The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Ducks and teddies get in on the high excitement around ‘Great Kate Wait’
Royalists’ stay outside London hospital goes on – and on and on ...
Ducks, giant teddy bears and royal superfans have taken centre stage as the “Great Kate Wait” continued yesterday.
Thought to be overdue by almost a week, speculation is rife outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London, about when the Duchess of Cambridge will go into labour.
Media from around the world have been gathering at the exclusive private maternity unit and, when not looking out for signs of a development, have kept busy with even the slightest of quirks.
A small flock of ducks landed to join the crowd, attracting a few photographers, and a car had to stop to allow one to cross the road. “Mind the duck,” one concerned onlooker said.
Earlier, a vehicle with two giant teddy bears on the back – one with a blue badge and one with a pink badge – caused a stir.
They were brought by bookmaker William Hill, which was announcing the latest odds on baby names. There is a 500/1 chance the baby prince or princess will be called Kanye or Taylor, while Brooklyn is at 150/1 and Kim is at 250/1.
The long wait has cost those who like a flutter dear, according to Ladbrokes spokeswoman Jessica Bridge. She said: “Punters have lost out on thousands of pounds worth of winnings thanks to the April no-show, but their last roll of the dice suggests we’ll see the newborn arrive on Bank Holiday Monday.
“At 8/1 a general election baby’s not out of the realms of possibility, but it’s probably a safe bet that Kate and Wills won’t opt for a Prince Nigel or Princess Nicola.”
Meanwhile, the royal superfans camping outside the hospital are getting tired. John Loughrey, 60, from London, thinks it has been 10 or 11 nights he has camped out for but he has lost count. The royalist said he is looking forward to resuming “normal life”.