News that Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge are expecting their second child sparked mixed reaction from all corners of the Internet.
In just a short amount of time the hashtag #RoyalBaby began trending and spreading across the globe, according to TrendsMap.
News of the new #RoyalBaby spreads fast! http://t.co/6PGj192IjD pic.twitter.com/JKjbbHW0Lt
— Trendsmap (@Trendsmap) September 8, 2014
Here's a roundup of reaction to the baby news, from politicians and officials, companies, royal fans and critics.
After the announcement was made Monday, various politicians and officials were the first to congratulate the pair. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his best wishes to the couple on behalf of all Canadians.
Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I'm delighted by the happy news that they're expecting another baby.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) September 8, 2014
Fantastic to hear that Prince George will soon be a big brother! Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their happy news.
— Ed Miliband (@Ed_Miliband) September 8, 2014
Wonderful news that the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge are expecting second child. Praying for the family, and that morning sickness subsides.
— Justin Welby (@JustinWelby) September 8, 2014
On behalf of all Cdns, @LaureenHarper & I congratulate the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge on this very exciting announcement. @BritishMonarchy
— Stephen Harper (@pmharper) September 8, 2014
Some in the U.K. questioned the timing of the announcement, which was made 10 days before Scotland heads to a vote in an independence referendum.
Politically savvy Twitter users couldn't help but chime in on what effect, if any, the baby news would have on the vote.
The Queen's offered to have the next royal baby named 'WILLIAM WALLACE ROBERT BRUCE BURNS' if the Scots agree to vote NO.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) September 8, 2014
As if Scotland needs another reason to vote 'yes'. I really don't fancy paying for this royal baby, you know ..
— d e a n . 1 3 1 k . (@Hybrid_The0ry) September 8, 2014
If it's a Yes vote, Scotland can have the royal baby on weekends.
— Glenn Moore (@TheNewsAtGlenn) September 8, 2014
Rumours that new royal baby will be called Angus or Morag if Scots promise to stay in the Union #scotland
— Stephen May (@RealStephenMay) September 8, 2014
Scotland now split between people saying "Aw.." and people saying "Aw naw..". #royalbaby
— Kenny Farquharson (@KennyFarq) September 8, 2014
Clarence House deny the new #RoyalBaby is part of a unionist plot #indyref pic.twitter.com/HFQgumDFXD
— General Boles (@GeneralBoles) September 8, 2014
Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond congratulated the duke and duchess, referring to them by their official Scottish titles.
Congratulations & best wishes to the Earl & Countess of Strathearn. Wonderful to hear they're expecting their second baby – very happy news!
— Alex Salmond (@AlexSalmond) September 8, 2014
One user joked that Slamond, who supports Scotland's independence, also had an announcement of his own to make.
BREAKING: Alex Salmond also announces he is pregnant to cheering Edinburgh crowds.
— Dan Rebellato (@DanRebellato) September 8, 2014
Amid the many royal fans online, there are also plenty of critics and those who simply don't care much for the royal family. These people took to Twitter to lament what would undoubtedly be a long news day.
Good on them, for doing what they've done once before, and what humanity has done since time immemorial. No' bothered. #royalbaby
— Iain McGuinness (@iain_mcguinness) September 8, 2014
Cling to the #royalbaby like a floating piece of driftwood in a sea of horrific world news. If that's what makes you feel okay.
— Emma Charleston (@undividual) September 8, 2014
OMG SECOND ROYAL BABY COMING WE CAN PUT SOCIETY'S PROBLEMS ON HOLD AGAIN
— Drew Magary (@drewmagary) September 8, 2014
me right now because of the #royalbaby news http://t.co/WrbPa3tCnt
— diane alston (@dianelyssa) September 8, 2014
Meanwhile, companies, eager to get in on the online buzz, also made note of the baby news … with mixed results.
Congrats to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge! May we humbly suggest naming the #RoyalBaby 'Pizza'?
— PizzaExpress (@PizzaExpress) September 8, 2014
Congratulations Kate and Will - another royal baby is on the way! #BrilliantlyBritish pic.twitter.com/CV2wxcD8PW
— Philips AVENT UK (@Philips_AVENT) September 8, 2014
Can you see the #RoyalBaby rocking these Kids @drmartens? We think so! Congrats Wills and Kate. pic.twitter.com/DupmgXcgoj
— OFFICE Shoes (@OfficeShoes) September 8, 2014
And this being the Internet, there were loads of jokes.
What should the new Royal Baby be called? #RoyalBabyNames pic.twitter.com/l6HIHRDFlY
— HarryPotterReactions (@PotterReacts) September 8, 2014
Having produced an heir, one can confirm that William and Catherine are expecting a spare. #RoyalBaby
— Elizabeth Windsor (@Queen_UK) September 8, 2014
First picture of christening day outfit for new #royalbaby. You saw it here first. pic.twitter.com/TX5QehUyDE
— Aisling Keenan (@aislingmkeenan) September 8, 2014