Prince William and Kate waved and smiled broadly to the waiting cameras as they held their prince on the steps of the private Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London, 26 hours after he was delivered, weighing 8lbs 6oz.
Speaking for the first time since giving birth, an obviously moved Duchess of Cambridge said: 'It's been very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like.'
As they left St Mary's carefully cradling their precious child, the Duke of Cambridge followed the steps his parents Charles and Diana took with him 31 years ago, when he was born there on June 21, 1982.
'He's a big boy, quite heavy. We're still working on a name,' he told reporters, adding: 'Well he has a good pair of lungs on him, that's for sure.'
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Special moment: Prince William and Kate waved
and smiled broadly to the waiting cameras as they held their prince on
the steps of the private Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London
New life: The baby was crying in its car seat as its father took him to their waiting car this evening
Magic: With the wold watching, Kate and William
hold their prince outside the Lindo Wing in a genuinely historic moment
for Britain
Emotional: The new mother looked delighted as she looked down at her first child while her husband waved to the excited crowds
Protective: The
baby was wrapped in a white shawl - Kate held her new son closely to her
chest as she waved to the impressive crowd
Gentle: The trio take their first steps together into the outside world together as the prince starts his life
Confirming that the prince was overdue, William said: ‘I will remind him of his tardiness when he is older.’
With a huge smile he then added: ‘He’s got her looks thankfully’ to which the Duchess responded ‘No, no, no I’m not sure about that.’
The Duchess wore a lilac purple dress, with her long hair falling in waves around her face. The new father wore a blue open neck shirt rolled up to his elbows with black trousers.
The couple then returned to the hospital as William held his son, swaddled in a blanket, before bringing him out again in his car seat
William then visibly breathed a sigh of relief when he successfully installed his baby on the back seat with his wife, before driving them home to Kensington Palace cheered on by a huge crowd.
Their child is now third in the line of succession, displacing Prince Harry to fourth and the Duke of York to fifth, although he may not become sovereign for half a century or more.
With a huge smile he then added: ‘He’s got her looks thankfully’ to which the Duchess responded ‘No, no, no I’m not sure about that.’
The Duchess wore a lilac purple dress, with her long hair falling in waves around her face. The new father wore a blue open neck shirt rolled up to his elbows with black trousers.
The couple then returned to the hospital as William held his son, swaddled in a blanket, before bringing him out again in his car seat
William then visibly breathed a sigh of relief when he successfully installed his baby on the back seat with his wife, before driving them home to Kensington Palace cheered on by a huge crowd.
Their child is now third in the line of succession, displacing Prince Harry to fourth and the Duke of York to fifth, although he may not become sovereign for half a century or more.
Caring: As his wife walked down the steps,
William placed a protective hand on her arm to make sure the new mother
and son made it down the steps safely
Warm welcome: The ecstatic crowd sang 'Congratulations' as the new parents stepped out of the London hospital
The safe hands of the Duchess of Cambridge with her son who was born yesterday, but was thrown into the spotlight today
Happy trio: Kate told reporters that 'It's been
very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like' while
the prince joked the baby 'has more hair than me'
Are these tears? The Duchess admitted the becoming a mother for the first time was 'emotional'
Huge crowds were waiting to catch a glimpse of the couple and the baby outside St Mary's hospital
The
Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge will travel home to Kensington Palace
tonight, spending two weeks there while William is on paternity leave.Huge crowds of well-wishers and journalists from all over the world have been waiting outside the west London hospital ward for weeks, first to be there when Kate went into labour and now as the couple left with her firstborn child.
Meanwhile, this evening the Queen told guests at a Buckingham Palace reception she was 'thrilled' at the birth of her great-grandson.
Earlier the royal baby's grandparents met him for the first time, and soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke, Duchess and baby would leave this evening.
Kate's sister Pippa is said to be there waiting for her.
Carole and Michael Middleton were the first to arrive at the private Lindo Wing at around 3pm today, with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla following them at 5.30pm after being rushed to London by helicopter after two-days carrying out official duties in Yorkshire.
Before mounting the St Mary's Hospital steps, the smiling Prince of Wales asked journalists who have been stood outside for almost three weeks: 'Have you been there long?'
When he left around 10 minutes later, Charles said the baby was 'marvellous' and told journalists: 'You'll see in a minute'.
Gently does it: After Kate took the prince down the stairs, William carefully picked up their son
Big moment: Prince William holds his son for the first time in front of the world's media
Debut: Despite the excitement the tiny baby
seemed to remain asleep throughout his debut allowing his parents to
answer questions
The future king made his public entrance in the safe hands of the Duke of Cambridge and his wife as they left the Lindo Wing
Part of the journey: The medical staff at the hospital lined up as the new parents emerged
Poignant: It was
an emotional moment for William - the Duke of Cambridge had followed
the steps his parents Charles and Diana took with him 31 years ago, when
he was born there on June 21, 1982
Next destination: The Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge have gone to Kensington Palace for the next fortnight
Statement: William and Kate both spoke to the press and the Prince said 'thankfully he has her looks'
Good spirits:
The new parents both looked in good spirits as they spoke to the waiting
press, ending weeks of speculation about when the baby will arrive
Speculation: When asked about the newborn's
appearance, William said "He's got her looks thankfully.' Kate
responded: 'Catherine brushes off the praise, saying: 'No, no no, I'm
not sure about that'
'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to Kensington Palace.
'Their Royal Highnesses would like to reiterate their thanks to the hospital for the care and treatment they have all received'.
Earlier doting grandmother Carole Middleton described her grandson, the future king, as 'absolutely beautiful' after she and her husband visited him.
The Duchess of Cambridge's parents said their first grandchild is 'absolutely beautiful' and his parents are coping 'fabulously'.
The Middletons spent just over an hour with their daughter Kate and son-in-law William, and a smiling Mrs Middleton, speaking about mother and baby, said: 'They are both doing really well, and we are so thrilled.'
When asked by the world's media, who have been camped outside for nearly three weeks, how the proud parents were doing, she replied: 'Fabulously.'
Asked what the first cuddle with her grandson was like, Mrs Middleton, who had been ushered forward by her husband to speak to the press, said: 'Amazing, It's all coming back.'
Strapped in: The newborn baby was strapped
into a car seat as Prince William carried him out of the hospital and
into the awaiting car
William calmly carried his new baby to the Range Rover which he drove home himself with his wife and child on board
Welcome to the world: The baby, titled His Royal
Highness, Prince (name) of Cambridge, raised his tiny hands in the air
as he was transported to the awaiting car in the car seat
Precious cargo: Prince William carefully placed
his new son in the back seat of the awaiting car in preparation for
their journey back to Kensington Palace
Relief: With the
world watching as he strapped his new son into the car William let out a
sigh of relief that he had passed the a crucial parent test - the
fiddly car seat
Stylish: The Duchess of Cambridge wore a bespoke lilac dress by British designer, Jenny Packham with cream wedges
Goodbye: William gives a final farewell wave before he drives his wife and their new addition back home
Proud dad: William fulfilled a dream chased by
many wannabee parents, taking the opportunity to drive his wife and
child home from hospital
Kate looked incredibly fresh despite going into
labour and giving birth less than two days ago at the hospital where her
husband was born
Parenthood: After such a bright and public spotlight on the baby's birth the couple drive away from the spotlight
Arrival: The new family arrive at Kensington
Palace with their newborn son - Kate's sister is understood to be
waiting for her there
Decades before: Princess Diana and Prince
Charles preset Prince William to the world. Diana also wore a polka dot
dress similar to the pattern Kate wore
Adding to speculation the world will soon get its first glimpse of the new prince, a member of the royal household also arrived carrying a car seat for the future king and fresh clothes for Kate and William earlier today.
The Duchess's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, who has been her stylist since last year, also entered the Lindo Wing via its private rear entrance this afternoon, adding to speculation that mother and child were soon to be discharged.
Mrs Cook Tucker has been cutting William and Harry's hair for years, attended the royal wedding and was even flown in on their trip to the Far East in 2012 because Kate's hair started to droop in the 36 degree temperatures.
Earlier it was revealed that the family 'are all doing well' today and William and Kate expressed their gratitude to the St Mary's medical team for their 'tremendous care' over the past 24 hours, after their son was born there at 4.24pm yesterday, weighing 8lb 6oz.
The world is desperate to get see the unnamed baby, with royal sources saying that they will not leave before 6pm this evening and could even be tomorrow.
'We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received. We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time,' a joint statement from the couple said this afternoon.
A Kensington Palace spokesman added: 'Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning.'
The overjoyed couple have started their first full day as proud parents of a ‘beautiful’ baby boy, as Britain continues to celebrate the prince's birth.
Last night William slept at the hospital in a separate room so he could be near his wife and their little boy.
Royal duties: As they commoton ensued tonight
Queen Elizabeth II attended a reception for the Winners of the Queens
Award for Enterprise 2013 at Buckingham Palace
Delight: This evening the Queen told guests at a
Buckingham Palace reception she was 'thrilled' at the birth of her
great-grandson
The Queen’s Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell came to assess Kate this morning and decided when the Duchess and baby can be discharged.
Their prince could also be named today, with the bookies' favourite currently being James, followed by George and Henry, but he has already been given the title His Royal Highness and will be known as Prince (Name) of Cambridge.
Last night great-grandmother the Queen said she was 'delighted' at the news while an overwhelmed Prince Charles exclaimed he was 'overjoyed' and 'enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time'.
This morning the Prince of Wales told crowds in Yorkshire that he and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall were still 'thrilled and excited' and celebrated with champagne last night, but added they have 'no idea' what their grandson's name would be.
The Evening Standard said today that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wanted to see their baby’s 'little face' and get to know him before choosing a name.
Flying visit: After two days in Yorkshire,
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla arrived to meet the royal baby after
being rushed to London by helicopter
Poking fun: Camilla smiles broadly as Prince
Charles asks journalists outside St Mary's Hospital: 'Have you been
there long?' before heading up the steps to meet his first grandchild
Exit: After an hour in the Lindo Wing at St
Mary's Hospital, Carole and Michael Middleton leave after seeing their
grandson for the first time
Few words: Carole spoke on behalf of her and
Michael, and said the baby was 'absolutely beautiful' and that William
and Kate were coping 'fabulously'
Thrilled: Kate's parents Carole and Michael
smiled broadly as they arrived at hospital to see their daughter and
meet their new grandchild
Excited: It appears that Kate and William have asked the Middletons to visit them and their new child before the royal family
Telling: The Middletons' arrival at St Mary's
Hospital came as it emerged that Kate, William and Baby Cambridge looked
to be on the verge of leaving
Ready to go home? A member of the royal staff
has arrived at St Mary's hospital and has taken a car seat in via a rear
entrance alongside Kate's official hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker,
dragging a suitcase, raising hopes Kate, William and the baby might be
about to leave
Help: A chauffeur holds dresses for the staff
member, who was then waved into the hospital by police through the Mary
Sandford entrance, which Kate came through on Monday
Not long now: Members of the press are forced to
wait in the pouring rain for the first glimpse of the Duke and Duchess
of Cambridge and their newborn son outside St Mary's Hospital in
Paddington, west London, today
Patient: Broadcasters are forced to take cover
under a Union Flag umbrella as yet another thunderstorm hits London this
afternoon
Drenched: Police officers keeping the St Mary's Hospital secure are not allowed to get out of the heavy downpours
Inclement weather: After three weeks of almost wall-to-wall sunshine London has been hit with a series of violent storms
Impatient: A sweet young girl clutches her two
dolls outside the hospital where the royal baby was born, while a
well-wisher drops off some gifts for the prince
Offer: A man asks police guarding the Lindo Wing whether they can take a teddy bear gift for the new prince
Meanwhile well-wishers partied late into the night outside Buckingham Palace, even in the thunder, lightening and torrential rain.
Prime Minister David Cameron said it was 'a historic moment in the life of our nation' but 'above all, it's a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy'. U.S. President Barack Obama led tributes from world leaders and said that the new baby's birth was a 'joyous occasion'.
The Prince of Wales today resisted heading back to London to meet the child and stuck to his royal duties in Yorkshire, where his wife Camilla described the arrival of the Prince of Cambridge as 'a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country'.
Charles and Camilla were met by cheering crowds of well-wishers on a visit to East Yorkshire where villager after villager offered the couple their congratulations as the royal couple walked around the green in Bugthorpe.
'I'm thrilled and very excited,' the Prince of Wales said, while the Duchess said her husband would make a 'brilliant' grandfather.
'I think it's wonderful news. I think mother, son and father are all well,' she told the BBC.
'And I think it's a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country. It's very exciting and it's wonderful for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children.'
The village was decked out with Union flags and bunting for the visit.
One member of the crowd, local resident Robert Barrett, was one of the first to greet the Prince, saying 'Morning Grandad', which raised a chuckle from Charles. 'He obviously likes being a grandad,' Mr Barrett added.
And a little boy asked the Prince: 'When's the little baby coming?' to which Charles replied: 'We haven't been able to bring him yet.'
Isla Lister, eight, said both Charles and Camilla told her they could not wait to see the new baby.
She said: 'She was really nice and she said was really excited. I spoke to Prince Charles too and he said he couldn't wait to see him too.'
The day after: Crowds have again started to
gather outside Buckingham Palace after London was soaked by torrential
rain from violent thunderstorms
Back again: Huge numbers have headed to
Buckingham Palace again to see the Changing of the Guard, where the band
played 'Congratulations' and other celebratory songs
Pageantry: Traffic waited behind the band as the
band marched up The Mall to the Palace playing cheerful and jubilant
music marking the royal birth
Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd wished the 'royal bub' all the best on behalf of all Australians.
'This is a day of great joy,' he said. 'When a new bub comes into the world, any old day, any part of the world, it is frankly a time for rejoicing.
'To Prince Charles and Camilla, they have the delight of being grandparents, all I can say is, this is probably one of the best experiences of your life and I'm sure they're going to have a wonderful time with the royal baby'.
Stephen Harper, prime minister of Canada - where William and Kate carried out their first Royal tour together - said Canadians were 'delighted' to learn of the birth of their son and sent 'heartfelt congratulations'.
'This new beginning reminds us of the remarkable and enduring relationship our country has enjoyed with generations of the royal family.
'We recall with fondness the years of unfailing service by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and their deep affection for and loyalty to this country.'
New Zealand's prime minister John Key said the nation's official gift to the royal couple is a hand-spun, hand-knitted fine lace shawl, similar to the one given when Prince William was born, and there will be a 21-gun salute fired from Point Jerningham, Wellington, today to mark the occasion.
'This is wonderful news for Prince William and Catherine,' he said.
'The birth of a child is a time of great joy and excitement, and I know they will make excellent parents.'
He added: 'New Zealanders remember with fondness the visit of Prince William when he was just a toddler, playing on the lawn of Government House with a Buzzy Bee. It would be a great pleasure to welcome Prince William's son to New Zealand as well.
'On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I wish Prince William, Catherine and the royal family all the very best.'
Many people asked whether the new baby had a name, but Charles gave little away.
Alec Dale told Charles: 'We popped a bottle of bubbly last night at our house. I hope you did too.'
The Prince replied: 'Yes. But just a little bit.'
Debbie Lister, asked Camilla about the baby's name.
Mrs Lister said: 'She said they had no clue whatsoever. She wasn't giving anything away. I thought she might tell me something, but no.'
And Isla's grandmother, Judy Willis, said Charles told her: 'Grannies are getting younger, you know.'
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company carried out the ceremonial royal salutes in honour of the new addition to the Royal Family.
Gun salutes are fired for the birth of every prince or princess, no matter where their place is in the line of succession, the Ministry of Defence said. The last royal salute for a birth was for Princess Eugenie in 1990.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, wearing full dress uniform, paraded past Buckingham Palace to Green Park where they staged a 41-gun royal salute.
They went from their forward mounting base in Wellington Barracks into Green Park, where 71 horses pulled six First World War-era 13-pounder field guns into position for the royal salute at 2pm.
Each of the six guns fired blank artillery rounds at 10-second intervals until 41 shots were fired. The horses and riders then collected the guns and escorted them back to Wellington Barracks.
Major Mark Edward, commanding officer of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, said: 'The opportunity to mark the birth of the child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by firing a 41-gun royal salute, comes as a huge honour for the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.'
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), the City of London's Army Reserve Regiment, also fired a 62-gun salute from Gun Wharf at the Tower of London at 2pm.
Whilst a royal gun salute normally comprises 21 guns, this is increased to 41 if fired from a royal park or residence.
Uniquely, at the Tower of London, which is a royal residence, 62 rounds are fired as this also includes an additional 21 guns for the citizens of the City of London to show their loyalty to the monarch.
Tributes: : Pupils at Buckleberry Church of
England Primary School draw congratulatory cards for the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge
Touching: The children have put in a great deal of effort to mark the prince's much-anticipated entrance into the world
The couple pledged to support Imperial College Healthcare Charity in celebration of their first born's birth, the charity said.
The charity raises money for research and studies designed to improve services to St Mary's and four other hospitals constituting Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The Duke and Duchess's baby boy was delivered in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's.
Jane Miles, the charity's chief executive, said: 'We are honoured and delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen to support us in celebration of such a joyous occasion.
'The charity wishes them and their son every future happiness.
'Having their support is hugely important to us as a charity that strives to improve the service given to patients at the five hospitals, including St Mary's, of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.'
As well-wishers gathered at the hospital, William's uncle, the brother of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, issued a statement welcoming the new family arrival.
Earl Spencer, who has his seven children and 2 stepchildren staying with him and Countess Spencer, to celebrate the first birthday of their youngest daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer, said: 'We're all so pleased: it's wonderful news. My father always told us how Diana was born on just such a blisteringly hot day, at Sandringham, in July, 1961. It's another very happy summer's day, half a century on.'
This morning the Band of the Scots Guard used the daily Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to the tiny future king.
It played a medley of hits starting with Cliff Richard's Congratulations, Royal Salute, The Duke of Cambridge March, Procession of the Nobles and Spirit of Pageantry.
Some of those in the crowd who packed outside the palace gates and at the Victoria Memorial sang along, while the ensemble broke into spontaneous applause at its conclusion.
'It will always be a source of great pride for the Trust and everyone who works here that the baby, like his father, was born in the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s and we would like to wish him/her the very best of luck for the future.
Glad tidings: An easel stands in the Forecourt
of Buckingham Palace in London to announce the birth of a baby boy, at
4.24pm to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St Mary's Hospital
yesterday
Historic: The Queen's Press Secretary Ailsa
Anderson with Badar Azim, a footman, place the official document on the
easel used in the same way when Prince William as born in 1982
Britain rejoices: Ecstatic onarchists clamour for a better view as the news is revealed outside the Queen's central London home
A police officer tries to control a crowd of
people trying to get to the railing to take pictures of the notice
proclaiming the birth of the Royal baby
Fascinated: Two children in the crowd climb on
adults' shoulders to grab a better view of the palace and the easel with
the signed declaration
Ram: People straining to look at a notice
formally announcing the birth of a son to Britain's Prince William and
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Iconic: Crowds climb the Victoria memorial to try and get a better view
Photographers: Members of the public are desperate to capture a piece of the special moment
Resplendent:The baby boy was born at 4.24pm and weighed in at 8lbs 6oz
Recent legislation allowing female heirs to automatically accede to the throne if they are first born will clearly not affect the Cambridge’s son, but will have a bearing on any of his children.
At 2pm today The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will fire a 41 Gun Royal Salute to celebrate the birth of the royal baby, and at the same time at the Tower of London, the Honourable Artillery Company will fire 62 rounds.
News of the royal birth - which came after an 11 hour labour - was not made public by Kensington Palace until 8.29pm last night, four hours after the baby was born.
Sources said the couple ‘just wanted to spend a little time together to bond as a family’ and inform members of both families privately before the news was disseminated to the world. William made those calls personally.
The Queen, who arrived back at Buckingham Palace just after 3pm yesterday, declared herself ‘delighted’ - as did all.
Kate, 31, may be discharged as early as lunchtime after being assessed by doctors this morning.
Surprisingly, no family visitors were expected last night - not even the Middleton family - as the couple want to spend some time alone together, sources told the Mail.
In its official statement Kensington Palace said : ‘Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24pm.
‘The baby weighs 8lbs 6oz.
‘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.
‘Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight.
Royal aide Ed Perkins leaves St Mary's with the official announcement that the Cambridges' son has been born
Mr Perkins rushes down the steps of the hospital
to the street where, right, he hands it to a chauffeur to be ferried
across central London to the Palace
A Jaguar car is driven into the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace bringing the news to announce the birth
After the message's delivery, the Queen's senior
Page Philip Rhodes, right, is given the official notification in the
forecourt of Buckingham Palace
A day for celebrations: Royal fans mob the gates
of the Palace, trying to get the best photographs as the announcement
is put in place
Last night Charles, who cleverly pretended he had no news of the baby when questioned by well-wishers in Yorkshire yesterday afternoon, said he was ‘thrilled’ and eagerly looking forward to seeing his first grand-child.
‘Both my wife and I are 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 said.
The clearly overwhelmed prince 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.’
Well-wishers wearing outfits emblazoned with the
national flag celebrate news of the birth of the new Royal baby outside
the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington
Royal frenzy: Self-proclaimed Town Crier Tony Appleton rings his bell in celebration outside St Mary's
Self-appointed town crier Tony Appleton announces the birth of the newest Royal
Good job: Guy Thorpe-Beeston, Marcus Setchell and
Alan Farthing, the medical team in charge of the birth of the Duke and
Duchess of Cambridge's newborn baby, leave the Lindo Wing
Capturing the moment forever: People take
pictures outside St. Mary's hospital. The new royal baby will be the
43rd sovereign since William the Conqueror if it follows reigns by the
Charles then William
There it was displayed on an easel last used to announce William’s birth in 1982 by the Queen’s Press Secretary, Aisla Anderson.
For much of the day, however, the waiting media and public had little more to go on than a brief 45-word statement from Kensington Palace which read: ‘Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London in the early stages of labour.
‘The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge.’
Palace officials refused to give any further details, arguing they wanted to afford the Duchess some ‘dignity’ in what was a very public labour, although sources also confirmed what the nation had long suspected: that Kate was overdue.
But photographs taken at 5.30am by a freelance photographer waiting outside the hospital capture the moment just seconds after Kate and her husband, both 31, were smuggled in a side entrance to the hospital.
The royal parents-to-be were driven
from Kensington Palace in a blacked out Ford Galaxy people carrier
followed by a blue Saab containing a security detail, both different
vehicles from normal in a bid to outfox the paparazzi.
The only clue as to the passengers’ identities were the plain-clothed Scotland Yard protection officers standing in the street.
News of their arrival was quick to
leak out over the social media network Twitter, with photographers
crowing about their ‘world exclusive’ by 5.55am. The only clue as to the passengers’ identities were the plain-clothed Scotland Yard protection officers standing in the street.
Aides had always made clear, however, that they would not publicly comment on the Duchess’s condition until she had been safely assessed by her consultants, the Queen’s Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell and his assistant, Surgeon-Gynaecologist to the Royal Household, Alan Farthing.
At 7.29am that announcement was finally released.
Although it is unconfirmed by the palace, medical experts suggest that the Duchess, who has made clear she hopes for a natural birth, was not medically induced even though she was believed to be up to a week overdue.
Doctors would not have been keen to instigate a medical intervention until she was closer to two weeks’ pregnant and it would almost certainly been done under supervision in hospital, whereas the couple were driven from their home, Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace, where they had spent the weekend quietly.
Despite fears that William, a Search and Rescue pilot with RAF, may be on duty in North Wales when contractions began, he was fortunately in London - after taking a week’s leave from work - and able to accompany his wife to the hospital.
The prince had always been determined to be at his wife’s side for the birth of their first child, like his father, Prince Charles, was before him, and even had a helicopter on stand-by in his back garden in Wales in case the baby came early.
Other royal wives have not been so lucky. Prince Philip was enjoying a game of squash with his private secretary when the then Princess Elizabeth gave birth to their first born, Charles.
Buckingham Palace say that as an HRH, the youngster does not require a surname, indeed William and his brother Harry were christened using just their first names.
Its website explains: ‘For the most part, members of the Royal Family who are entitled to the style and dignity of HRH Prince or Princess do not need a surname, but if at any time any of them do need a surname (such as upon marriage), that surname is Mountbatten-Windsor.’
However William has chosen to use the surname Wales professionally in the forces, as has Harry. His children might use Cambridge in the same way, or even Wales, too, as William still retains his title Prince William of Wales as well as that of the Duke of Cambridge.
Although just hours old, the baby boy is destined to become a future head of the armed forces, supreme governor of the Church of England and head of the Commonwealth, which covers 54 nations across the world, and subsequently head of state of 16 countries across the globe.
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