Wednesday 24 July 2013

Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge! Kate and William proudly announce the name of their baby

Prince George of Cambridge! Kate and William proudly announce the name of their baby two days after his birth

  • Kensington Palace revealed the baby's full name will be George Alexander Louis  
  • George was the bookmakers' favourite once Kate's pregnancy was announced
  • Six King Georges have worn the crown throughout history
  • Her Majesty wanted to see the Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge before she goes on holiday this Friday
  • Kate, Prince William and their newborn baby travelled home to Kensington Palace yesterday evening
  • William jokes his new son ‘has a good pair of lungs’ and tells crowd his child has Kate’s looks and more hair than him 
  • Kate's parents Carole and Michael were the first members of the family to visit their daughter and her young son 
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have this evening revealed that their son - now the third in line to the throne -  will be called George.
Kensington Palace revealed the baby's full name will be George Alexander Louis. William and Kate's baby will be known as Prince George and as third in line to the throne will one day be king.
Kensington Palace said in a short statement: 'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their son George Alexander Louis.
'The baby will be known as His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge.' 
By naming their son George - which is synonymous with British kings - it looks like the couple have followed tradition. However, royal sources say the baby's names are not supposed to be symbolic but that the couple genuinely like them.
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The safe hands of the Duchess of Cambridge with her son who was born on Monday, but was thrown into the spotlight yesterday
Heir to the throne: Kensington Palace revealed the baby's full name will be George Alexander Louis
New life: The baby was crying in his car seat as his father took him to their waiting car yesterday evening
New life: William and Kate's baby will be known as Prince George and as third in line to the throne will one day be king

GEORGE ALEXANDER LOUIS: A ROYAL NAME WHICH IS STEEPED IN TRADITION AND HISTORY

George
The name George is synonymous with British kings. 
It has come to represent the continuity of the monarchy and remained the bookmakers' favourite in the name-guessing stakes from the moment Kate's pregnancy was announced.
Six King Georges have worn the crown throughout history since the German-born George I, the first Hanoverian king of Great Britain, acceded to the throne in 1714.
The first name of the last King George - George VI - was actually Albert and he was known to his family as 'Bertie' but he selected George - his fourth name - to use as Sovereign. 
He was the much-loved father of the present Queen and the new Prince George of Cambridge's great-great grandfather. George VI chose George in honour of his father George V and to create the impression of stability after the scandal caused by the abdication of his brother Edward VIII.
Emotional: The new mother looked delighted as she looked down at her first child while her husband waved to the excited crowds
Historic: The name George is synonymous with British kings and has come to represent the continuity of the monarchy
George is also the fourth name of the Prince of Wales - the baby's grandfather. Even Edward VIII had George among his seven names.
The name means farmer or earth worker. It was the 12th most popular name for boys born in England and Wales in 2011.
St George, a fourth-century Christian martyr, is the patron Saint of England and represents honour, bravery and gallantry. The legend of George slaying a dragon and rescuing an innocent maiden is medieval.
There has only been one other Prince of Cambridge and he was also called George.

Looking back: The German-born George I, the first Hanoverian king of Great Britain, acceded to the throne in 1714
King George II
Historic: The German-born George I, left, the first Hanoverian king of Great Britain, acceded to the throne in 1714 . King George II is pictured right
Tradition: The first Prince George of Cambridge was a grandson of George III, pictured in this portrait
Relations: George IV, pictured, was the eldest son of George III
Relations: The first Prince George of Cambridge was a grandson of George III, pictured left. George IV, pictured right, was the eldest son of George II
The first Prince George of Cambridge was a grandson of George III and the only son of Prince Adolphus Frederick, the 1st Duke of Cambridge.
Prince George of Cambridge was born in 1819 and refused to have an arranged marriage. He wed a commoner for love after falling for the actress Sarah Louisa Fairbrother, who was said to be a classic beauty and a graceful dancer.
They married in 1847 when she was already the mother of two of his children and pregnant with his third.But the Duke did not seek the sovereign's approval and the marriage was never recognised, hence his children were not eligible to inherit royal titles.
Miss Fairbrother, who generated much scandal including having a portrait painted in which she showed off her bare legs, was ostracised by the royal family and never given a title.
Instead, she became known by the nickname Mrs FitzGeorge and this surname was taken by George's offspring.
 King George V
Regal: Six King Georges have worn the crown throughout history. King George VI and his wife Queen Elizabeth, known later as the Queen Mother, are pictured in 1950
Distinguished: King George V is pictured left, while King George VI , right, was married to the Queen Elizabeth, known later as the Queen Mother
Despite his marriage, George had a wandering eye and soon after he wed he took up with mistress Louisa Beauclerk, who remained his lover for more than 30 years.
He went on to become the 2nd Duke of Cambridge after his father's death.
The Duke was in the Army and served in the Crimean War. He was promoted to Commander-in-Chief in 1887 and an equestrian statue of him stands in the middle of London's Whitehall.
He was said to have been a disciplinarian, who believed Army promotions should be based on social connections rather than ability. He died in 1904.
His father, the 1st Duke of Cambridge - who lived from 1774 to 1850 - was never a Prince of Cambridge, but was given the title the Duke of Cambridge by his father George III in 1801 when he was 27.

Lord Louis Mountbatten
Lord Louis Mountbatten was murdered by the IRA with a bomb on his fishing boat off the west coast of Ireland
Tribute: The name Louis has deep significance in the Windsor family.  Lord Louis Mountbatten was murdered by the IRA with a bomb on his fishing boat off the west coast of Ireland
Alexander
This is popular in Scotland, where Alexander III was regarded as one of the country's greatest rulers.
In April this year, Willem-Alexander was sworn in as King of the Netherlands after the abdication of his mother, Queen Beatrix.
Henry VIII, who married six times and set up the Church of England to split from the Roman Catholic Church.

Louis
This name has deep significance in the Windsor family in honour of the Prince of Wales's favourite uncle Lord Louis Mountbatten, who was killed by the IRA in 1979.
Louis is the last of William’s three middle names.


The name George - chosen for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's baby son - is synonymous with British kings. 
It has come to represent the continuity of the monarchy and remained the bookmakers' favourite in the name-guessing stakes from the moment Kate's pregnancy was announced.
Six King Georges have worn the crown throughout history since the German-born George I, the first Hanoverian king of Great Britain, acceded to the throne in 1714.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took much quicker to name their son than Prince Charles and Diana when William arrived in 1982. They took seven days to decide what to call him, while the Queen took a month to name Prince Charles when he was born in 1948.
Hundreds of thousands of pounds were staked on the possibilities of the names. George and James were the favourites at the bookies, after Alexander, Henry, Louis, Richard and Arthur were the next most betted-on choices.
    The name will likely come to symbolise an entire era, as in Georgian, Victorian and Elizabethan.
    The name emerged after baby Cambridge was taken to see his grandparents on his first afternoon out as it was revealed the Queen and Prince Harry have now met the royal baby for the first time.
    Kate and William smiled broadly and waved from their car as they were driven away from Kensington Palace by security, where they had spent their first night together as a family.
    Both the Duke and Duchess looked happy and fresh-faced, with William sat in the front passenger seat and Kate in the back with their child in his baby seat. 
    They left their west London home shortly after the Queen had visited her new great-grandson and potentially discussed names with the parents, as the guessing game over what he will be called continues.
    First day at home: Kate, William and their baby left Kensington Palace today as they were seen for the first time since leaving hospital last night
    First day at home: Kate, William and their baby left Kensington Palace today as they were seen for the first time since leaving hospital last night
    Very happy: Kate and William both smiled and waved to crowds outside the gates, but Kensington Palace would not reveal where they were heading
    Very happy: Kate and William both smiled and waved to crowds outside the gates, but Kensington Palace would not reveal where they were heading
    Prince William and his wife Catherine
    A grinning Kate by the baby seat
    Relaxed: William looked fresh and was wearing glasses while Kate chatted to their newborn and grinned to people watching as she sat next to their prince's baby seat
    New mother: Kate waved with her left hand and appeared to have her right hand resting next to her baby
    New mother: Kate waved with her left hand and appeared to have her right hand resting next to her baby
    Visit to the in-laws: The couple arrived in Bucklebury this afternoon to stay with the Middletons
    Visit to the in-laws: The couple arrived in Bucklebury this afternoon to stay with the Middletons
    Kensington Palace officials would not confirm where the young family were going this afternoon, but their black Land Rover was later seen arriving at grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton's mansion in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
    Her Majesty, who will travel to Balmoral for her summer holiday on Friday, spent 30 minutes with the Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge from 11am.
    It has also emerged that Prince Harry, who is said to be thrilled to have become an uncle, may have been there last night after the trio left hospital, having raced back to London from Wattisham airbase in Suffolk where he is on duty with the RAF.
    It is understood that James Middleton and Pippa Middleton were also at Kensington Palace yesterday evening.
    Prince Philip has yet to meet the child, but he and his wife will be heading to Balmoral on Friday and it is understood that Kate and William may take the new prince there for a long weekend this summer.
    There were clear hints that Kate and William were off to Bucklebury after heightened police presence was in evidence around the £5million home of the Duchess of Cambridge's parents this morning. 
    Yellow police cones with a 'no waiting' symbols lined both sides of the road every few yards for around a mile either side of majestic Bucklebury Manor, West Berkshire.
    A bright yellow sign stuck to a road sign confirmed an 'emergency' three-week bylaw prohibited any form of waiting in the road while a pair of police officers stood at both entrances to the Grade II listed Georgian pile, while marked police cars swept past the entrances every couple of minutes. 
    A large police horsebox marked 'Mounted section' arrived in the picturesque village at lunchtime and a small marquee surrounded by marked and unmarked police cars was visible in a nearby field. 
    It was not possible to tell whether the Duchess' parents or her siblings, Pippa and James, were at the vast estate, set in 18 acres of land and boasting its own tennis court, swimming pool and library. 
    Last night The Queen told guests at a Buckingham Palace reception she was 'thrilled' at the birth of her great-grandson, and today William and Kate may have discussed potential names with her.
    Heading home: After half an hour with the new prince, Kate and William, where they may have discussed names, the Queen went back to Buckingham Palace
    Heading home: After half an hour with the new prince, Kate and William, where they may have discussed names, the Queen went back to Buckingham Palace
    Down the drive: Her Majesty visited without the Duke of Edinburgh, who is still at Windsor Castle recuperating after an operation last month
    Down the drive: Her Majesty visited without the Duke of Edinburgh, who is still at Windsor Castle recuperating after an operation last month


    Happy day: The Queen arrives at Kensington Palace today to meet her new great-grandson for the first time and see his parents
    Happy day: The Queen arrives at Kensington Palace today to meet her new great-grandson for the first time and see his parents
    Her Majesty looked expectant
    She then looked out at the palace grounds as she passed photographers
    Happy to be there: The Queen looked expectantly towards the palace as she arrived and she will be pleased to see the baby before she goes on holiday on Friday
    On the eve of the baby's birth, the Queen famously told a ten-year-old schoolgirl that she didn't mind if it was a boy or a girl, adding: 'I would very much like it to arrive. I’m going on holiday'.
    Dressed in a turquoise floral outfit she looked relaxed and happy as she left, having travelled the short distance from Buckingham Palace without the Duke of Edinburgh, who is still convalescing at Windsor Castle following exploratory abdominal surgery last month.
    Baby Cambridge has spent his first night at home after a dramatic evening where the waiting world had its first wonderful glimpse of him.
    Prince William said yesterday they were 'still working on a name' for the future king, reportedly because he and Kate wanted to see their baby’s 'little face' and get to know him before choosing one. Magic: With the world watching, Kate and William hold their prince outside the Lindo Wing in a genuinely historic moment for Britain
    Magic: With the world watching, Kate and William hold their prince outside the Lindo Wing in a genuinely historic moment for Britain


    Gentle: The trio take their first steps together into the outside world together as the prince starts his life
    Gentle: The trio take their first steps together into the outside world together as the prince starts his life
    Arrival: The new family arrive at Kensington Palace with their newborn son - where Pippa Middleton was waiting for them
    Arrival: The new family arrive at Kensington Palace with their newborn son - where Pippa Middleton was waiting for them
    After he left hospital at around 7pm his aunt Pippa and brother James were waiting for him at Kensington Palace for a cuddle as the little boy is introduced to his family..
    The Cambridges were safely tucked away in a small cottage in Kensington Palace's grounds today, with the only sign of movement this morning being a royal protection officer walking their dog Ludo nearby.
    His grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton and Prince Charles, with his wife Camilla, met the baby at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital yesterday afternoon and the child will also meet the Queen in the coming days. 
    Welcome party: Kate's sister Pippa, pictured in London last month, was waiting at Kensington Palace last night to see the baby
    Welcome party: Kate's sister Pippa, pictured in London last month, was waiting at Kensington Palace last night to see the baby
    Last night 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.'
    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. 
    She revealed that her clearly hands-on husband had already changed his first nappy.
    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.
    The Prince was heard to affectionately call Kate 'Poppet' as he ushered her back to the Lindo Wing.
    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.   
    As soon as William returns to work following his two weeks’ statutory paternity leave, Kate plans to depart the palace for her parents’ mansion in Berkshire.
    She will reside there - on and off -  for the next six weeks, while her husband completes his present tour of duty with the RAF in Anglesey, North Wales.

    Waiting: The media has moved from St Mary's Hospital, where they have been for weeks, to Kensington Palace, where the Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge are all staying
    Waiting: The media has moved from St Mary's Hospital, where they have been for weeks, to Kensington Palace, where the Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge are all staying
    On patrol: Scotland Yard officers today walk the grounds of Kensington Palace after the arrival of Kate, William and their baby last night
    On patrol: Scotland Yard officers today walk the grounds of Kensington Palace after the arrival of Kate, William and their baby last night


    The prince will finish his posting as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Valley in early September, relocating to London while waiting for his next assignment, meaning the couple can enjoy some quality time together as a new family.

      Within weeks – by October at the latest - it is hoped that they will finally be able to move into their new official London residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace

      Home sweet home: Nottingham Cottage, the two-bedroom pied-a-terre circled in red in the grounds of Kensington Palace, is the baby's first home
      Home sweet home: Nottingham Cottage, the two-bedroom pied-a-terre circled in red in the grounds of Kensington Palace, is the baby's first home

      Apartment 1A is actually a spacious four-storey, 20-room property with its own large south-facing walled garden, which takes up half the Clock Tower wing originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren for King William and Queen Mary.
      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
      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
      Warm welcome: The ecstatic crowd sang 'Congratulations' as the new parents stepped out of the London hospital

      Emotional, Kate spoke to reporters
      The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the Lindo Wing
      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 those tears? The Duchess admitted the becoming a mother for the first time was 'emotional'
      Are those 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
      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 travelled home to Kensington Palace, and will spend two weeks there while William is on paternity leave.
      Palace officials confirmed for the first time last night that the couple will not have a nannyand rely upon their families help instead, saying: 'They have both got families that will care hugely for this baby.'
      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.
      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 hospital.
      Kate's sister Pippa was said to be there waiting for her.
        Carole and Michael Middleton were the first to arrive at the private Lindo Wing at around 3pm yesterday, 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
        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
        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 seems to remain asleep throughout his debut allowing his parents to answer questions
        Debut: Despite the excitement the tiny baby seemed to remain asleep throughout his debut allowing his parents to answer questions
        Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, depart The Lindo Wing
        The safe hands of the Duke of Cambridge, as the royal couple and their son who was born yesterday
        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
        Part of the journey: The medical staff at the hospital lined up as the new parents emerged
        Poignant:
        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 
        Statement: William and Kate both spoke to the press and the Prince said 'thankfully he has her looks'
        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
        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
        Soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed: 'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will be discharged this evening.
        '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
        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
        William calmly carried his new baby to the Range Rover which he drove home himself with his wife and child on board
        Debut: 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
        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
        placed his new son in the back seat of the awaiting car in preparation for their journey back to Kensington Palace
        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 a crucial parent test - the fiddly car seat
        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 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. Diana wore a polka dot dress with
        Stylish: The Duchess of Cambridge wore a bespoke lilac dress by British designer, Jenny Packham with cream wedges. Diana wore a polka dot dress with
        Stylish: The Duchess of Cambridge wore a bespoke lilac dress by British designer, Jenny Packham with cream wedges by Pied A Terre
        Goodbye: William gives a final farewell wave before he drives his wife and their new addition back home
        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
        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
        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
        Parenthood: After such a bright and public spotlight on the baby's birth the couple drive away from the spotlight
        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
        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
        Carole was also asked if she and Michael had suggested any names for the third in line to the throne, and she replied laughing: 'Absolutely not!'.
        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.
        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, 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 were 'all doing well' and William and Kate expressed their gratitude to the St Mary's medical team for their 'tremendous care', after their son was born there at 4.24pm on Monday, weighing 8lb 6oz.
        '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 yesterday afternoon.
        Nursing staff are said to have helped Kate begin to breast-feed her son yesterday morning.
        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.
        On Monday 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 commotion ensued Queen Elizabeth II attended a reception for the Winners of the Queens Award for Enterprise 2013 at Buckingham Palace
        Royal duties: As they commotion ensued Queen Elizabeth II attended a reception for the Winners of the Queens Award for Enterprise 2013 at Buckingham Palace
        Queen Elizabeth II at a reception for the Winners of the Queens Award for Enterprise 2013 at Buckingham Palace in London
        Queen Elizabeth II at a reception for the Winners of the Queens Award for Enterprise 2013 at Buckingham Palace in London
        Delight: 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 yesterday morning and decided when the Duchess and baby can be discharged.
        Their prince could 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.
        On Monday 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'. 
        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 that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wanted to see their baby’s 'little face' and get to know him before choosing a name.
        Onlookers climb to risky vantage points to get a better look at the Royal couple and their new arrival as they leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary's
        Onlookers climb to risky vantage points to get a better look at the Royal couple and their new arrival as they leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary's
        Spectators teeter on their narrow vantage points as they wait for the young family to appear
        Spectators teeter on their narrow vantage points as they wait for the young family to appear
        There's not a great deal of space for this onlooker as he waits to catch a glimpse of Britain's newest prince from a narrow window ledge across the street from the doors to the Lindo Wing
        There's not a great deal of space for this onlooker as he waits to catch a glimpse of Britain's newest prince from a narrow window ledge across the street from the doors to the Lindo Wing
        A picture is worth a thousand words... Scores of photographers train their lenses on the Duke and Duchess and Cambridge as they present their newborn son to the world
        A picture is worth a thousand words... Scores of photographers train their lenses on the Duke and Duchess and Cambridge as they present their newborn son to the world
        All hoping for that perfect picture: Many of the professional photographers out to capture the moment had been camped night and day to get the best spot
        All hoping for that perfect picture: Many of the professional photographers out to capture the moment had been camped night and day to get the best spot
        The most photographed newborn in the world: The press pack gathered from across the world to capture the first pictures of the Royal baby as he emerged from hospital for his first taste of fresh air
        The most photographed newborn in the world: The press pack gathered from across the world to capture the first pictures of the Royal baby as he emerged from hospital for his first taste of fresh air
        Film crews and onlookers capture the moment as Prince William carries the new arrival to the back seat of his car
        Film crews and onlookers capture the moment as Prince William carries the new arrival to the back seat of his car
        Photographers crane their necks to get the best shots to send back for publication in newspapers, magazines and websites the world over
        Photographers crane their necks to get the best shots to send back for publication in newspapers, magazines and websites the world over
        Nurses from St Mary's wave and cheer as Prince William and Kate leave the hospital to take their little one home
        Nurses from St Mary's wave and cheer as Prince William and Kate leave the hospital to take their little one home


        The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrive at the Lindo Wing
        Prince Charles and his wife Camilla walk up the steps
        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
        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'
        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
        Thrilled: Kate's parents Carole and Michael smiled broadly as they arrived at hospital to see their daughter and meet their new grandchild
        The Duchess of Cambridge's parents Carole and Michael Middleton arrive at the Lindo Wing
        Carole Middleton and Michael Middleton at St Mary's Hospital
        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 a mystery woman dragging a suitcase, raising hopes Kate, William and the baby might be about to leave
        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
        Chauffer holds dresses for the woman after she arrives at the back entrance of St Mary's Hospital this afternoon
        A policeman then lets the woman through the Mary Sandford entrance, which Kate entered through on Monday
        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 
          

        Patient: Broadcasters are forced to take cover under a Union Flag umbrella as yet another thunderstorm hits London yesterday afternoon
        Patient: Broadcasters are forced to take cover under a Union Flag umbrella as yet another thunderstorm hits London yesterday afternoon
        Drenched: Police officers keeping the St Mary's Hospital secure are not allowed to get out of the heavy downpours
        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 was hit with a series of violent storms
        Inclement weather: After three weeks of almost wall-to-wall sunshine London was hit with a series of violent storms
        A young girl clutches her two dolls outside the hospital where the royal baby
        Gifts arrive at the Lindo Wing
        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
        Offer: A man asks police guarding the Lindo Wing whether they can take a teddy bear gift for the new prince
        The young prince's first night in the world was an eventful one, because London was hit with a number of violent thunderstorms after what had been the hottest day of the year so far.
        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 had 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'.
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        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 started to gather outside Buckingham Palace after London was soaked by torrential rain from violent thunderstorms
        The day after: Crowds started to gather outside Buckingham Palace after London was soaked by torrential rain from violent thunderstorms
        Back again: Huge numbers headed to Buckingham Palace again to see the Changing of the Guard, where the band played 'Congratulations' and other celebratory songs
        Back again: Huge numbers 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
        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 
        Dozens of world leaders have been sending best wishes to the Cambridges and their new child.
        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.'
        The Royal Canadian Mint also announced that it will issue special commemorative coins to mark the historic occasion.
        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 was a 21-gun salute fired from Point Jerningham, Wellington, 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.'
        Gun salutes sounded across London yesterday to mark the birth of the royal baby as the armed forces join in the celebrations.
        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. 
        Elated new parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have given their backing to a charity supporting the hospital where their son was born.
        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.'
        Yesterday 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.
        Sir Richard Sykes, Chairman of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, also said this morning: 'Like people up and down the country, I was delighted to hear the news that the Duchess of Cambridge has had her baby boy. On behalf of everyone at the Trust I would like to congratulate Their Royal Highnesses on the new arrival.
        '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 on Monday
        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 on Monday
        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
        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
        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
        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
        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
        Iconic: Crowds climb the Victoria memorial to try and get a better view
        Iconic: Crowds climb the Victoria memorial to try and get a better view
        'I am enormously grateful to the team at the Lindo Wing and all those members of the Trust staff, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Duke and Duchess received the best possible care and that the rest of the hospital has continued to function as normal in spite of the huge public interest in this auspicious occasion.'
        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.
        News of the royal birth - which came after an 11 hour labour - was not made public by Kensington Palace until 8.29pm on Monday 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 on Monday, declared herself ‘delighted’ - as did all.
        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.



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