The Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby boy, Kensington Palace has announced.
The baby was delivered at 16:24 BST at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, weighing 8lb 6oz.
The palace said in a statement that the duchess and the baby were “doing well”. She and Prince William will remain in the hospital overnight.
The news has been displayed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in line with tradition.
A bulletin – signed by the Queen’s gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who led the medical team that delivered the baby – was taken by a royal aide from St Mary’s to the palace under police escort.
The document said: “Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24pm today.
“Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”
The Kensington Palace press release said the Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.
“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news,” it said.
And the Prince of Wales, in a separate statement, said he and the Duchess of Cornwall were “overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild.
“It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy,” he added.
“Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone’s life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future.”
BBC royal correspondent Peter Hunt said the duke and duchess spent time bonding with their son before they told the family their news.
Royal doctor Mr Setchell described the new arrival as “wonderful baby, beautiful baby”, our correspondent added.
Prime Minister David Cameron, speaking outside Downing Street, hailed the “wonderful news”.
“It is an important moment in the life of our nation but I suppose, above all, it’s a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who’ve got a brand new baby boy,” he added.
He said the Royal Family could “know that a proud nation is celebrating with a very proud and happy couple tonight”.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said on Twitter: “Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Good news to make the whole country smile.”
And Labour leader Ed Miliband, also writing on Twitter, said: “Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I wish them and their son all happiness and good health.”
Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, meanwhile, said: “I am sure that people across Scotland will be absolutely thrilled to hear the news of the birth of a baby boy to the Royal couple and will want to join me in wishing the proud parents many congratulations.”
BBC
