It may cover pages in Italian newspapers but many Italians seem indifferent to the news that the UK royals will soon become parents.

 ROME, ITALY (DECEMBER 4, 2012) (REUTERS) -  Italians surprisingly voiced a muted enthusiasm for the British royal pregnancy on Tuesday (December 4) with some saying they were too depressed by the financial crisis to be overly excited by the news.

"At this time of crisis, frankly, I am interested in totally different news. I didn't know, anyway" said Romeresident Marisa Tomaiuoli.

"Look, I am happy for them. Also, I am in favour of population growth so I am happy that even the prince is managing to have a child" said resident Aldo Spada.

All Italian newspapers ran long double-page spreads on the news.

"Kate is pregnant with a little prince. He is already a king of gossip" ran one headline. "London: the heir is there" ran another.

Many rushing to work on a grey cold morning, were uninterested by the latest royal development.

"Sorry, I think this is unimportant news, really" said Renato Nicastro on his scooter.

"You must be lucky to be concerned about this kind of thing. Really, with all the problems we have, of all things, you come and ask me about this?" he said, before zooming off.

One young woman was more excited.

"Kate is pregnant, I heard! It was about time. It's the right thing. After twenty months of marriage, they made it. Let's hope it's true, now." said student Paola.

But for many who are grimacing about excessive media coverage in the months to come, one elderly woman summed it all up.

"What a show!" she said as she walked down the street.