Babies born on the same day as William and Kate's first child will be sent a "lucky" silver penny to celebrate the royal arrival.

The coins, presented in blue or pink pouches, will be struck with the year and 2,013 of them will be made.

A teddy bear card will read: "Solid sterling silver good luck penny."

The Duchess of Cambridge is thought to be due on July 13 and is set to give birth to the future monarch at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington, Central London, where William was born in 1982.

Shane Bissett, of currency-maker the Royal Mint, said: "The birth will be a joyous occasion for the whole nation.

"It will also be a special day for many mothers and fathers across the country as they, too, welcome their new baby."

Crossing the palm of a newborn with silver is seen as a way of wishing them wealth and good health.

The penny shows a shield of the Royal Arms, with the three lions, the Scots lion rampant and Irish harp.

Almost 2,000 babies are born each day in the UK.

Parents have 60 days after the birth to claim the coin on the Royal Mint's Facebook page.

To read the complete article, see:Kate Middleton baby's birth marked with "lucky" silver penny given to all others born on same day(www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/kate-middleton-babys-birth-marked-2024376)