Cannon boomed, bells pealed and people cheered when the newest British prince was born on Monday.
As Britons waited for a glimpse of the son of Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, the celebrations spread around the world.
In sa国际传媒, the CN Tower, Niagara Falls and Parliament鈥檚 centre block were lit in blue on Monday night in honour of the eight-pound, six-ounce baby who is third in line to the throne. In Australia, a section of a zoo will be named after the new prince, once the name is announced.
For the monarchy, the birth ensures the continuation of the House of Windsor. If the boy is as long-lived as his great-great-grandmother, he could be the first king of the 22nd century.
It鈥檚 hard to imagine what Britain and the Commonwealth will look like by the time he assumes the throne. However, it鈥檚 easy to imagine the road he will walk to get there 鈥� despite his wealth and privilege, it will be a difficult one.
He will face almost unceasing public attention, and already negotiations are on between the media and the palace about how to cover the life of the world鈥檚 newest celebrity.
Except for a brief foray Tuesday to greet the crowds, he and his parents are safely cocooned for a while, enjoying what could be the quietest time of his life.
Like the parents of the more than 350,000 other babies born on Monday, they are marvelling at a new child, each of whom is worthy of pealing bells and cheering crowds.
