Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to baby boy

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton has given birth to a baby boy, weighing 8lb 6oz.

A press release confirmed that the baby was born at 16:24 this afternoon (22 July) at St Mary’s hospital in Paddington, West London.

The Duke of Cambridge Prince William was present at the birth, Clarence House say.

Other members of the Royal Family including The Queen, The Duke Of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry have been informed of the news.

The news has been displayed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace honouring a long-held tradition.

Following the birth a bulletin signed by the Queen’s former gynaecologist Marcus Setchell, who led the medical team overseeing the birth, had been escorted from the hospital to the palace under police escort.

The Duchess and baby will both spend the night in hospital but are said to be “doing well”.

Prime Minister David Cameron said he was delighted for the Duke and Duchess on Twitter.

I’m delighted for the Duke and Duchess now their son has been born. The whole country will celebrate. They’ll make wonderful parents.

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) July 22, 2013

The as-yet-unnamed baby boy will take on the title of Prince of Cambridge and will be third in line to the throne, a position previously held by William’s brother Harry.

Prince William and Kate married in April 2011 and announced they were expecting a baby in December.