'Royal Crier' of Baby's Birth Not Official, But Now He's Viral (Video)

The town crier that announced the birth of the royal baby Monday admits he wasn’t officially invited, but that didn’t stop him from becoming an overnight media sensation.

Tony Appleton, 76, from Chelmsford, Essex, stood outside St. Mary's Hospital Monday and proclaimed the birth of Prince William and wife Kate's son.

"On this day, the 22nd of July, the year 2013, we welcome with honorable duty a future king," Appleton shouted. "The first born of the Royal Highness, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The third in line to the throne. Our new prince is the third great-grandchild of Her Majesty the Queen and the first grandchild of the royal highness the Prince of Wales. May he be long lived, happy and glorious and one day to reign over us. God save the Queen."

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Appleton's full regalia and enthusiasm immediately catapulted him to Internet superstardom.

"I want this guy to replace my alarm system in the morning," one person posted under a YouTube video of the announcement.

"It is nice that some traditions linger," another wrote. "They give us a sense of continuity and attachment to history. Well done."

This is the "Royal Crier" announcing Royal Baby's birth (seriously). This was followed no doubt by an elf sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/Shka0VqdzS

— Tauriq Moosa (@tauriqmoosa) July 23, 2013

The royal Town Crier man, Tony Appleton, has the coolest hat ever. WHEREEE can I get one?!

— The Rules (@RulesForBelles) July 22, 2013

Making up a little story in my head where the town crier is a sad divorcee named Stuart who really needs a drink. http://t.co/O6ljcvW2PS

— Rachel Syme (@rachsyme) July 22, 2013

Appleton often takes it upon himself to make royal announcements.

"I'd only just arrived at my hotel when I received a tweet saying the baby had been born, so I made my way to the hospital. Everyone thought I was there in an official capacity but I did it off my own back," he told the East Anglian Daily Times. "I'm a real Royalist and did the same thing for the Royal Wedding, as well as the Queen's Golden and Diamond Jubilees."

In London ready to make proclamation

— Tony Appleton (@lordofgreatbadd) July 22, 2013

"I was not invited, I just crashed the party," he continued. "I got out of my cab and I stood in front of the steps, because I didn't think I would be allowed on them, and did my bit. It was great."

Appleton has been a local town crier for 25 years. He also runs a nursing home.





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