On Saturday 2 May 2015, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed their second child, a baby girl, Princess Charlotte. Charlotte was born at 08:34 at St Mary’s Hospital in London. The Princess weighed 8lbs and 3oz.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.
In a press release, the royal family said:
“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news.
“Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”
The Duchess had been at the hospital for just over 12 hours before leaving. Charlotte was born within three hours of the Duke and Duchess arriving at the Lindo Wing.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Lindo Wing was where Prince George, the first child of the Duke and Duchess, was born in 2013. Prince William was also born at the same hospital in 1982. At about 12:30, the announcement of the new Princess’s birth would be placed on an easel at the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. The practice of posting the bulletin to announce a royal birth on the forecourt of the palace has dated back to 1837.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe announcement is left in place for approximately 24 hours. It is then sent to the Privy Council Office for details to be recorded into the Council’s records.
Meeting his new sister
Shortly before 4 p.m., Prince William brought Prince George to meet his new sister. It seemed that the plan was for the toddler to walk the short distance from the car to the hospital steps. Seemingly startled by the commotion, George reached his arms up as his father carried him the rest of the way. However, he did join William in waving to well-wishers.
Embed from Getty ImagesThis marked the second official appearance by the Prince in the country. The first was when he was born at the same hospital two years prior when his parents proudly introduced him to the world.
Charlotte is introduced to the world
At about 5 p.m., the Duke and Duchess brought the Princess out for her first photocall on the steps of the Lindo Wing. The Princess was wrapped in a white blanket as she was sleeping at the time.
Embed from Getty ImagesCharlotte joined the line of succession behind her grandfather Prince Charles, her father Prince William, and her older brother Prince George, becoming fourth in line for the throne. Charlotte was the fifth great-grandchild for the Queen.
Announcing the Princess’ name
On 4 May, it was announced that the Princess would be known as Her Royal Highness Princess Charlotte of Cambridge. Charlotte was also given the middle names of Elizabeth and Diana, in honour of her great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, and her late grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Embed from Getty ImagesCharlotte is considered to be the feminine form of Charles. It became popular in the 18th century when Charlotte was the name of George III’s queen. On the Duchess’s side, Charlotte is the middle name of her sister, Pippa. On the Duke’s side, it is the name of his cousin, Lady Charlotte Spencer.
Upon the announcement, the Earl tweeted:
“Perfect names. My 2-year-old Charlotte Diana will be thrilled at cousinly name-sharing.”
In 2013, Charlotte was the 21st most popular girl’s name in England and Wales as 2,242 babies were named Charlotte. Elizabeth was 39 on the list, Diana was not in the top 100.
Celebration
Like Prince George’s birth, well-wishers gathered outside of St Mary’s Hospital to catch the first glimpse of the new Princess. Some well-wishers are said to have waited outside the Lindo Wing for 11 days.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn celebration, several landmarks were illuminated pink to mark Charlotte’s birth. This included Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Trafalgar Square fountains.
Embed from Getty ImagesGun salutes were held at Hyde Park and the Tower of London.
Initial pregnancy announcement
8 September 2014, the palace released a statement announcing that the Duke and Duchess were expecting their second child. As with her first pregnancy, the Duchess suffered from Hyperemesis Gravidarum, a pregnancy complication that can cause severe nausea.
At the time, the Palace said the pregnancy had not reached the 12-week point, but the announcement was made because the Duchess was due at a series of public engagements in the coming weeks which at the time, were in doubt.
“Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting their second child.
“The Queen and members of both families are delighted with the news.
“As with her first pregnancy, The Duchess is suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Her Royal Highness will no longer accompany The Duke of Cambridge on their planned engagement in Oxford today. The Duchess of Cambridge is being treated by doctors at Kensington Palace.”