What’s a town crier and why did Tony Appleton ‘announce’ the birth of Kate Middleton’s royal baby?
TOWN criers have been part of British civic life for centuries, though their role nowadays is mostly ceremonial.
Though one has recently climbed to unusual prominence by being a frequent fixture at royal events – but who is he and what does the role actually entail? Here's what you need to know.
What is a town crier?
The tradition of the town crier dates back to the earliest times, before literacy became widespread.
They were tasked with the responsibility of communicating significant events to the people of a town, including local bylaws and market days, as many couldn't read or write.
In medieval England, town criers were the main way of getting information, gaining the attention of a crowd with a loud "Oyez, Oyez, Oyez!"
The distinctive cry for attention, meaning "hear ye", has its origins in the Anglo-Norman word for "listen".
Although the spread of literacy and more recently social media have made their purpose obsolete, there are around 200 official town criers left in the UK today.
Who was the man who announced the royal baby's birth?
Whenever a major royal announcement is made, a distinctive "town crier" always seems to materialise from the crowd to bellow out the joyful news to the gathered well-wishers.
Although his impressively bright red outfit and homemade scroll gives him an air of authenticity at a distance, nobody has actually asked him to do this.
Instead, he's an Essex-based octogenarian who's a massive fan of the royals and has made it his mission to crash the party at their most significant events.
Tony Appleton, 81, was on hand to announce the births of both Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and made sure he was there for Kate Middleton's third royal baby too.
His appearances have made him a viral star, his booming proclamations ringing out on news reports from the USA to Australia – with many outlets thinking he's there in an official capacity.
Mr Appleton works as an "independent town crier", reporting how he has turned up at events from Milan to Las Vegas.
The 81-year-old, who owns a care home, is also the official town crier for Romford in East London.
MORE ON THE ROYAL BABY
When was Kate Middleton's third royal baby born?
On Monday, April 23, Kate Middleton gave birth to a baby boy weighing 8lb, 7oz at St Mary's Hospital.
Prince William was by the Duchess of Cambridge's side to welcome their third child at 11.01am in the Lindo Wing of the Paddington hospital.
The Royal family were said to be delighted with the news, with the Queen informed of the fifth-in-line to the throne's arrival.
In a statement, Kensington Palace said: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs. The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz.
"The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.
"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well."