After what feels like years of waiting since the announcement of Kate Middleton’s pregnancy (but surely it could only have been months, right?), Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge safely delivered a son at 4.24pm London time in a private suite at St Mary’s Hospital. The healthy baby boy weights in at robust 8lbs 6oz (around 3.9kgs) and both mum and bub are said to be doing very well and will remain in hospital overnight.
There’s no name yet but the baby’s title will be Prince [name] of Cambridge and the little prince is third in line for the throne. The betting on the boy’s name is still going strong with punters favouring the very traditional George and James as possibilities.
The official announcement following the birth came from the palace and read;
Kate Middleton Gives Birth! Look back on Kate and Will’s fairytale romance
As the news broke, the crowd which had gathered near Buckingham Palace crushed against the palace’s gates to get a glimpse of the bulletin which formally announced the news. If this is what the announcement looks like, we’re a little frightened to see what will happen when the public gets the first look at the prince!
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla also issued a brief statement that was a little more emotional! It read, “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.
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.”
Celebrations have been taking place around the world as the congratulations are coming in from all angles. Australian Prime Minister said, “On behalf of all Australians, Therese and I extend out warmest regards to the new parents, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
We share in the joy of the royal family, particularly Prince Charles on the birth of his grandson and Queen Elizabeth II on the birth of her great-grandchild.
This is a happy day for our close friends in Britain and the Commonwealth.”
US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle also sent their messages of congratulations sayoing, “The child enters the world at a time of promise and opportunity for our two nations. Given the special relationship between us, the American people are pleased to join with the people of the United Kingdom as they celebrate the birth of the young prince.”
Kate plans to spend six weeks with her own family after leaving the hospital where her mother, Carole Middleton, will be on-hand to help in those tricky first weeks of motherhood. Prince William is said to have taken two weeks’ paternity leave from his job as a RAF pilot to spend quality time with his wife and new son.
By Chloe Schneider
The Great Kate Wait is over! Look back on Kate and Will’s fairytale romance
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