When the third in line to the British throne finally enters the world, the Royal Family can expect to receive several books worth of well wishes from Victoria residents and visitors.
The Fairmont Empress hotel has been collecting messages for the royal baby and parents-to-be Prince William and Kate since July 5. They’re already on book three, according to Angela Rafuse-Tahir, director of sales and marketing for the hotel.
“There are probably thousands of signatures and well wishes to the royal couple on the arrival of their first child,” she said.
Alongside the book, the Fairmont Empress is also collecting baby-related donations in its “Royal Crib,” which will be distributed to children in need throughout Victoria through C-FAX Santas Anonymous.
Anyone who donates a new toy receives 10 per cent off afternoon tea for the month of July.
Both the Royal Crib and book are located in the tea lobby. Donations and signatures will be accepted through July 31.
Over the years, several members of the royal family have visited the Fairmont Empress, including King George VI and the Queen, who has visited almost every decade since beginning her reign, according to Rafuse-Tahir.
There was even one case where royalty stayed the night. While protocol dictates that members of the Royal Family should stay at Government House, a fire forced Princess Margaret to find accommodation elsewhere during her visit in 1957.
“There’s such a strong connection to the Royal Family,” Rafuse-Tahir said.
The hotel also hosted a celebration of the royal wedding last April, inviting guests to sport bathrobes and pyjamas for a televised viewing that began at 3 a.m., followed by a Royal Subjects Picnic and Royal Celebration Tea.
The official due date is unknown, but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby is expected mid-July.
The uncertainty makes planning difficult, according to Bruce Hallsor, president of the Monarchist League.
“It’s kind of hard to plan for an event. We’re all waiting,” he said.
The league is hosting a garden party on Sunday. “We’re going to do it whether there’s an announcement or not,” Hallsor said.
While bets are being placed around the world on everything from the baby’s sex and name to its weight, he said the league was not running a pool.
“It’s a medical procedure, so something could always go wrong, but we’re just hoping it will be a happy occasion.”
