Saturday, the world watched as Prince William and Kate Middleton introduced their newborn daughter on the front steps of St. Mary’s Hospital in London. The royal occasion demonstrated the beauty centuries-old traditions possess.

Throughout history, the British royal family has played a huge role in the country’s matters. While the family doesn’t exercise as much power over today’s British government, they’re an integral part in the country’s landscape for their role in keeping tradition alive.

While many newborns were born Saturday, newborn Charlotte Elizabeth Diana stole the show. In keeping with tradition, canons were fired across London in celebration, an easel sign was placed in front of Buckingham Palace officially announcing the royal birth and dozens of fans populated the street near the hospital, ABC reported.

While the modern couple minimally altered some traditions, they stayed true to many of them and honored the royal couples and newborns before them.

Without traditions, there would be no way to appreciate where we’ve been and where we’re going as a society. Traditions­ –big like the royal birth announcement or small like carving turkey on Thanksgiving Day– are so important. By honoring traditions handed down from one generation to the next, we’re able to connect with the past and each other.

Which is why I admire the British. They’ve been able to effortlessly embody their past and keep tradition afloat even in this day and age.

The royal birth announcement is evidence of that.

It’s amazing how one newborn can garner the attention of millions worldwide. In the past, royal newborns were celebrated because they are heirs to the throne and keep the royal family name alive.

While Charlotte is fourth in line to the throne, her name will forever be remembered. She was named after her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth and William’s late mother Princess Diana.

While only time will tell whether the royal couple will welcome a third child, if they do, it’ll be another momentous occasion.