The system of monarchy will never die, but some royals are treading dangerously close to extinction.

Without your title and dynasty, you’re Victoria Beckham and you rely on the pages of Hello! magazine for your publicity. Some royals, unfortunately, don’t seem to mind that eventuality.

Princes William and Harry and their cousin Princess Beatrice seem content to live a socialite’s life with scads of money, but want none of the responsibility that comes with being royal. Hence Beatrice’s casual request, “Just call me plain Beatrice” when referred to as Her Royal Highness. God forbid you’re associated with an institution or idea that puts country before self…
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There was cause for nationwide celebration in Spain at the weekend as Princess Letizia and Crown Prince Felipe became parents for a second time with the birth of a daughter on Sunday, April 29.

Just hours after the little Sofia was delivered by Caesarean section weighing 7lbs 5oz, her proud dad stepped out of the clinic to share the happy news with the world.

Here’s a handy list in chronological order. There have been so many royal babies, and there’s more to come… it’s hard to keep track of them all:

October 25, 2001 – Princess Elisabeth (Belgium)
December 7, 2003 – Princess Catharina-Amalia (Holland)
January 21, 2004 – Princess Ingrid Alexandra (Norway)
October 15, 2005 – Prince Christian (Denmark)
October 31, 2005 – Infanta Leonor (Spain)
September 6, 2006 – Prince Hisahito (Japan)

While things are quiet in Norway, Belgium, and now Japan, things are still happening in Denmark, Spain, and Holland respectively.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark is pregnant with her second child, due to be born in May 2007. Crown Princess Letizia is also expecting her second child in May 2007, and Dutch Crown Princess Maxima is pregnant with a third child due in late April 2007.

Congratulations to the happy parents!

Princess Letizia of Spain has confirmed she is expecting her second child with husband Crown Prince Felipe, while the Netherlands’ enormously popular Princess Maxima is looking forward to the arrival of her third child with Crown Prince Willem-Alexander.

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