It’s a boy! Prince William and Kate Middleton became parents of an 8 lb. 6 ounce baby boy late Monday afternoon British time. Both mother and child were reported doing well and will remain in the hospital overnight.
Prince William was present for the birth, according to a press release from Buckingham Palace.
The release also said the name of the baby would be announced “in due course.”
Soon after the palace announcement was made, a notice giving details about the baby – the third-in-line to the throne – left St Mary’s Hospital in London by car for Buckingham Palace.
It has been signed by the Queen’s former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who led the medical team that delivered Kate’s baby.
The notice will be placed on an easel in the palace’s forecourt just like the announcement of William’s birth on June 21, 1982, a traditional element of theatre in marked contrast to the modern age of emails and Twitter.
The new royal baby will be the Queen’s third great-grandchild and is destined to be crowned monarch.
He will be the 43rd sovereign since William the Conqueror if, as expected, it follows reigns by the Prince of Wales then William.
First-time parents Kate and William, both 31, will be busy deciding on a name for their bundle of joy – with bookies touting George and James as the favourites.