Long live a princess of our times

POLITICIANS and governments come and go but the British monarchy and the Royals go on for ever.

The latest in the long line was born yesterday, a daughter for Kate and William. Welcome to the world Princess.

What this baby’s life will be like, no one knows. The privileges that have been part of the royal way of living are likely to continue, but things are changing.

The Royals still have an abundance of palaces, servants and money but each generation has had to adapt to the modern world.

This baby is fourth in line to the throne and although she is unlikely to ever be monarch she has a better chance than previous female royals. For the law has changed so the sex of the heir no longer matters.

If William and Kate have another boy, the new princess will take precedence if anything should happen to George.

Sexual discrimination in the monarchy has been abolished – and quite right, too, when a queen has been on the throne for 63 years.

MILESTONES

The public appetite for royal news remains unabated and this baby girl will have to endure more than her share.

Though the skill with which her parents have handled her brother’s early months show it will be dealt with sensitively.

It is strange to think that the nation will one day lap up the news when this princess becomes a mother. And grandmother. And even greatgrandmother. For when the 22nd century dawns, she will still be younger than her great grandmother is today.

That is the most graphic indication of how the rolling Windsor show proceeds, from generation to generation, with the milestones of births, marriages and deaths.

Yet today, despite the huge media coverage, this is just another baby. Just like thousands of other newborns.

All we can wish for her is a long, happy and satisfying life. And to be a credit to her parents, her family and her country.