in 1841. After 167 years of wear, the original gown was retired in 2004, after which Queen Elizabeth II ordered an exact replica be made.
Also in 1841, Queen Victoria commissioned the creation of the Lily Font for her eldest daughter's baptism. It's become tradition for royal babies to be baptized in the Lily Font, which is filled with water from the River Jordan, where it's said that Jesus was baptized.
Now let's take a look at lineage. The royal baby is a living link to Britain's imperial history. He is the great-great-great-great-great grandson of Queen Victoria, who ruled at the apex of British empire's power.
Going beyond that, there are many reports making the rounds that genealogists believe the baby is distantly related to Dracula, the 15th century prince who inspired Bram Stoker. Another line of thought traces the child's family tree back to an Islamic sultan who is believed to be a descendant of Prophet Mohammed.
On a related linear note, the birth of this baby boy marks the first time in 120 years that a reigning monarch - Queen Elizabeth II - is alive at the same time as three generations of heirs.
The young prince's royal heritage has led him to a life of leadership. As third-in-line for the throne, the future King of England will eventually rule over the U.K.'s 16 Commonwealth realms. Eventually he will reign over the U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
And finally, we all know that July 22, 2013 is a date that will live on through history. But many other legendary figures share the royal baby's birthday that should be celebrated as well.
Among them: fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, actress Selena Gomez, Denmark's Prince Felix, politician Bob Dole, comedian David Spade, comedian John Leguizamo, actor Danny Glover, game show host Alex Trebek, musician Rufus Wainwright, musician Don Henley, musician George Clinton, rapper Petey Pablo, singer Keith Sweat and author Tom Robbins, among many more.
In addition, 2,000 other babies were born in the U.K. Monday. The Washington Post reports that each of the royal heir's birthday twins will receive a silver coin in honor of their births.
The Royal Mint made 2,013 silver coins branded with the Royal Arms shield to hand out to British newborns born on the same day. Silver pennies are reportedly the British version of the silver spoon. To give a newborn silver is to wish upon him or her good fortune and health.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
