A sign in front of Haile Village Bistro announcing the newborn Prince of Cambridge is Gainesville’s version of the traditional letter and easel in front of Buckingham Palace.
Prince George Alexander Louis was born to Britain’s Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Monday, and locals commemorated the occasion by popping Moët & Chandon champagne, drinking tea and watching news updates.
The bistro, which holds about 60 people, was full of locals celebrating with the former mother country Monday night.
Customers also gathered in the adjacent Queen’s Arms Pub to watch TV updates.
“We’ve been waiting for this baby to come,” said Jayne Yazdi, co-owner of the bistro, 5323 SW 91st Terrace.
Inside, flag banners with photos of William and Kate hung from the ceiling. A second sign announcing the royal birth leaned against a set of china on a lace-covered table. Paintings of the British royal family, loaned by local artist Barbara Tench, are displayed year-round at the establishment.
Marj Crago, a member of the Haile community bridge club, was at the bistro most of the afternoon, eating Welsh cakes and playing bridge.
The 16 bridge players and other customers applauded and cheered when they heard the news that George had arrived, she said.
“We’re not British, but of course we had been watching and waiting,” Crago said.
