Queensland celebrates Royal birth

All babies born in Queensland on 22 July will receive a commemorative boxed medallion struck in honour of the birth of a baby boy, the Prince of Cambridge, to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Premier Campbell Newman said Queensland would also mark the royal birth by making available special commemorative birth certificates for children born in the State in 2013 and lighting up landmark buildings in shades of blue.

The Government may also name a major civic building after the Prince of Cambridge or one of his parents, after seeking feedback from Queenslanders.

“Like all other Queenslanders I am overjoyed for the Duke and Duchess and their families and it is only fitting that we celebrate the birth of the future monarch in a significant way,” Mr Newman said.

“There has been a real buzz right around the world about the arrival of the newest royal, who will be next in line to the throne after His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge.

“On behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulate the Royal family and hope the new parents will consider coming to Queensland soon for a visit.”

Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said about 172 babies were born each day in Queensland hospitals.

“I know the enormous pride and joy of parents when their babies are born, and these commemorative medallions will extend that feeling. They will be something for families to cherish, knowing their child shares a birthday with the person in line to become King of Australia,” Mr Springborg said.

“I’m often told by hospital staff how pleased they are to be part of such an exciting time for families, and delivering high-level maternity care to Queensland families is something they take great pride in.”

Attorney General Jarrod Bleijie said while the birth of any child was an exciting time, sharing a birthday with the Prince of Cambridge would be special for many families.

“Babies born in 2013 will grow up with the future monarch and the certificate, and a medallion for babies who share his birthday, will give them a special keepsake for the rest of their lives,” Mr Bleijie said.

“Being able to take home a small memento will make the day a little more special for Queensland families welcoming their bundle of joy to the world in 2013.”

Mr Newman said buildings to be lit up included Parliament House, Government House, the Treasury Casino, the Wheel of Brisbane, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, the Sir Leo Hielscher bridge, the Kurilpa Bridge, King George Square and Reddacliff Place.

“I would like to thank Lord Mayor Graham Quirk and other decision makers for their support of this initiative and help in ensuring Brisbane landmarks are bathed in blue in celebration,” he said.

Commemorative certificates will be available from Births, Deaths and Marriages, and Queensland hospitals will contact parents whose babies were born on 22 July to gauge their interest in receiving a commemorative medallion.

[ENDS] 23 July 2013

Media contact: Premier’s office 3224 4500 or Clare Mildren (Health Minister) 0417 255 284