Kate Middleton’s Hometown Prepares Royal Baby Celebrations; Predicts It Will Be A Girl

The royal baby isn’t here quite yet, but that hasn’t stopped Bucklebury, England, from preparing various celebrations to honor the child. The small village from which Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton hails is reportedly abuzz with “baby fever” – much like the rest of England. The 33-year-old is due to welcome her second child any day now and when she does, Bucklebury will be ready to celebrate.

“We’ve got a party coming up on Friday 1st May so it would be great if it could coincide with that,” John Haley, owner of one of Middleton’s favorite pubs, told Us Weekly.

For months people have speculated that Middleton is having a girl. The Duchess has been spotted out in pink multiple times during her pregnancy, which many took as a subtle clue despite claims that the couple chose not to find out the gender of the baby. Some have even gone as far as to place wagers on the baby’s gender. The people of Bucklebury have also jumped on the princess bandwagon and could not be more excited for the big reveal.

“There’s absolutely an atmosphere in the village about the birth,” Franca Geppert, Haley’s girlfriend, said. “People are so excited. Everybody in the village is convinced it will be a girl for her.”

People magazine reported that a majority of people placing bets about the second royal baby believe it will be a girl. One bookkeeping company, William Hill, told the magazine that “over 70 percent” of voters were predicting the child would be female. There were also hefty bets placed on the name Middleton and Prince William would choose, with most bettors leaning toward Alice.

“The support for Alice is relentless and we’ve been left with no option but to take the scissors to the odds,” Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said after the company lowered the odds of Alice winning from 16-1 to 3-1.

According to Hello! magazine, the people of England aren’t the only ones hoping for a baby girl. Gary Goldsmith, Middleton’s uncle, recently revealed that although it is most important that the baby is healthy, both his niece and the prince would like a daughter. They reportedly intend to keep having children, and Goldsmith says he’s “sure there’ll be a girl in the mix” eventually.

“I don’t think they’ll stop at two,” he said. “So if it isn’t a girl this time around, people shouldn’t be too disappointed.”

Regardless of the gender, Middleton, who is already the mother of one child, will have plenty of help when baby arrives. According to Daily Mail, the Duchess’ mother, Carole Middleton, as well as her nanny, Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, are ready to lend a helping hand. Kate’s sister, Pippa Middleton, also recently flew back to London to be close when her niece or nephew arrives. Pippa, 31, has played a large role in Prince George’s life.