A baby and a grandmother are guaranteed to capture the headlines in Britain in the first year of the new millennium, which could just see the legalisation of brothels opposite the nation's Parliament.
Attention will focus on Downing Street as the Prime Minister Tony Blair and his wife Cherie are due to have a new addition to their family in May.
The baby will be the first born to a prime minister while in office for more than 100 years and has left the opposition Conservative Party spluttering at what many regard as a brilliant publicity coup.
Mr Blair has told the world that the news of a new child due to his wife when she will be 45 is better than winning an election and his virile image as a proud new father is likely to increase his public popularity.
The PM's spin doctor, Alistair Campbell, has promised there will be no exclusive photo deals concerning the new arrival.
But few believe Downing Street's infamous publicity machine will not make the most of the opportunity to build on a image of a happy family at the centre of government.
Britain's oldest institution, the monarchy, is also set to make the most of its image as a family this year with the celebration of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's 100th birthday.
