Prince charming
Kate gives birth to boy, home by suppertime
THIRD TIME’S a charm. The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth yesterday 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 8 pound, 7 ounce (3.8 kilogram) 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. and wearing a vibrant red dress, Kate emerged alongside her husband, holding the tiny royal highness, wrapped in a white lace shawl.
The baby is a younger brother to 4-year-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’ favorites 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.
Monday is St George’s Day, England’s national day, but the baby is unlikely to be given the name since his older brother already has it.
The new arrival is Queen Elizabeth’s sixth great-grandchild and bumps Prince Harry to sixth place in the line of succession. The baby is fifth in line, after grandfather Prince Charles, father Prince William and his two siblings.
Charlotte is the first royal daughter to stay ahead of a younger brother in the line of succession. Before the rules were changed in 2012, male heirs took precedence.