Royal baby super fans clamour outside London hospital
A legion of royal super fans has set up camp outside the central London hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge is expected to give birth to her second child later this month.
Surrounded by more Union Jack flags than you've likely ever seen in one place, some of the hardcore royalists have been sleeping in the makeshift camp outside the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital for days, taking the "Great Kate Wait" for the baby she is expecting with Prince William to a whole new level.
"It's a nice party atmosphere and so exciting as well because you know it's all going to happen in there," said Margaret Tyler, a well-known monarchist whose home in northwest London is filled with more than 10,000 pieces of royal memorabilia.
Tyler brought a baby doll with her to the hospital. It was wearing a replica of the gown William and Kate's first child, Prince George, wore when he was christened in October 2013.
Others came bearing gifts for the new baby, usually prepared with one in case the baby turns out to be a girl and another if the baby is a boy.
While some might scoff at the royal fuss, Tyler compared the excitement to that experienced by sporting fans.
"What about people who queue outside football matches? It's not any different. Each to their own, isn't it?"
Another royal watcher eagerly waiting outside the hospital is Terry Hutt. His love for the Royal Family began when he was just four years old after he met the current Queen's mother, Elizabeth, during the Second World War.
Hutt has become somewhat of an institution at royal events. Before Prince George was born in July 2013, Hutt, who lives nearly two hours outside London, slept in front of the Lindo Wing for more than a week.
He said he will be outside the hospital until this baby is born as well, sleeping on a wooden bench, with — you guessed it — Union Jack-themed bedding.
I enjoy everything the royals get up to…. And I'm waiting for the baby to come as if it's my own."
The Duchess of Cambridge's official due date is unconfirmed but she reportedly let it slip last month that the baby is expected by the end of April.
British betting company Ladbrokes announced Thursday that the odds have been slashed for the baby to be born this weekend.
If the punters are right, royal fans like Tyler and Hutt might not have to wait much longer for a new prince or princess.
And when the baby does come, they say, the real celebration will begin.
"These times are wonderful because they let us show just how much the royal family means to us," Tyler said.
