ROYAL COMMUNICATIONS:

THEN AND NOW

Both of these pictures, show to ways to

do something, in this case, to announce
the birth of a royal baby. The first picture
shows the courtiers of Buckingham
Palace placing the birth announcement
for the birth of His Royal Highness
Prince Andrew (1960). On the other hand,
we can see a very different but more actual
way to announce a birth, in this case, the
birth of Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, the
only son of Their Royal Highnesses the dukes
of sussex (2018).

The first pictures shows the courtiers of Buckingham Palace placing a frame with a
text, which normally informs the people waiting outside about the health state of
the baby, the mother and the happiness of the Queen and the Royal family itself,
while three police officers are holding the crowds and journalists that gathered at
the gates of London’s most known royal residence. (February 19th 1960)

On the other hand, we can see this different way to announce the baby delivery, in
this case the dukes of Sussex’s first child, using social media, in the picture
Instagram but also Twitter or Telegram were also used. The announcement reads:
“We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of
Sussex have welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th 2019. Their
Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz.
The Duchess and the baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of
the public for their shared excitement and support during this special time in their lives.
More details will be shared in the forthcoming days.” (May 6th 2019)

Using social media does not mean that the old way to announce royal births or
deaths is now obsolete, any public announcement, via radio, television, social
media or newspaper cannot be done before the placing of the frame with the
written announcement in it at the gates of the palace.