British royal couple given Finnish baby box

[July 03, 2013]  HELSINKI (AP) -- A future British king or queen might spend some early hours sleeping in a cardboard box -- if a maternity package donated by Finland's social security service proves a success.

The Nordic country has given a baby box to Prince William and former Catherine Middleton, who are expecting their first baby in mid-July.

The brightly colored cardboard box doubles as a cot, complete with mattress and sheets, and contains numerous baby items including a sleeping bag, jump suits, socks, pants, hats, bonnets and diapers. Maternity packages have been given to expectant mothers in Finland since 1938.

A spokesperson for the royal couple at Kensington Palace said Wednesday that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were "delighted" by their baby box, and that "it was a very thoughtful gesture and we're very grateful for it."

[Associated Press]

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