I am so glad Kate and William had their little bundle of privileged joy this week, because to be honest, I was getting a little tired of tuning into every news channel and immediately being bombarded by reporters with lobotomized smiles blathering on about babies.
Sure, I get it the little ankle-biter is one day going to be a king, but - and to quote former Politically Incorrect host Bill Maher - "how repugnant is it that people choose to call someone in the 21st century 'Your Highness'?"
It's somewhat amusing, and a little scary, to watch all the American media fawning over the same folks with whom they fought a bloody war to gain independence. At least Canadians have always maintained a strong connection with Britain (Canadian residents were considered British subjects until about 1947, and I remember having to come to attention at pictures of the Queen when I served in our country's armoured corps), so our continued obsession is understandable but still lame.
In the past, when the monarchy meant something, I'm sure everyone got really excited about the birth of a new royal baby - and probably not just because they'd chop off your head if you didn't. But why are the royal family relevant today anyway? They don't rule a country anymore, or make decisions that really affect Britain or any other country. If you look at it without tainting your thoughts with emotion, patriotism or attachment, the royals are now simply famous for being famous and pretty stinking rich.
They're like the Kardashians, or Donald Trump, but with class and a kick-butt family tree and a castle.
It's still just another franchise of the cult of celebrity that has included the aforementioned Kardashians, Michael Jackson, Brangelina, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and a plethora of other famous people who are worshipped for having their mugs and antics all over the tabloids.
Maybe it's because I'm a journalist that I wish people were as interested in the real news of the day - Syria, Egypt, the erosion of online privacy and the absurd politics of their own country - as they are in watching the front of a hospital building for hours waiting for the birth of yet another celebrity.
I do congratulate the couple on the new baby; of course, as I know the joy I get from my own children. I wish them luck and much happiness, but I just think the time has passed when people should be losing their heads over the monarchy.
