As the birth of the new Royal Princess was announced, the unofficial town crier of England, in full pomp and splendour, made an appearance on the steps of the Lindo Wing.
On the steps he cried:
“Oyez, Oyez!
On this day the 2nd of May in the year 2015, we welcome with humble duty, the second child of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The Princess is fourth in line to the throne.
May the Princess be long-lived happy and glorious and one day reign over us.
God save The Queen!”
In the same fashion, Mr Appleton also stood on the steps of the Lindo Wing back in 2013 to celebrate the birth of Prince George. Despite not being asked formally by The Royal Family to turn up at royal births, the Town Crier still makes an appearance by his own accord.
Speaking to Yahoo! in 2013 after Prince George’s birth, Mr Appleton said: “I got out of my cab and I stood in front of the steps, because I didn’t think I would be allowed on them, and did my bit. It was great. It was a great atmosphere, it’s like the Olympics. I just crashed the party”.
Mr Appleton has also had other many notable appearances as Town Crier including the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony. He also waited outside Buckingham Palace in 2011 for the royal wedding of William and Kate to fill the tradition of the town crier.
Mr Appleton said he first became interested in the British Monarchy when he met the Queen as a child while she was on a royal walkabout. “I love the royal family, I love them to bits”.
Historically, town criers were the bringers of news, they date back to the early Greek empire and have continued to bring news throughout history. Before people could read, town criers were spokesmen for the King and brought news to people.
The common saying “don’t shoot the messenger” was to protect the town crier as anything done to a town crier was deemed to be done to the King and was a treasonable offence.
Although he is not an official Town Crier, Mr Appleton still adds a sense of drama to the occasion and makes the day just that but more memorable.
To read more about the Duchess of Cambridge giving birth to a baby girl, click here.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Peros
Tony Appleton The Fake Town Crier, he has no standing at all just a publicity seeking junkie