The exciting news about the arrival of a royal baby in London is only tainted by the fact that the duchess has been admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in Central London with acute morning sickness. Let’s hope she recovers soon.

As the BBC points out, the royal baby will be born third in line and in direct succession to the throne. He or she will one day be head of the armed forces, supreme governor of the Church of England and subsequently head of state in 16 countries.

Are you fans of the royal couple? Don’t forget there are many ways you can learn and experience more about the Royal Family in London. Here are some tips for enjoying Royal London; and some suggestions on how you can sample Kate Middleton’s favourite London haunts.

The Foreign Office tipped us off about this great video ahead of the Queen’s birthday celebrations tomorrow.

In the film, Major Nana Twumasi-Ankrah reminisces about watching the Queen’s Birthday Parade on TV as a child in Ghana; and now he commands the very regiment he saw taking part all those years ago! (Different soldiers now, of course, but still very impressive.)

As the first black officer commissioned in the Household Cavalry commanding 120 men and 120 horses, the Major believes the diverse make-up of his regiment embodies the wider modern Britain where “officers from so many backgrounds all mix together as one.”

It gives a lovely picture of how people on the inside of London’s pomp and ceremony are still excited by what they do.

If you’re interested in Ghanian culture in London, you can check out the Ghana in London entry in our World in London series.

This cover picture from The Royal Thames, a guide to London published in 1937 was shared with the Visit London Flickr group by mikeyashworth.

The photo is in two Flickr groups which gather nostalgic images from books about London, London Books and Maps and London Books and Their Illustrations.

Do you collect old London guidebooks? Have you got a favourite online archive of vintage London images? Tell us about it!

We’re thrilled at the news Prince William is going to marry Kate Middleton in London next year.

Here at VL Towers, we’ve been in deep discussions about the London location for the ceremony, the dress and of course, the reception.

Will they go for the tradition of a royal wedding ceremony at Westminster Abbey? Or perhaps St Paul’s Cathedral, like William’s parents, Charles and Diana did 29 years ago. Or maybe they’ll go for something a bit quirkier: did you know you can get married at London Zoo, Kew Gardens and the Science Museum, not to mention Wembley Stadium and HMS Belfast!

And we’re hoping they’ll take tips from our ideas for hen weekends and stag dos in the capital.

If you’re inspired by the new royal being welcomed into our midst next year, why not take a few tips from our Royal Day Out in London.

Above images of Kate and William from flickr, by Nick Warner and Rob the moment.