Denmark's newborn prince earns nickname 'bairn'

COPENHAGEN - The proper name of Denmark's newborn prince is yet to be confirmed, but his nickname is already set, with the Scottish influence in Crown Princess Mary's family dubbing him bairn.

Scottish babies are often referred to as a wee bairn (a small son or daughter), and that is the name he will adopt until his baptism, when he is almost certain to be given the name Christian.

Mary's father John Donaldson and stepmother Susan Moody visited the Tasmanian-born princess in hospital today in the capital, Copenhagen, having the privilege of changing the royal nappy and observing baby and mother remain well.

"She's fine, she's obviously not feeling like running a marathon," Professor Donaldson said.

"Yes I've held the baby. I didn't do a very good job but I held him. I should have been better because I've got the experience."

But the experience of eight previous grandchildren had not prepared him for the unlikely role foisted upon him of being grandfather to the future king of the world's oldest royal family.

"Having had the experience before, I'd say this experience is even greater," Professor Donaldson said.

"(Being grandfather of a future king) is not something I have really got through my system; it's a very difficult thing to fathom.

"(The attention) is a bit overwhelming, but on an occasion like this, it's just wonderful to be able to share the happiness.

"It's a wonderful occasion, everybody seems to be interested, and everybody seems to be happy with the outcome.

The little prince arrived two weeks early yesterday, 51cm long and weighing 3.5kg.

Born into the refined world of Danish royalty, the two-day-old with wisps of blond hair received some down-to-earth welcomes to the world.

"We have a tradition of wetting the bairn's head, which means when you're drinking probably a glass of champagne you dip your finger in the champagne and touch the baby's head," Professor Donaldson said.

"It's just a tradition; it's probably just an excuse for the man to have a drink."

Ms Moody received a subtle squeeze on the arm from Professor Donaldson when she claimed the new baby for Australia, dubbing him "the first Australian prince".

"It's John's youngest daughter's first child, and he's eventually going to be heir to the throne; it's all maximised," she said.

"It's so nice that there are so many people who are absolutely thrilled about this child's birth.

"Mary and (Crown Prince) Frederik really appreciate that everyone in Australia is so thrilled about their child."

- AAP