Getting high on a royal highness

Getting high on a royal highness

Forget Disney princesses.

A true-blue princess could be born any day now.

Prince William, 32, and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, 33, are expecting their second child this month.

If the fanfare over the arrival of their first child George in July 2013 was anything to go by, we're looking at twice the buzz.

With just weeks or maybe days to go before little George's younger sibling arrives, here are some nuggets about royal baby No. 2.

GENDER

It's a girl! At least, among the speculative and observant womb-watching public who have been tracking the smallest telltale sign.

The first clue? The Duchess' cravings for chocolate biscuit cakes and sticky fruit loaves.

If old wives' tales are to be believed, a pregnant woman is said to be carrying a girl if she fancies sweet treats.

The Duchess was also spotted browsing outfits at her favourite children's designer clothing boutique Amaia in London last month. Co-owner Segolene Tresca told People magazine that she was "very interested" in girls' clothes.

The third sign follows rumours that paint samples, apparently for the new baby's nursery at the couple's Anmer Hall abode on Queen Elizabeth II's Sand­ringham Estate, were delivered to the royal family.

Specially created by interior design company Annie Sloan, the colours are understood to be a Henrietta, Antoinette and Emile - all varying shades of pink, according to British newspaper Daily Mail.

Possibly the biggest hint was the Duchess' series of pink outfits.

These include her bright fuchsia Mulberry coat for her last public appearance on March 27, just before she started her maternity leave, and a baby pink Alexander McQueen coat earlier last month.

NAME

Most punters think Prince George will have a baby sister named Alice to play with.

At William Hill, one of the UK's largest bookmakers, Alice is the favourite followed by Elizabeth, Charlotte, Victoria and Alexandra.

Taking it a step further, betting site Ladbrokes gave 10 corgi names - Alexandra, Camilla, Victoria, Philipa, Elizabeth, Spencer, James, Boris, Henry and Albert - and kicked off a corgi race to decide on the winning name.

"Alexandra" came in first.

At William Hill, James came out tops for a baby boy.

PERSONALITY

Astrology expert Angie Banicki predicts in the US edition of Hello! magazine that an Aries (March 21 to April 19) girl will be "flirtatious and fun, while also being very sensitive to the needs of her family".

Prince George, who is a Cancer, and an Aries sibling will have a "fiery, adventurous friendship".

A Taurus (April 20 to May 20) baby girl will "enjoy her responsibilities as a princess" and "will be a caretaker to her older brother".

A Taurus sibling "will grow impatient with George's need for constant change and excitement", while Prince George will seek sympathy and understanding from his younger sibling.

ANNOUNCEMENT

There is no better time than now to start following royal accounts on Twitter like @KensingtonRoyal, @BritishMonarchy and @ClarenceHouse.

As with Prince George, the second royal baby's birth will also be announced on social media.

But in a nod to tradition, the happy news will also be on a gold-painted easel outside Buckingham Palace.

The easel was also used to announce the birth of Prince William.

THE SPECIAL COIN

A new commemorative £5 (S$10) coin will be produced for the birth. No other details have been given about the coin.

When Prince George was born in July 2013, The Royal Mint released 10,000 solid silver crown-sized £5 coins (priced at £80 each) and 2,013 22-carat gold sovereign coins (priced at £800 each).


This article was first published on April 7, 2015.
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