Prince Harry Look-Alike (and a Bear!) Visit Kate Middleton's Hospital Ahead of Royal Baby's Birth

Happy pranksters swing by Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in London bearing gifts...and laughs

By Alexis L. Loinaz, Melanie Bromley Jul 16, 2013 12:23 PMTags
Prince Harry Look alikeLEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images

While the world waits (and waits, and waits) with mounting excitement for the royal baby's arrival, two enterprising blokes apparently couldn't wait to spring a few laughs on the everyone.

On Tuesday, a Prince Harry look-alike—along with a fellow dressed up as a giant bear—stopped by the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in London, unleashing ample pomp while drumming up some sly publicity ahead of the arrival of Prince William and Kate Middleton's first child.

Harry's doppelgänger arrived decked out in full military regalia (not to mention loads of chutzpah), while his furry buddy sported a Union Jack scarf and crown.

Press Association via AP Images

Both came bearing gifts to children being treated at the hospital, which they carted out on a wagon wrapped in swaths of Union Jacks. Appropriately, the mascot held up a sign that read: "#RoyalTeddy."

The publicity stunt provided a well-timed distraction to the hordes of photographers stationed outside the hospital, some of them having camped out as far back as late June and all of whom have dubbed the needling anticipation "The Great Kate Wait."

Shortly afterward, Sky News royal correspondent Paul Harrison tweeted, "It doesn't take much to excite press at the Lindo #Harry #GreatKateWait," and attached a twitpic of the pranksters.

Royal watchers had originally pegged Kate's due date to be either July 13 or 14. But on Monday, Prince Charles' wife, Camilla, dropped the biggest hint yet on when the baby might actually arrive.

During a visit to a children's hospice in Little Harbour just outside of St. Austell in Cornwall, the Duchess of Cornwall told well-wishers: "We are all just waiting by the telephone. We are hopeful that by the end of the week he or she will be here."

Meanwhile, Kate's mom, Carole Middleton, has her own ideas on when the baby might arrive: She believes that her grandchild will be born under the Leo sign, reportedly claiming that Kate's due date is July 22.

The baby's impending arrival is already proving to be big business to those willing to hedge their bets: Folks have reportedly gambled an estimated $1.5 million in the United Kingdom on details surrounding the baby, with one person reportedly betting $7,500 that Kate will be giving birth to a little princess.

Ultimately, whether Will and Kate have a boy or girl, one thing is certain: The little royal will be amply loaded. Reportedly, the wee one stands to inherit about a billion pounds in accumulated family wealth.

Oh baby, indeed.