With the Duchess of Cambridge in labor and the entire world anxiously counting down to the royal baby's birth, Kate Middleton and Prince William's little one just might be the most famous (unborn) baby in the world.
But the excitement isn't the only thing that's special about the royal baby's birth. From an entire treasury at his or her disposal, to celebrations around the globe, here are seven ways the royal baby's birth is a far cry from that of commoners.
1. Royal coins
The royal baby isn't just born with a silver spoon in her mouth — he or she will have an entire mint at her disposal. The nation's royal mint will dispense "lucky" silver pennies to all the babies born in the United Kingdom on the same day as the royal baby. [7 Wild Baby Myths Debunked]
The mint is also planning a commemorative, five-pound coin that will be emblazoned with St. George and a dragon, which was also depicted on a coin in honor of the Queen's diamond jubilee.
2. Prime minister, I'm here!
The royal baby's birth announcement will go not just to family and friends, but to several leaders of the free world. The royal birth will be announced to British Prime Minister David Cameron, as well as to the leaders of the British commonwealth nations, such as Australia and Canada.
3. Worldwide party
In New Zealand, nearly 30 landmarks will be lit in pink or blue lights, depending on the baby's gender, to herald the birth of the prince or princess. Canada is planning a similar gesture: The baby's name will be lit in the CN Tower in Toronto, or Niagara Falls.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard was spotted knitting a kangaroo toy for the royal heir. Hundreds of other parties will be thrown around the world to celebrate the royal arrival, and several news outlets planned special commemorative editions to celebrate the new member of the royal family.
4. Private hospital wing
Like Beyonce's baby, Blue Ivy, the royal infant will come into the world with quite a bit more space than the average kid. Kate Middleton, officially known as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and her family were given an entire wing in the private St. Mary's Hospital for the delivery.
5. A 41-gun salute
In days of yore, royal births were celebrated with a 41-gun salute from the Tower of London. That tradition will continue, with plans for a 62-gun salute (which typically signifies royal anniversaries) by the King's Royal Horse Artillery in Green Park, and a 41-gun salute from the Tower of London.
6. Buckingham Palace announcement
Traditionally, a little piece of paper announcing a royal birth has been placed outside the railings of Buckingham Palace.
This time, the announcement will be placed in a gilt frame, and upon an easel in the royal palace courtyard. The announcement will also include a modern twist: The royal birth will be announced on Twitter and other online sites, where millions of people will undoubtedly react to the big news.
7. Name game
During the royal pregnancy, people around the U.K. are placing bets on the baby's name. London betting houses placed odds on different names, with Alexandra, Charlotte, George and James leading the pack.
Follow Tia Ghose on Twitter and Google+. Follow LiveScience @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on LiveScience.com.
