Town crier who unofficially announced birth of royal baby Prince George receives letter from William and Kate 'Town crier' Tony Appleton, 76, received a note from Duke and Duchess He announced the birth of Prince George outside the Lido Wing He wrote to apologise for gate-crashing - and got a thank you The "town crier" who announced the birth of Prince George outside St Mary's hospital has received a thank you letter from the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Tony Appleton, 76, took it upon himself to declare the birth of the future king on the steps of the Lido Wing on July 22. Mr Appleton is among the many well-wishers who received a thank-you note from the Royal couple, who sent out a card to every member of the public who wrote to them following the birth of their son. Cheers! 'Royal town crier' Tony Appleton, pictured during the 2012 Olympics, received a thank-you letter from William and Kate after he wrote to apologise for 'gate-crashing' their big day The 76-year-old from Romford amused royal fans and film crews when he turned up to make the "unofficial" announcement, but many were unaware that Mr Appleton had turned up to announce the birth on his own accord. In the aftermath of the birth of Prince George, the town crier wrote to the royal couple to congratulate them on the birth and to apologise for gate-crashing their special day. This week, Mr Appleton received a pleasant surprise when he found the new parents" private secretary had written to him on behalf of William and Kate. The letter, which Tony received on August 17, reads: 'It was kind of you to write and the Duke and Duchess would have me send you their warmest thanks and best wishes.' Thank you: Mr Appleton, already a Town Crier in his home town of Romford, received the note of thanks from the Duchess of Cambridge's private secretary Announcement: Tony Appleton stood on the steps of the Lindo Wingflakend by police and called out the birth of Prince George Tony, who runs a care home in Chelmsford, Essex, said: 'I'm so proud. It was the best thing I've ever done. Everyone thought I was from the palace when I first turned up. My family asked me "what the hell happened?" I just turned up off my own steam. I have had the world around my house and this is a great way just to finish it off. Mr Appleton became the first town crier of Romford 12 years ago and says he will take a similar role in any future royal births. Another delighted fan who got a note from the Duke and Duchess was royal fan Zoe Hall from Brighton, East Sussex. She sent a "Congratulations" card after the birth was announced in July but was not expecting a reply and is "thrilled" with her Buckingham Palace stamped letter. Grateful: The Duke and Duchess, seen in their first official family photograph with their son Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge, will reply to all their wellwishers Store manager Miss Hall, 25, said: "I sent the card the day the birth was announced in July and I am amazed I got a reply so quickly. I am absolutely thrilled and will definitely be getting it framed. I wanted to send a card as I was so excited about the announcement. After watching the Royal wedding and seeing their public appearances you start to feel part of their lives. It is nice they are recognising people's interest in them. A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are very grateful for the support and goodwill being expressed at this happy time, and wanted to acknowledge the letters and gifts they have received." The spokesperson added that everyone who has written a letter and provided an address could expect a reply.