Babe in arms

Underpinning the pageantry is the narrative of a regular couple welcoming their firstborn. Prince William takes two weeks’ paternity leave and drives his wife home from hospital. The couple discussed nappy changing duties and William was relieved that his son had more hair than he did. Compare this happy tableau to the birth of Prince Charles. It took place in Buckingham Palace and Prince Philip was reportedly playing squash when the baby was born. Whether it is Edward VIII,who gave up the throne for the dashing Mrs Wallis Simpson,or the peccadilloes of Fergie,duchess of York,history would suggest the Windsors had never bothered to set themselves up as a template for family life. But now,royalty in England has had to domesticate itself in order to survive.

William and Kate might have taken inspiration from an older version of British monarchy — George III,the affable king,a John Bullish figure with a large brood of children and an interest in farming. They seem to have made the right choice. Pomp and pageantry aside,modern Britain likes a monarchy that is decidedly cuddly.