A prince is born
LONDON: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William’s newborn son will be fifth in line to the throne.
The duchess gave birth at a hospital in London on Monday, the third child for the British royal couple.
Kensington Palace announced: ‘‘Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 11.01hrs. The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz [3.8kg].
‘‘The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. Her Royal Highness and her child are both 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 framed notice of birth went on display on a ceremonial easel on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
The new prince is Queen Elizabeth’s sixth greatgrandchild and fifth in line to the British throne behind siblings George (4), his sister, Charlotte (2), their father, William, and grandfather Prince Charles, who is heir.
Growing up as part of the Cambridge family, the new royal baby will be one of the most famous youngsters in the world but the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge work hard to make sure their children have as much of a normal life as possible.
The prince’s early years will be spent happily away from the cameras. William and Kate have previously released photos of their children at key moments, to encourage the press to avoid using paparazzi shots.
The prince’s main home in London will be Kensington Palace’s Apartment 1A, which used to belong to Princess Margaret.
It was refurbished at a cost of £4.5 million ($NZ8.8 million) to the taxpayer and with a big, private walled garden, there is plenty of space to play outside, as well as some 20 rooms to explore.
The royal couple also have 10bedroom Anmer Hall on the Queen’s Sandringham Estate — in Norfolk. — Reuters/BPA