A town crier announces the royal birth outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital after Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, had a baby boy. Photo: Andrew Winning/Reuters

As thousands of well-wishers braved the sweltering London heat to greet the impending royal birth, some of the excitement rubbed off on to the Maltese, many of whom were yesterday glued to their television screens following every update.

Large crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace and the London hospital where the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her first son, weighing 8 lbs 6 oz, at 4.24pm UK time.

And as anticipation in the UK reached fever pitch, here in Malta Christine Deasey, 16, who is half-British, declared herself as “obsessed” with Kate, Princes William and Harry, and their mother, the late Lady Diana.

She owns about 50 books on the royal family, including Diana’s autobiography and numerous posters and magazines.

She has closely followed Kate’s progress since she first appeared on the scene. When Kate and William got engaged in 2010, her interest expanded to encapsulate the entire British royal family.

“Since the announcement of Kate’s pregnancy was made back in December, I’ve been counting down the months for the birth. When I found out that she went into labour, I was excited and obviously really happy.

“I honestly can’t wait for the baby to be born as I’m curious to see whether it’s a boy or a girl.”

I believe that beneath the stiff upper lip lies a real family

Ms Deasey feels that the royal family is part of her heritage.

“I believe that beneath the stiff upper lip lies a real family, not mere figureheads. I also think they’re a great asset for England.”

She hopes to buy a token commemorating the special day, as she had done for the royal wedding in 2011.

Royal watcher Walter Pawley, 65, is captivated by the British, especially as his grandfather came from Britain.

“I would lock horns with anyone deriding them,” he told Times of Malta.

As the hour of the birth ticked closer, his excitement soared.

He owns a 400-piece collection of memorabilia (including souvenirs, plates and mugs) dating to Queen Victoria’s reign, while a Union Jack hangs proudly in his home.

He plans to buy a saucer commemorating the royal birth to add to his prized collection.

Beatrice Brockdorff, 52, had been into royalty every since becoming enraptured by the story of Henry VIII.

“I get carried away by the excitement of it. My husband doesn’t care for royalty but I love following them. I love visiting palaces whenever I’m abroad.” She plans to buy a commemorative charm to clip on to her bracelet, as she had done in 2011 when she had bought a little heart with the letters “K & W” engraved on it.

Her television was constantly tuned to the news, excitedly awaiting the announcement of the baby’s birth – she suspected a girl.

However, later in the day she had to reluctantly leave for work before the news broke.

“I hope that Times of Malta will message us with the news of the baby’s birth!” she laughed.

The British High Commission said that those considering sending presents to the royal family may wish to take note of the fact that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge do not want to encourage gifts on the occasion of the birth of their first child.

“Their Royal Highnesses feel that any generosity of spirit felt by individuals should be directed to those more in need.

“They would be grateful if those wanting to offer a gift to them could be encouraged to support a local children’s charity as a way of marking the birth,” a spokesperson told Times of Malta.

“They are aware that there will be some official gifts that it will be appropriate to receive, and their household are grateful for assistance in the facilitation of this.”