A TOWN Crier has spoken of his joy at delivering the news of the birth of the Royal Baby.

Delighted Tony Appleton, 80, of Baddow Road, Great Baddow, proudly announced the safe birth of Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana while standing on the steps of the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in West London.

He said: “I was on such a massive high, it’s been a really surreal experience.

“I had waited in a hotel for three days but went home when I heard the Duchess had been seen out shopping.

“I was a nervous wreck waiting for any news so when the Duchess went into labour a week later I dashed up to London, checked into a hotel, then was at the hospital three minutes after I’d heard the baby had been born.

“I feel so honoured and proud to have been a part of this historical event, I am a proud royalist.”

Mr Appleton, who owns a care home in Great Baddow, also announced the birth of Prince George in 2013, after getting past palace security to the hospital steps.

But this time he was thrilled to get the royal couple’s blessing.

He said: “Last time everybody let me through as they thought I was from the palace but this time I had a letter from their private secretary that said: ‘I’m sure your royal highnesses would be touched by your kind suggestion’.

“I was over the moon and when I arrived on the steps on Saturday it was like everyone was waiting for me.

“Her name is lovely, I’m surprised they called her Charlotte as I thought Alice was nice, but it’s lovely and is a nice tribute to Princess Diana too.

“I’m so thrilled to have been a part of it all, it has been wonderful.”