Editorial: Royal baby has me thrilled

I never had much interest in the royal family ... until Kate Middleton seamlessly merged her way into it.

I finally understood the previous generation's fascination with Princess Diana and that generation's horror at her sudden death. They had followed her along her preened-to-royal-perfection journey, to royal wife and mother.

I think my more favourable feelings towards the royals crept in during Kate and Wills' fairytale wedding and, this week, I genuinely surprised myself by being excited at the news she had gone into labour with their first child.

Maybe it's because I've seen so many photos of the Duchess making pregnancy look like the epitome of style. I really wanted to know how long her labour was and whether she gave birth to a boy or girl.

Unless it's sports related, it's not often that a positive news story piques global interest, and the prince's arrival has provided hours of fodder for workplace discussions on names suited to a future king.

The royal grinches have been out in force this week too, posting messages on social media or declaring their lack of interest in the prince's birth.

Surely you don't have to be a staunch royalist to appreciate the welcoming of a new life to proud parents.

The most impressive thing about Wills and Kate is how normal they are - talking nappy changing and crying habits with hordes of waiting reporters. Any new parent will tell you that bringing home a new baby for the first time is a daunting experience. It's hard to imagine what it's like doing so under the watchful eyes of billions.

Not surprisingly, a post-birth Kate looked every bit the royal in a designer dress, flowing hair and perfect make-up.

They hope to give their son the most normal upbringing possible but, considering he is already one of the most talked about and photographed newborns in history, it's hard to imagine him living low profile.

I will be unashamedly keeping track of his royal progress.