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Town Crier Who Announced Royal Baby’s Birth “Was Not Invited,” “Crashed the Party”

Town Crier Tony Appleton outside the Olympic Stadium before an Opening
Town Crier Tony Appleton says he was "not invited" by the royal family to announce the birth of Kate Middleton and Prince William's baby -- he just "crashed the party" because he loves the royals

With his tri-corner hat and elaborate finery, town crier Tony Appleton certainly looked official when he stood before the hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside St. Mary's Hospital on Monday, July 22, and read the news of the royal baby's birth from an old-fashioned scroll. But as he revealed to various media outlets on Tuesday, he was there of his own volition and has no connection to Kate Middleton, Prince William, or anyone else in the royal family — except that he's a fan.

Related: PHOTOS: Meet the royal baby!

"I was not invited," Appleton admitted to Yahoo!. "I just crashed the party. I got out of my cab and I stood in front of the steps, because I didn't think I would be allowed on them, and I did my bit. It was great."

The 76-year-old spotlight stealer — who is a town crier, but in Romford, not London — said he was shocked he'd made such a big splash with his announcement. "I can't believe it," he told Yahoo!. "I've opened up the newspapers and my face is all over them."

Related: PHOTOS: Royal family baby photos

Indeed, Appleton's act made headlines all over the world. "On this day, the 22nd of July in the year 2013, we welcome, with honorable duty, a future king, the firstborn of Their Royal Highness the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the third in line to the throne," he proclaimed with great fanfare. "And our new prince is the third great-grandchild of Her Majesty the Queen and the grandchild of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales."

"May he be long-lived, happy, and glorious, and one day reign over us," he continued. "God save the Queen!"

Related: PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's royal pregnancy style

In his interview with Yahoo!, Appleton noted that his fondness for the royal family goes back to his childhood. Since then, he has been an avid royal-watcher. He even waited outside the royal wedding in April 2011 so he could proclaim the marriage of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in traditional town-crier fashion.

"I love the royal family, I love them to bits," he told Yahoo!, noting that he was eager to continue his unofficial role. "Have some more children! I'm waiting for the next one to do it again."

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