Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, right, speaking with Prince William and Kate Duchess of Cambridge as they arrive with their son Prince George
Royal fans are ready to welcome Prince William and Kate’s second child — a younger brother or sister to Prince George, whose birth two years ago whipped up a worldwide media frenzy.
As in 2013, the royals are keeping everyone guessing by disclosing virtually nothing about the baby — including the due date and gender.
If the bookies are to be believed, the baby will be a princess and she will be called Alice.
Here’s what we know — and don’t know — ahead of the second royal baby’s birth, expected in the coming days.
Clarence House announced on Sept. 8 that Kate was pregnant, but gave no clues about the due date other than to say it would be this month. On a recent public visit, Kate reportedly told a charity worker that she is due mid-to-late April.
The baby could share a birthday with her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, who was born on April 21. The newborn’s birthday could also coincide with William and Kate’s fourth wedding anniversary, on April 19.
Though there has been no confirmation of the baby’s gender, bookies and the British media seem confident it will be a girl. Some suggest that Kate herself offered a hint of what’s to come with her choice of clothing: She wore a bright pink coat for her final public appearance, before she disappeared for maternity leave.
As for what the baby will be called, many are betting on one quaint-sounding name: Alice.
The name is by far the favorite among Britain’s bookmakers, with William Hill putting odds at 2-1 after a number of unusually large bets came in for it. Ladbrokes puts the odds at 3-1. No one seems to know why, though.
Elizabeth and Charlotte follow closely, with Victoria, Alexandria and Diana trailing behind. James and Arthur come in as the top bets for a baby boy.
Britain’s royal family may be one of the world’s most traditional institutions, but its press team has made efforts to modernize communications by taking on Twitter and other social media.
Just like when George was born, royal officials plan to announce the baby’s birth by Twitter, broadcasting the news directly to the monarchy’s millions of followers worldwide.
Journalists will get a slight head start, though — reporters will get an email two minutes before the palace tweets the news.
About two hours later, officials will post a more traditional announcement on a gilded easel outside of Buckingham Palace. Sylvia Hui, London, AP
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