When a new royal enters the world, members of The Firm often have to follow hundreds of years of tradition. From Queen Elizabeth to Princess Catherine, royals have followed palace protocols when it comes to the birth of their babies. The traditions cover everything from announcing the birth to the public, picking a suitable name and even what happens in the delivery room itself.
Modern royal mothers such as Princess Catherine have reshaped tradition, but both she and the late Queen Elizabeth II had to navigate a series of protocols when bringing future monarchs into the world. Here are seven of the most unusual childbirth rules royal mothers have had to follow.
Gender not revealed before birth
The palace announces a couple's pregnancy and usually the month that the baby is due. However, the baby's gender and exact due date stay private until the baby is born. When Princess Catherine was pregnant with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, their genders were not revealed until after birth.
The royal baby has three or four names
Royal babies are usually given three or four names which are often steeped in tradition. The names have often been used in the family for centuries, such as George and Charles, reports Hello! Magazine. Princess Charlotte's middle names are Elizabeth (in honour of Queen Elizabeth II), but also Diana (in tribute to Princess Diana). The Queen typically approved the names of royal babies who are closest in line to the throne.
The birth is announced via a town crier
The birth of a royal baby is announced by a town crier. Tony Appleton has announced the births of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on the steps of the Lindo Wing. The role originated in medieval times and has still continued on until today.
An easel is displayed at Buckingham Palace
In the modern day, with social media, a royal couple may announce their news on Instagram. But there will still always be an official announcement in print which can be visited at Buckingham Palace. The easel usually shows information on the baby's sex, weight and time of birth. It is usually signed by the medical team.
Gun salutes
To mark a new royal birth, military gun salutes are fired across the UK, including at Hyde Park or Green Park and the Tower of London. Salutes at the Tower of London run for a full 10 minutes because of its status as a Royal Palace in the City of London.
