Prince charming: Kate gives birth to boy
LONDON — Third time’s a charm. The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth Monday morning to a new prince who is fifth in line to the British throne — and she was home by suppertime.
The duchess and husband Prince William drove to St. Mary’s Hospital in London early in the morning, and Kate’s eight-pound, seven-ounce boy was born at 11:01 a.m., with royal officials announcing the birth about two hours later.
There followed a smoothly choreographed operation perfected after the births of the couple’s two other children. In late afternoon, elder siblings Prince George and Princess Charlotte were brought to meet their baby brother. Around 6 p.m., Kate emerged alongside her husband, wearing a vibrant red dress and holding the tiny royal highness wrapped in a white lace shawl.
After posing for dozens of photographers and camera crews outside the hospital’s private Lindo Wing, the trio headed home, with the baby nestled securely in a car seat. Television news helicopters followed the royal Range Rover as it made the milelong journey to the family’s Kensington Palace residence.
The royal palace said “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.” Prime Minister Theresa May offered “warmest congratulations.”
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau echoed the sentiment on Twitter: “Canada welcomes a baby boy to the Royal Family! Sophie & I send our congratulations to William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and to George and Charlotte on the new arrival,” he wrote.
News of the royal birth came with a mix of tradition and modernity typical of Britain’s media-savvy royal family. It was announced on Twitter and also proclaimed in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace with a framed notice perched on a golden easel.
Tony Appleton, a town crier from southeast England, showed up in full regalia to declare the newborn prince’s birth outside the hospital. The words “It’s a boy” flashed in lights around the top of London’s BT Tower.
More ceremonial celebration will come today, including the pealing of bells at Westminster Abbey and a gun salute in London’s Hyde Park.
The baby is a younger brother to fouryear-old Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who turns three next week. Both were born at the same hospital, as were William and his younger brother, Prince Harry.
The infant’s name, which has been subject to a flurry of bets, is likely to be announced in the next few days. Arthur and James are among bookmakers’ favourites for the new prince, whose full title will be His Royal Highness, Prince (Name) of Cambridge.
“You’ll find out soon enough,” William said when asked about the baby’s name.