24 Apr 2018

Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to baby boy

8:22 am on 24 April 2018

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have left hospital after the arrival of their third child, a boy.

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge show their newly-born son, their third child, to the media outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in central London.

Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (L) and Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge show their newly-born son, their third child, to the media outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in central London. Photo: AFP

The new prince, who was born at St Mary's Hospital, London, at 11:01 BST, weighing 8lb 7oz, is fifth in line to the throne.

Earlier, Prince George and Princess Charlotte visited their younger brother at the Lindo Wing.

Kensington Palace said the Duchess of Cambridge and her son, who is yet to be named, are "both doing well".

Just before 18:00 BST, Prince William and Catherine came out of the hospital briefly to greet the crowds with their new son.

They then returned inside to collect their newborn son's car seat before driving away towards Kensington Palace.

Members of both families had been informed and were "delighted with the news".

Kensington Palace said the name of the baby would be announced in due course while a formal notice of the birth had been posted on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

Favourite names at the bookmakers include Arthur, Albert, Frederick, James and Philip.

Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted her "warmest congratulations" to William and Catherine.

She said: "I wish them great happiness for the future."

Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn also sent his regards, tweeting: "Congratulations to Kate and William on the birth of their baby boy. I wish them all the very best."

The Archbishop of Canterbury added: "Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the safe delivery of their baby, a brother for Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

"May God bless them and all of their children with love, happiness and health."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted: "On behalf of Londoners, I want to send our warmest congratulations to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy."

Sir Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their son.

"I'm sure his older brother will be delighted he has been born on St George's Day!"

Following a change in the law in 2013, Princess Charlotte keeps her place as fourth in line to the throne.

Previously, younger royal males would have taken precedence over older female siblings.

The duchess was admitted to hospital shortly before 06:00 on Monday with the announcement of the birth coming shortly after 13:00.

Senior royal doctors consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston and consultant gynaecologist Alan Farthing oversaw the birth.

Both were also called in for the arrival of Prince George in 2013 and Princess Charlotte in 2015.

The new prince, born on St George's Day, shares a birthday with Lady Gabriella Windsor - the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, who was born at the Lindo Wing on 23 April 1981.

- BBC