CHELMSFORD’S own royal enthusiast was on hand to announce the birth of the royal baby to the world.

The royal birth of a new baby boy was announced to the world outside the Lindo Wing by an ‘independent’ town crier who’d waited all month for his big moment.

Royal enthusiast Tony Appleton, 81, got the train to London from Essex when he heard that Princess Kate had gone into labour.

Standing outside the Lindo Wing, the care worker rang his bell and shouted: ‘Buckingham Palace proudly announces the birth of a newly born prince on this St George’s day AD 2018. God save the Queen.’

Although Mr Appleton has no official relationship with the royal family he did announce the births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte in the same manner.

The town crier used to be the source of all news on behalf of everyone in the community.

Mr Appleton fills the traditional role in Bury St Edmunds, a town in Suffolk, and in Romford – but lives in Chelmsford, and attends a number of major Chelmsford events, including the opening of Bond Street last year.

Standing outside the Lindo Wing following his proclamation, he told Sky News: “I got the train up this morning found out she was going into labour, booked into a little motel round the corner.

“Then all of a sudden it was ‘go’ and I was here in five minutes from the hotel to get here to do the announcement.

“I do rehearsals in the hotel room and at home as well because I’ve got to get my words right.”

The owner of a care home in Chelmsford, he has also been the official town crier of nearby Romford for the past 14 years.