NANNY: ROYAL TRADITION: Nannies have always had a big part to play in the lives of mini monarchs, right down through Princes William and Harry. KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: There’s been no public discussion of nannies for the newest member of the British royals yet, but since Prince William was reportedly close to his, maybe the tradition will continue.
SCHOOL: ROYAL TRADITION: Royals were taught privately by parents, tutors, and governesses from childhood through college age. No awkward dorm sitches or lunchroom lines for Queen Elizabeth! KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: William and Kate were college sweethearts, so since student life worked out pretty well for them, many think they’ll send their son to regular school, too.
DELIVERY: ROYAL TRADITION: Sistahs were doin’ it for themselves -- with a doctor, of course. No dads need show up, even if they wanted to. KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: Although his father, Prince Philip, wasn’t there when he was born, Prince Charles stood by Princess Diana’s side when she popped out Baby Wills, and, in turn, William was with Kate when their son entered the world.
OFFICIALS: ROYAL TRADITION: Into the 20th century, a government official was required to be present at the birth of a royal, to make sure there was no Switched At Birth plotline in the works. KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: By the mid-1950s, the requirement for an official as part of the birthing team had been eradicated by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth’s pops. No palace secretary came between William and Kate and their bundle of royal joy!
LAST NAMES: ROYAL TRADITION: When you’re a royal, you don’t need a surname. People get the point from the “Prince” or “Queen” prefix, though you CAN use Moutbatten-Windsor if you need to make a restaurant rezzie. LOLz!!! KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: Kate Middleton became simply Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, upon marrying Prince William, but maybe their Prince of Cambridge will take after his dad: Wills is “Flight Lt. Wales” when he’s on military duty.
ANNOUNCEMENT: ROYAL TRADITION: Once the bairn is born, a royal messenger drives to Buckingham Palace and posts a piece of paper on an easel for everyone in the world -- who’s in walking distance -- to see. KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: Kate and Wills kept it classy and used the proven easel method for getting the word out to Londoners. And then Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook delivered it to everyone else.
CHRISTENING: ROYAL TRADITION: Royal wee ones are usually christened up to weeks after their birth in the palace. KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: Both William and his father, Charles, were christened in Buckingham Palace’s Music Room, but since the royal couple will be holing up in Kensington Palace instead, might the baby get his blessings there? Either way, we’re sure our invite’s in the mail!
WELCOME: ROYAL TRADITION: A 62-gun salute from the Tower of London and a 41-gun salute from Green Park is fired to celebrate the arrival of a new king or queen -- because nothing says birth like weapons of death. LOLz! KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: The traditional gun salutes, plus bells ringing a Westminster Abbey, let anyone NOT on Twitter know that the baby we've ALL been waiting for was finally HERE!!!
NAMES: ROYAL TRADITION: Royal newbies usually get three or four appellations that honor relatives of previous generations. Prince William is William Arthur Philip Louis, after previous King Williams, his father’s middle name, his grandfather, and a great-great uncle. KATE AND WILLIAM'S WAY: George and James are the leading contenders for Kate and William’s son
