Thursday 18 July 2013

London’s top tourist attractions are preparing to welcome the new Royal Baby in their own unique way as the world’s media wait for news of the birth.

As soon as the news is announced, the capital’s skyline will light up in the colours of the Union Flag as the London Eye illuminates in red, white and blue to mark the third in line to the throne.

In royal tradition, the Tower of London will also perform a 62 Royal Gun Salute. Sixty two rounds will be fired – 21 of which will be fired to mark the royal occasion, a further 20 are fired because the Tower is a Royal Palace and a further 21 rounds will be fired for the ‘City of London’.

For the first time ever some clothes worn by former Royal babies are also being put on display at the Museum of London as part of its exhibition to celebrate Royal births past and present. The new display will include items belonging to the infants, Charles I, George III, and Edward VII, amongst others. It’s the first time most of the collection has been on public display as part of this free exhibition.

Julie Chappell, Director of Consumer Marketing and Digital Channels, from London Partners, said: “London tourism is booming and the imminent arrival of the royal baby is creating a huge buzz in the capital.

We’re delighted both the London Eye and the Tower of London are planning to mark the arrival of the birth in this way. Visitors can also join in the excitement by sampling some of the creative and royal baby themed experiences on offer at London’s top hotels and attractions. Already this year we have witnessed record tourist numbers coming to London and the capital is still obviously benefiting from a post-Olympic bounce.”

London welcomed 3.4 million visitors in the first three months of the year (International Passenger Survey figures) and expenditure over the same period reached £2.1 billion – an 11.5% increase on the same period last year.

The figures show that London is more popular than ever as a tourist destination following the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012 and now, too, as the world watches and awaits the new Royal arrival.

EDF Energy London Eye spokesperson, Leah Larkin says “We are absolutely thrilled to honour the arrival of the Royal family’s newest member in such a way the whole of London can enjoy. As an iconic part of Britain it is only right that the London Eye get involved in celebrating the country’s new prince or princess. The red, white and blue colours will be a striking way to send best wishes to the happy couple and their new arrival.”

Notes to Editors

About London Partners

London Partners is the official promotional organisation for London. Our company attracts and delivers value to business, students and visitors. London Partners is a not-for-profit public private partnership, funded by the Mayor of London and a network of commercial partners.

Our remit is to drive leisure and business visitors as well as bidding to secure major events in London, to unlock the city for overseas businesses who want to set up or expand in London and to promote the capital’s world class universities to international students.

Our intention is to work in partnership with organisations in London and across the world to deliver our goal – that London be globally recognised as the best big city on earth.

For more information visit www.londonandpartners.com     

Contact

Louise Mendonça, London Partners Press Office

lmendonca@londonandpartners.com / +44 (0)20 7234 5710