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Duchess of Cambridge has third baby

Last updated on: April 23, 2018 22:31 IST

Proud dad William brings George and Charlotte to Kate's hospital to meet their new little brother -- the fifth to the throne.

Aditi Khanna/PTI reports

IMAGE: Britain's Prince William arrives at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital with his children Prince George and Princess Charlotte after his wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, gave birth to a son, in London. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters

It’s a boy! Prince William and wife Kate Middleton on monday welcomed a new prince, the fifth-in-line to Britain’s throne, as the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth at a central London hospital.

The baby was born at 1101hrs local time, Kensington Palace said in a statement.

IMAGE: Prince George and Princess Charlotte were led into the building in Paddington hand-in-hand with the Duke of Cambridge. Photograph: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

William, the 35-year-old Duke of Cambridge, was present at the birth of his boy, who weighs 3.82 kg. The palace added that the mother and baby are “doing well”.

“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,” the statement said.

IMAGE: Charlotte appeared to enjoy the moment, waving to the photographers and cameraman outside the maternity unit. Photograph: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

A notice has been placed on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace following the announcement of the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child.

The practice of posting a bulletin outside the Palace announcing a royal birth has gone on for at least as long as Buckingham Palace has been the Sovereign’s official residence - since 1837.

IMAGE: Supporters of the royal family stand outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital after Britain's Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was admitted after going into labour ahead of the birth of her third child. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters

A large Union Flag has been raised over Buckingham Palace and a State Standard over Windsor Castle to mark the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s third child.

The new baby is fifth-in-line to the British throne, behind his grandfather Prince Charles, father Prince William, brother Prince George, 4, and sister Princess Charlotte, 2.

IMAGE: A 'town crier' announces the birth of Kate's son outside the St Mary's Hospital. Photograph:Hannah McKay/Reuters

The name of the new prince has not yet been announced. Favourites at the bookmakers include Arthur, Albert, Frederick, James and Philip, the BBC reported.

British Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted her “warmest congratulations” to William and Catherine.

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

IMAGE: Royal fans John Loughrey and Terry Hutt stand outside the hospital. Many royal fans have been camping outside the hospital for the past few days, hoping to catch a glimpse of the pregnant mother. Photograph: Jack Taylor/Getty Images

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also tweeted his “warmest congratulations” on behalf of Londoners.

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

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

IMAGE: Security was heightened at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital after it was announced that Kate had gone into labour on Monday. Photograph: Henry Nicholls/Reuters

Champagne corks were popped and cheers rang out outside the Lindo Wing as the birth of the new Prince of Cambridge was announced at just after 1 pm (local time), the report said.

Earlier, the 36-year-old Duchess of Cambridge was on Monday morning admitted to the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London, where both her previous pregnancies -- George in 2013 and Charlotte in 2015 were also born.

IMAGE: Joe Crilly, a spokesperson from the bookmaker William Hill, writes the names and betting odds for the third royal baby of Britain's Prince William and Catherine. Photograph: Peter Summers/Reuters

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

IMAGE: A notice is placed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London to formally announce the birth of a baby boy to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images

The new child will push uncle Prince Harry one place down the line of succession to sixth. He will be the sixth great grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, who celebrated her 92nd birthday on Saturday.

A change in the law after William and Kate were married in April 2011 gave female heirs the same rights of accession to the throne in the UK as men.

IMAGE: Tourists and photographers take pictures of the notice announcing the birth of the new prince. The practice has gone on for at least as long as Buckingham Palace has been the Sovereign’s official residence - since 1837. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau - WPA Pool/Getty Images

Aditi Khanna