Oh baby! Royal birth mixes old, new traditions

Birth of Prince George
An easel stood in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London on July 22, 2013, to announce the birth of a baby boy, at 4:24 p.m. to Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at St. Mary's Hospital.
John Stillwell | AFP | Getty Images

It's a princess! The Duchess of Cambridge, otherwise known as Kate Middleton, gave birth Saturday to her second child, a girl.

The baby is fourth in line to the British throne, behind grandfather Prince Charles, dad Prince William and big brother Prince George.

As you can expect with all things royal, a birth is steeped in tradition. But the times, they are a-changin', and even the royals are trying to keep up.

Charles and Princess Diana were the first to put a modern spin on things: The Daily Mail reported that William was the first royal heir to be born in a hospital in 1982, and Charles was by his wife's side during the delivery (and that of Prince Harry). Previous royal babies had been born in the palaces.

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William continued that tradition by being present for the birth of little George on July 22, 2013. He was also present for the birth of baby No. 2.

The royal couple set their own modern precedent when George was born two years ago. Instead of making the birth announcement on a signed notice at an easel outside Buckingham Palace, the prince's arrival was tweeted to the world. The news was also posted on the couple's website and on all royal social media channels (as well as the aforementioned easel).

The new tradition continued with the couple's second child.

Now, the world waits for a glimpse of the newest royal baby outside the hospital.

William and Kate emerged from St. Mary's Hospital on July 23, 2013, with Prince George for a photo op and brief chat with the media.

William, Kate, baby
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, hold Prince George on Tuesday July 23, 2013, as they pose for photographers outside the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital in London.
Lefteris Pitarakis | AP 2013

And, in a moment that delighted some (for being refreshingly normal) but horrified others (because the baby appeared to be improperly strapped in his car seat), William decided against a chauffeur and instead packed up his family and drove them home to Kensington Palace.

The royal couple announced their son's name the following day. They stuck with tradition and gave him a classically royal moniker — no Prince Liams, Ethans or Noahs here.

The duke and duchess are expected to do the same with their daughter. The favorites among the public are Alice, Victoria, Elizabeth and Charlotte.

Some things never change.