A press release distributed at 8.30pm today announced that The Duchess of Cambridge, 31, had given birth to a baby boy who weighed in at 8lbs 6oz. Mother and baby are both doing well and are staying in hospital overnight.
The child will be third in line to the throne, after Prince Charles and Prince William.
The Duchess gave birth in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s in Paddington, West London. Princes Harry and William were born in the same wing.
It has been reported that Kate was keen to give birth naturally, though this has not been confirmed since the birth. It is being reported that the couple chose to wait 4 hours before making the announcement to enjoy time 'quality time' together.
The Queen’s surgeon-gynacologist, Marcus Setchell, was the doctor in charge of the safe delivery of the new heir. He has been involved in the care of Kate since the announcement of her pregnancy and during treatment for hyperemesis gravidarum
The couple announced they were expecting their first child on December 3rd, though it is understood they did so before the 12-week mark due to concerns about Kate’s health which meant an admission and short stay in hospital.
The Queen and senior members of the Royal family will have been the first to be told about the birth, along with Kate’s family.
The first time William and Kate are expected make a public appearance as parents will be when they emerge from the hospital but it could take as long as 10 days before the child's name is announced.
Thousands of well wishers gathered outside Buckingham palace to watch as officials placed a message outside announcing the arrival of the new heir. Elsewhere in the UK there was delight at the announcement, with the Prime Minister and The Archbishop of Canterbury expressing congratulations.
