Soon-to-be parents Kate Middleton and Prince William are looking to add a little spice to the traditional palace birth announcement when the duo’s royal bebe arrives next month. Traditionally, royal staffers post a bulletin signed by the mum’s medical team on an easel on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, while at the same time, staffers on the electronic end would send out an announcement to be received by the digital world — and it seems as though the Duke and Duchess are intent on keeping up with the royal tradition, for the most part. But Kate’s birth will mark a first for England and the royal family.

People is reporting that the public will get its first clue that the royal baby has arrived when someone from Kensington Palace leaves the hospital in London with an envelope, which they’ll hand over to a member of the royal household who’ll then deliver it to the palace to be placed on the bulletin. When the announcement is placed on the easel, it will mark the first time that the sex of the royal baby is revealed (uh… hate to spoil the surprise and all but we already know Kate and Will are expecting an heir to the throne!). Today, a royal spokesman alerted the world that the couple still do not know the sex of their baby (fat chance!), but that baby will most likely be born at the private Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in London, where William and Harry were both delivered. Kate will most likely give birth naturally with her husband by her side — another first for the royal family.

In addition to the envelope carrying, the bulletin and the email blast — Kate’s birth will reach the foremost corners of the globe faster than ever before. Here’s just how it’ll happen:

Press Release

Let’s call it a modern-day email blast, shall we? Because that’s essentially what it is.  The release will give details on the baby’s sex, the time of birth, the gender and if we’re lucky, baby’s name. It will include the details on baby’s arrival that the public will be pining for and might give us some insight on just how the Duchess’ delivery went down. This seems to be the most likely option for the royal family, since this is how it’s been done in the past and since it doesn’t look like the press release will ever become dated, the royals will likely include a press release with every royal delivery. Le sigh.

Social Media

The Queen B and Diana didn’t have to worry about scheduling out tweets, Facebook posts and Vine alerts with each of their pregnancies. Today, all of the those options are available. The British Monarchy has a twitter (@BritishMonarchy) that will most likely be updated immediately after the birth announcement’s been made. Never before has a royal had to worry about a tweet marking the delivery of their baby. But the monarchy isn’t the only royal with a Twitter: Clarence House also has a Twitter account that will reveal the birth. Lest we not forget the millions of parody accounts and fan pages on Facebook that are dedicated to covering every ounce of royal news that we hear.

The Internet

The Internet in general will give way to Kate’s birth news. Once the Duchess’ due date draws nearer and nearer, writers and reporters will be suctioned to their keyboards waiting to break the news. It’s highly unlikely that the Interwebs will wait for the envelope to make it from the hospital to Kensington Palace and then over to Buckingham Palace before the Internet catches wind of it. The royals also have a website they update and maintain and it’s loaded with royal news. This type of resource wasn’t as desirable when Diana have birth to William and Harry.

Funky 21st Century Ways to Announce:

Here’s something I bet even the Queen never thought she’d see! The royals could completely outsmart us all and shock the globe by making the Duchess’ birth announcement entirely digital, personalized and fun. By sending out out a e-Card press release, the Royals would successfully make every nation part of the royal circle. Here are some ways they could do it to really jazz things up:

Instead of just a dated bulletin, why not perk things up a bit with this stork? No one would be expecting it — and plus, it’s fun!

Somewhere in Britain, there is a bakery that’s thanking us for coming up with this idea. What better way to celebrate a baby prince or princess than with a sweet treat all of Trafalgar Square can enjoy?

The Brits are known for their love of drink — so why not throw a chewable, tasty and themed cigar into the mix? We vote yes!

A Facebook digital album. The Royal Gang is on Facebook, y’all — and this is how they should commemorate baby’s arrival. It could include photos of Kate as a wee little baby, William’s birth and other photos of royal family members. It could even be filled with well-wishes from fans, royal family members and candid photos taken throughout Kate’s delivery. They invited the public to their wedding — why skip baby’s delivery, too?

Do you think the royal family will add any fun elements to the royal birth announcement?

Plus, more from The Bump:

6 Royal Nursery Ideas Fit for Life in the Palace

What Will William and Kate’s Baby Look Like?

12 Unique Birth Announcement Ideas

Feeling like you deserve the royal treatment, mama? We do, too!

We’ve been on Kate Middleton pregnancy watch since the moment the two were married (can you believe it’s been two years already?!), stood by with bated breath as they traveled down their very royal road to their very royal pregnancy and cheered for joy at Kate Middleton’s knockout royal maternity wardrobe — but now it’s time we gave ourselves a little pat on the royal back, wouldn’t you say? That’s why we’re partnering with People.com to give one very lucky mama the chance to take home this amazing Kate Middleton-inspired giveaway. When all is said and done, you’ll feel like the Duchess of Cambridge from head to toe (and baby will, too!).

Want details on exactly what you’ll take home? Get ready…

You and your little prince (or princess!) will win:

• the Bellini Stella Collection Crib and Dresser (valued at $2,640!)
• the Serena & Lily Bedding Set in Damask and Mocha print (valued at $239)
• the gorgeous Bloom Fresco Chrome High Chair (valued at $550)
• Ergo Bundle of Joy Carrier (valued at $163),
• Isabel Oliver Maternity gift card (valued at $250)
• the Magnificent Baby Clothing “An Heir is Born” Collection (valued at $122.85)
• the awesome Bugaboo Cameleon3 Stroller (valued at $998.95)

Yep, you read that correctly. We’re giving one mom-to-be all seven of those prizes, valued at nearly $5,000! We’re pretty sure the Duchess herself will be throwing her name into the ring for a chance to win. We love these products for their royal and regal look, their durability and their over-the-top wow factor. If you can’t be Kate, might as well be like her, right?!

Enter to win the Royal Baby Sweepstakes now and you could be welcoming baby into your very own Buckingham Palace in no time!

News! News! Kate news, y’all! And you’re going to L-O-V-E this story.

The mummy-to-be was spotted shopping over the weekend for some ultra chic wall and window treatments for baby’s nursery. While onlookers were overjoyed that Kate Middleton was perusing blue decor (does that mean she’s having a boy?!), we were more taken back by the Duchess and her stellar fashion choices.

Photographed wearing a blue maternity shift with a belt, the expectant royal looked radiant and comfortable and here’s the kicker: her look can be yours! The price-tag of looking so pretty? 42 DOLLARS! That’s right, y’all! You heard correctly, just $42 bucks! Kate’s maternity dress is available online at ASOS in navy and ecru (sort of like a cream color). Now’s the time to seriously STOP. WHAT. YOU’RE. DOING and place your online orders! Added bonus? Looks like the dress is on sale for $30 bucks. In times like these I like to ask myself “What’s more important? Knowing I’m wearing the same dress as a freakin’ British royal or knowing I bought said dress for 12 bucks cheaper than a freakin’ royal?”

Even if you’ve not got a bun-in-the-oven at the moment, this stunner looks fab on all women. We are loving the elastic waist and the jersey fabric belt — tighten and loosen to fit your figure no matter your size!

Happy shopping, mamas-to-be!

Are you a fan of Kate’s affordable fashion choices?

Plus, more from The Bump:

10 Stylish Maternity Wrap Dresses

Sneaky (and Cheap!) Ways to Stretch Your Maternity Wardrobe

The Most Stylish Maternity Fashion Collections

Even though the due date on Kate Middleton’s pregnancy is dwindling down by the second (mama-to-be is reportedly due on July 13th!), it looks like there’s no slowing the expectant Duchess down! Tomorrow officially marks the start of her Royal Maternity Leave but over the weekend, she was spotted checking out some nursery fabric possibilities at the high end wallpaper-design store Bernard Thorp & Co. Here’s the ultimate kicker: an onlooker revealed that the Duchess of Cambridge spent 45 minutes picking out blue prints for the nursery walls and drapes. We’ve said it again and again and again, but it looks like Kate and Will are prepping to welcome a baby heir to the English throne.

Though she reportedly didn’t make any purchases that day, looks like the mum-to-be is hoping to outfit baby’s nursery with some chic, designer studs in her time off. But really, when you’re royal, who has time for shopping from store to store? Not Kate, that’s who! So, we searched the Interwebs high and low for some ultra-fab fashions that would look perfect in baby boy’s nursery.

Check out Kate’s something blue nursery must-haves:

How are you decorating baby’s nursery?

Plus, more from The Bump:

6 Royal Nursery Ideas Fit for Life in the Palace

Baby Boy Nursery Inspiration

Nursery Decorating Checklist

In the market for a long, relaxing maternity leave? Take notes from mommy-to-be Kate Middleton. The Duchess of Cambridge will reportedly be allowed to take a maternity leave, a palace insider says, beginning on June 13th. An anonymous source spoke to The Mirror on Sunday and shared, “Kate has really enjoyed her job and wanted to work as close to the birth date as possible.” June 13 will mark Kate’s “last official solo engagement,” when she is slated to christen a cruise ship. (Yep, you read that correctly. She’s going to christen. a. cruise. ship.)

Regardless, Kate is taking her “royal role very seriously,” according to the palace source, and she’s “looking forward to taking up her duties when her maternity leave has finished.” Though the Duchess isn’t due until July (spoiler alert! Royal insiders slipped up and shared the exact date of the royal heir’s delivery — so cancel your daytime plans), she has some time to relax, unwind and stay in good health until her little lad or lady’s arrival. So, how exactly will she spend the month leading up to her due date?

While typical moms-to-be will use the time to brush up on their company’s FMLA policies, pregnancy rights and general maternity leave facts, Kate won’t have to bother with that. Can you imagine if Buckingham Palace had an FMLA policy?! Ha! Or if someone filled in for Kate on officially engagements while she’s home with the baby? A royal impersonator? Didn’t think so!

For the Duchess, it’s all about rest and relaxation. Here’s what she’ll likely be up to for the next month.

Make a list… and check it twice.

There’s A LOT to prep for before a baby comes into your life. Do you have enough bottles? Do you even have bottles? Did you buy a breast pump? Do you have nursing pads? How do I assemble this stroller? And this crib? Crap, did anybody remember to stock up on diapers? Since it isn’t customary in English tradition to have a baby shower, Kate and Will probably purchased all the necessities beforehand. Okay, who am I kidding — their royal shoppers stocked up for them. Anyway, the next month is ample time for Kate and Will to go over the must-haves for baby’s first weeks home and find out if they’ve got enough supplies. Here’s a tip, you two: More is most definitely better.

Set up the car seat.

Whether it’s the Royal Limo Fleet or your Hyundai Tuscon, you want to have that sucker all set up and in the car. Circumstances for Kate are going to be a wee bit different (because she’s going to have the most guarded delivery in all the history of the guarded deliveries), but it’s still important that baby’s car seat is safe, secure and installed properly. For regular parents, this means taking the car out for a spin (before your water breaks!) to make sure that the seat stays put when you travel around turns, come to stops and (hopefully this won’t be the case) in the event that you have to press forcefully on the breaks. For Kate and Will, with noisy reporters and paparazzi set on snagging the first photos of the royal heir, it’s important that baby’s seat is away from windows — and prying eyes.

Pack a hospital bag.

Here’s hoping Kate’s stocking up on tons of trashy tabloids and junk food for her few night’s stay in the maternity ward after delivery. It’ll most likely be classical literature, hun-cal popcorn and English Breakfast tea for the Duchess, but hey, a common girl can dream, okay?! In order to make her stay comfortable, casual and private, Kate might want to try adding these mom-approved items to her bag — and skipping over the usual stuff. Things like Monopoly, snacks and too many changes of clothes can stay behind, trust us.

Plan baby’s birth announcement.

Ha! As if, Kate. Before the chaos of life with a permanent plus one sets in, Kate and Will might want to sit down with the Royal PR team and discuss just how they’ll alert the world of baby’s arrival. (Crossing my fingers the news breaks over texts, but I know better than to dream like that.) The couple will want to agree on which news stations they’ll alert and which (if any) photographers they’ll let participate in the coronation of the baby. Because their wedding was televised, maybe they’ll film the delivery? If they don’t want to go the way of modern media, they could keep it old fashioned with cards, or even a royal palace note?

Take a real babymoon — and enjoy it.

Remember that time like .5 seconds after Kate announced she was pregnant (and then announced she was suffering from severe morning sickness) when the whole world was convinced she was on a babymoon with William and her parents? Newsflash, y’all: That wasn’t a babymoon. Kate was stalked about by paparazzi and all the girl was trying to do was have some fun in the sun. Now that she’s got some time off before welcoming their first child, maybe Kate and Will will plan a day trip somewhere special together. They won’t travel far (who knows if baby will come sooner than expected?!) but you can be sure that the trip will be one to never forget. It’ll mark their final trip together as a twosome.

Any other suggestions for how Kate should spend her last month?

Plus, more from The Bump:

Stress-Free Ways to Prep for Baby’s Arrival

10 Ways to Get Ready for Baby’s Birth: A Must-Have for Moms-to-Be

Signs of Labor to Watch Out For

I don’t know about you, but I’m already hunkering down for the arrival of the royal baby. I’ve planned a menu of small British heir-approved apps (in case you’re curious, everything will be served “mini” and come with a British flag, we’ll sip mocktails and say “Cheerio!” and “Brilliant!” as often as possible and for dessert, we’ll munch on biscuits, cakes and sip tea while chanting “God Save the Queen!”). I’ve invited all my prestigious friends (side note: I’ve defined “prestigious” as all those holding full-time jobs. I’m a commoner here, work with me people!) and even knitted a royal blanket (err.. started to knit one, at least). Needless to say, I’m ready!

But, while Kate Middleton and Prince William’s baby-on-deck continues to prepare for his (her?) summer debut, word on the street is that Kate’s birth plan will make history in England — for more reasons than you think!

Aside from the fact that Kate will birth the future king or queen of England (baby will be third in line for the throne!), she and daddy-t0-be will also break ground in the English way of arrival. Kate’s birth will mark the first time EVER that dad will be present for the delivery. That’s right — if you can even believe it — all the dad’s before Will were elsewhere when their babes were birthed. For starters, Prince Charles was playing polo during Diana’s delivery with William and before that, Prince Philip was playing squash when Queen Elizabeth gave birth to Charles. Talk about royal no-shows!

Kate will likely give birth in the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital in London, the same locale where Diana gave birth to Prince William. It’ll be a beautiful memory for the two parents, to connect both William’s past with the new future they’re planning together (it’ll also be a beautiful way to honor his late mum) and apparently, Kate’s gone so far as to consider a ton of alternative birth methods for her delivery, including water birth and Hypnobirthing. To be honest, I think Kate may deliver like the mums before her, but that’s just me.

Regardless of the way Kate and Will choose to deliver — one thing is for sure: They’re going to have a birth plan. Known as the “game-plan” for baby’s arrival, it’ll serve as a check-list to make sure that both Will and Kate are totally in charge of labor, delivery and baby’s arrival. Because the entire world will have their eyes glued to the news, it’s super important for the couple to stick to their wishes as the moment of delivery draws nearer and nearer. And while the couple can expect for things to get a little chaotic, their birth plan will make sure that Kate and Will are on the same page as their doctors and nurses.

So, what can we expect their birth plan to look like?

First things first, it will make clear their desires about issues like pain meds, people involved, episiotomies and cord cutting. Their plan will document their wishes as parents (spoiler alert! Kate and Will’s will most likely involve a lengthy legal agreement that keeps hospital staff from saying anything about delivery!), prepare them for hospital policies — their plan will make sure everyone involved in baby’s knows what you want, how you want to do it, no further questions asked! That way, you can just focus on the pushin’.

Did you have a birth plan?

Plus, more from The Bump:

6 Royal Nursery Ideas Fit for Life in the Palace

What Will William and Kate’s Baby Look Like?

Uh Oh! Royal Insider Reveals Kate Middleton’s Due Date

As our girl’s due date draws nearer and nearer, it’s no surprise to see that Kate Middleton has started nesting! The Duchess was spotted a few weeks ago shopping for decor for her home with Prince William. But lately, rumor has it that the Duchess of Cambridge has been taking cooking classes from the newest royal housekeeper, Antonella Fresolone. Before joining Kate and Will’s staff, Antonella worked at Buckingham Palace (where she was well-know for her Italian cooking) but now, she’s got a new home with the Prince and his leading lady.

Currently, it seems that Antonella has her hands full teaching Kate the lay of the kitchen land — and apparently she’s teaching the mama-to-be how to whip up “a number of new dishes.” While I love that Kate’s in the kitchen cooking up a storm,  in just a few months Kate’s attention will be directed elsewhere — you know, to the very royal arrival of her very royal baby. Since her cooking might take a back seat while she and Will adjust to love with a plus one (will it be a boy? A girl? Y’all, the anticipation is killing me!), it’ll be good for Kate to know that there’s a whole laundry list of recipes she can cook ahead of time and freeze before baby arrives! Even on the occasions that said royal baby is snoozing through dinner (or if he’s eating!), Kate and Will won’t have to forage for food — they’ll have it ready to go, right in their freezer.

So Kate, if you’re listening, squirreling away some precooked meals in your freezer before baby arrives will cut down on some of the stress (and take-out!) during your first weeks as a parent. (Not like we’re worried about you running up the tab on the royal bill, but still, it’s nice to know you’re eating a meal you’ve prepared. Less wait time, too!) After a sleep-deprived night and exhausting day of tending to baby’s every need, you’ll feel like you hit gold when you open the freezer and see it stocked with delicious, homemade, heat-and-eat meals. Soups, stews, casseroles, lasagna, and pasta sauces are best for freezing. Dishes like turkey chili, lasagna, baked pasta with mushrooms, beef casserole and squash soup make great dinner dishes, as well as double batches of household favorites like: marinara sauce, macaroni and cheese, bean and cheese enchiladas, and even freezing grilled chicken works wonders! You can just add them to whatever you’re cooking and boom, protein provided! Since Kate’s latest reported craving was for curry, we recommend scoping out a few Thai-inspired meals that mama-to-be can also made ahead. Many of the sauces can be made in bulk, just the same way double batches of marinara go.

Meals can be stored in the freezer for up to three months before they spoil or before flavors are affected.

Sheesh! These royal insiders need a lesson in secret keeping. Over the weekend, The Mail on Sunday reported that they had insider information on Kate’s very royal (very top-secret!) due date. The Mail’s top-secret source, who is described as a “friend of the pair” (some friend, huh?) told the paper, “Some of Kate and William’s closest pals were at a barbecue hosted by a family friend of the Royals recently” and that’s reported where the parents-to-be revealed when the royal babe is due.

So just when is the little prince (or princess!) scheduled to make his jubilant debut? The “friend” apparently told The Mail at the barbecue that, “They were all discussing the fact that Kate’s baby is due to be born on July 13. Everyone was very excited.” First, I’d like to say bravo (and farewell!) the royal insider, who most likely find himself on the very unroyal outside of things for letting the public in on Kate and Will’s big secret!

If the rumor is true and the Duchess of Cambridge does give birth on July 13, she’ll be proud mama to a baby Cancer! In the past, we sat down with Dabney Oliver, founder of AstroCutie.com, and got the scoop on what baby’s astrological sign means for his personality. Judging from what Oliver said about each one of the astrological signs, here’s what kind of traits we can all expect for the royal babe:

Cancer’s are very sensitive (a trait both mom and dad have, as well, so it’s sure to be passed on to baby!) and they’re homebodies, which we’re sure baby won’t mind, since mom and dad are renovating a glorious apartment space. Staying indoors might be best for the royal one, too, during his first few months of life, since the press will be hot to trot to snag a photo of the royal heir (or heiress!). Oliver said of cancer babies in general that they’re “going to have a very strong bond with mom and they need to spend a lot of quality time with her.” Can’t you just see Kate and the babe together? I can! And I’m jealous just thinking about it.

Kate’s reported due during the middle of the Coronation Festival, which is a four-day celebration that marks 60 years since the Queen was crowned — only 16 months after being proclaimed Monarch following her father’s death. The festival, which lasts 4 days begins on July 11 and lasts through July 14, means if baby is born when he’s expected to, Kate and Will will be absent from the festivities!

Perhaps Kate has been trolling our July 2013 moms board? Getting advice and updates from other moms-to-be on what to expect once baby arrives? Kate, if you’re out there and you’re listening, we love you! (and tell Harry to call me) but more importantly, we love you! And we can’t wait to meet your little guy!

Can you trust what the press is saying about Kate’s reported due date?

Plus, more from The Bump:

6 Royal Nursery Ideas Fit for Life in the Palace

What Will William and Kate’s Baby Look Like?

Kate Middleton’s Friends Keep Giving Her Baby Name Suggestions

Myyyyyy goodness I’ve never been so happy for a slip o’ the tongue in my life! While Prince William and his expectant wife, Kate Middleton, have been working hard to keep baby’s sex a secret, baby’s royal Uncle made a big, huge whoopsie over the weekend. Prince Harry apparently slipped up big time and revealed to close friends that the royal baby-on-board is actually a BOY!

The Sunday People is reporting that an insider close to Harry said, “Harry has been telling everyone Wills and Kate are having a boy and how thrilled he is at the prospect of having a little nephew.” Looks like Har really can’t contain his excitement any longer because the insider went on to say, “He said the whole family were excited about it. Apparently Kate has always wanted a boy.”

You guys! Could it be? I swear it’s true. I mean, come on. We predicted Kate was carrying a baby boy and thanks to good ole’ Harry, we know it’s true! The royal insider added, “They’re really working hard on baby names now and think they have it sorted. But they won’t reveal anything to ­anyone — not even Harry.” Uh, can you blame them? Dude can’t even keep baby’s sex a secret!

“Of course,” the source said, “Harry’s been making up crazy suggestions and winding them up too. The close inner circle all know that it’s a boy and they’re busily buying gifts with a boy theme. There will be an awful lot [o]f blue in their house.” Um, yeah there is! Especially since Kate recently purchased a blue buggy to push baby around.

So since Harry dropped the ball on the biggest royal secret of our lifetime, I’d like to be the first to say that I’m digging the baby boy name choice that the expectant parents have reportedly decided it on. And come on — a mini me for Will? What’s not to love about that?!

Do you think Kate and Will are expecting a boy?

Plus, more from The Bump:

6 Royal Nursery Ideas Fit for Life in the Palace

What Will William and Kate’s Baby Look Like?

Kate Middleton’s Friends Keep Giving Her Baby Name Suggestions

I think it was Patrick Henry who said, “Give me liberty or the royal baby!” and I’ve got to hand it to the guy because I couldn’t have said it any better myself. Each and every day, the rumor mill (both English and American!) gives us so much Kate Middleton and Prince William news to digest that I’m actually confusing myself. I’m just so ready for this royal baby to be here that I’m filled with so many questions: Is a girl? a boy? at the very least, a human?

With the royal due date fast approaching (spoiler alert! Kath is due this July, y’all!), the theorists keep coming out of the woodwork with all sorts of ‘news’ on her pregnancy. I’ll admit, it’s hard to keep up. So we decided not to sort fact from fiction (because the royal couple has kept very mum on their very royal bundle!), but instead to charm you with the most confounding, confusing and conflicting theories we’ve heard so far during the Duchess of Cambridge‘s adorable pregnancy! Have at ‘em:

1. Kate went on a ‘babymoon’ exactly 5 minutes after announcing her pregnancy. After leaving the hospital for her stay (the Duchess was treated for her severe morning sickness shortly after she and the Will) revealed they were expanding their family together, Kate joined her husband and her parents for some much needed (and much deserved!) R&R. What she didn’t do, however, was jet off on a babymoon. Seriously — her parents were there! Oh, and so were the paps.

2. They’re having a boy. According to the Chinese Gender Chart, based on her age and our best guess at the month of their conception, Kate and Will are most likely expecting a perfect little prince come July.

3. No, wait, they’re having a girl! On the same day that Kate debuted her adorable bump, the Duchess reportedly slipped up after someone in the crowd handed her a sweet teddy bear. Kate apparently said, “Oh, this is for our d…” Fdgjdfgdfjgdfjgdfgdfg! Since everyone believed Kate was about to say “daughter“, royal princess fever took over.

4. JK, they’re still having a boy! Did you really think Kate would slip up in front of the cameras? Nah ah! According to the Daily Star, Kate and William know they’re expecting an heir to the throne and have chosen a very familial name to bestow upon the future King.

5. Gotcha again! See how gullible you are? They’re having a girl! For all of you out there who placed your bet on the couple welcoming an heiress to the monarchy, prepare to collect! The expectant parents reportedly know they’re having a girl and have chosen a royal, regal and 100% classical name for their little girl. We love it ’cause it’s a nod to all the important women in Will and Kate’s lives!

6. OMG I could do this all day! Seriously. They’re having a BOY. Know how we know? According to CelebrityBabyScoop, Kate reported confided in some army wife friends of hers that she recently purchased a light blue Bugaboo buggy for her darling little lad. The army wives were going to stay Kate’s royal confidants and they they realized they’d get paid the big bucks if they spilled the beans to reporters the world over.

7. Okay, but really, they’re having a girl! Because why else would Kate choose this color for her nail polish? The U.K based polish company, Butter, created the pretty (and purpley!) color for the Duchess. It’s called “Pitter Patter” when really, they should have called it We’re-going-to-confuse-you-again-just-because-we-can.

8. They don’t know what they’re having so they’re taking suggestions — from COMMONERS. The horror! But apparently, not so far from the truth. Kate played coy in front of reporters and said that she and William have picked names for a baby girl and a baby boy — but they don’t know which they like best, so they’re soliciting advice from Kate’s friends, who keep texting her baby name suggestions. Hey, Kate, if you’re still taking opinions — we’ve got tons!

9. We know exactly what the baby will look like. I’ll tell ya, technology today. Amirite or amirite? Okay, fine, we don’t really know which traits the royal babe will pick up from mom and pop, but we did have a lot of fun creating the royal baby. Since we ran ourselves in circles trying to decide if she was having a boy (or a girl!), we decided to mock up both a she and he. They’re pretty cute, no?

10. Kate’s baby shower broke from royal tradition and boy, was it a fairy-tale. Apparently, Pippa wanted to throw her big sis a down-to-earth baby shower but the royals weren’t having it. Fast forward to today, when someone created this dream-like image of Kate, grandma-to-be, the Queen, Pip, Kate’s mum, Carole, and Kate enjoying her baby shower. And yes, if you were wondering, they are celebrating on a cloud.

11. But really, she is having a baby shower. The shower was all Pippa’s idea, even though it’s not a royal tradition. Last we heard, Kate was really hoping that the Queen would attend.

12. Sorry, no shower. Because it’s not royal tradition, royal experts say that there won’t be a royal baby shower. Aside from the fact that they’re not commonplace in the UK (though the trend is just starting to pick up over there!), Victoria Arbiter, an ABC News Royal Expert, says that there would be, “added pressure that they are clearly very wealthy and a lavish baby shower would be seen as highly inappropriate. There’s nothing they can’t go out and buy themselves.”

13. Baby-to-be prefers the soothing sounds of the Black Eyed Peas, sung in a Capella by her father. I kid you not. According to “insiders”, the royal baby loves to listen to the Black Eyed Peas hit jam, ‘Lets Get It Started in Here!’ Not only does the baby like the song, but she loves when her daddy-to-be sings it.

Confused yet?