Triple crown
Wills and Kate welcome new baby boy
PRINCE William joked about having his hands full as he and wife Kate introduced their third child to the world yesterday.
As the royal couple prepared to drive away from hospital with their newborn son, William held up three fingers to well-wishers, said “thrice worry now” and smiled warmly.
Wills, 35, and Kate, 36, emerged from hospital at 6pm just seven hours after the birth at 11.01am.
The baby boy – weighing 8lb 7oz – is fifth in line to the throne, knocking Prince Harry down to sixth.
Born on St George’s Day, the tot is the Queen’s sixth great-grandchild.
The baby’s name was not revealed yesterday but William said “you’ll find out soon” when asked what they planned to call him.
He added the family are “delighted” about the new arrival and the newborn’s brother George, four, and sister Charlotte, two, are “very happy”. Wills also joked about the departure from hospital, saying: “We didn’t keep you waiting too long this time.”
Kate beamed as she cradled the baby in her arms and walked down the steps of the private Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, in Paddington, West London, as a huge cheer went up from the crowds.
A professional lip reader has revealed this is what the couple said. William: Are you OK with him? Kate: Yeah.
William: Look, there he is. Over there. [They wave to the left]
Kate: Let’s just wave over there. [They wave to the right]
Kate: Look, he is there. [They wave] It is a bit windy, eh? He might get cold. Let’s go now. William: Sure Wearing a bright red dress by British designer Jenny Packham – the same designer she chose when she left hospital with George and Charlotte – Kate waved and looked up at the staff and patients peering out of the hospital buildings above. The frock bore a resemblance to what Diana wore when she and Charles emerged from the Lindo Wing with newborn Prince Harry in 1984.
Among the well-wishers yesterday was Alice Arnoux, 42, of South London, who said: “It’s a momentous occasion and I’m glad to be there.”
The new arrival slept soundly throughout his public debut.
Wrapped up in a white shawl made by GH Hurt and Son Ltd and a matching knitted bonnet, he lay motionless in his mother’s arms. He had earlier been introduced to his brother and sister.
As well as being posted on Twitter and Instagram, the birth was announced in the traditional way with a bulletin on an easel placed on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.
The practice dates back to 1837 when the palace became the monarch’s official residence.
The bulletin will be on display for 24 hours before being sent to the Privy Council Office for inclusion in its official records.
When the birth was announced by Kensington Palace at 1pm, aides 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.”
Theresa May said: “My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy. I wish them great
happiness for the future.” And Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “Congratulations to Kate and William on the birth of their baby boy. I wish them all the very best.”
Sir Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their son.
“I’m sure his older brother will be delighted he has been born on St George’s Day.”
Kate was driven to hospital before 6am yesterday in the early stages of labour and was soon in the capable hands of midwives.
The medical team was led by Guy Thorpe-Beeston, surgeon gynaecologist to The Royal Household; Alan Farthing, surgeon gynaecologist to the Queen; Dr Sunit Godambe, consultant neonatologist at Imperial College NHS Trust; and Professor Huw Thomas, physician to the Queen and head of the Medical Household.
Kate will now spend several months focusing on her family. She is not expected to be seen in public until Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle on May 19.
William will take at least two weeks off official engagements to be with his family.
The couple are expected to continue splitting their time between their London palace and their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.
A spokesman said they have no plans for another nanny in addition to Maria Borrallo who has lived with the family since 2014.