Two Pommie Sheilas: Why the birth of another royal baby matters

Who cares? In my work as an online producer for thewest.com.au, I see this comment on Facebook countless times every day.

They’re mostly referring to the lighter news of the day — a reality TV update, a story about the latest Hollywood celebrity or, more recently, the birth of a royal baby.

Let’s, for one second, put aside the irony in people who take the time to show they’re not caring by taking the time to write a comment.

Who really does care about the new prince? Especially one who’s the second “spare to the heir”? As an Aussie Pom, I take no shame in admitting I was refreshing my Twitter feed with anticipation on Monday night as we awaited the birth of a new royal.

The royals are a symbol of our national identity, just like barbecues, kangaroos and meat pies may be to Australians.

For many of we British folk who have shifted Down Under, this is far more than another posh kid for a rich family.

First off, while the little sleeping bundle swaddled in Kate’s arms doesn’t know it yet, there’s no escaping the spotlight for a royal baby — and we mere commoners get front-row seats.

When the little one goes to school, we’ll coo at the footage, when he gets his first bit of bad press, we’ll shake our heads, and when he stands in church for his wedding, we may shed a joyful tear.

Secondly, forget pollies and prime ministers, when people overseas meet us, they ask about the royals.

I’ve lost count how many times Aussies and Americans have asked me whether I’ve met the Queen.

The royals are a symbol of our national identity, just like barbecues, kangaroos and meat pies may be to Australians.

That goes double for those of us living abroad who love to savour the links to our home country.

When a prince or princess represent us well, we’re proud as punch, even from afar.

And when they bugger up, we’re as mortified as you are when your cricket team pulls out the sandpaper — no pressure, kiddo!

Finally, the obvious.

Though it’s unlikely he’ll ever have his face on our coins, as the Queen will attest, it’s totally possible he may one day be king.

After all, the Queen was once set for a life as one of those people my dad calls “hangers-on” before Uncle Edward VIII put a spanner in the works.

When he abdicated to marry a divorced (shock, horror) woman, he thrust her father, and consequently her, into the line of succession.

Perhaps young Prince George and Princess Charlotte will decide one day that being in the top job isn’t their cup of tea. Stranger things have happened.

Yes, there is expectation aplenty for that bundle on the steps of the Lindo Wing. But for now, little one, you just enjoy that nap.