There’s nothing like a new baby to put a smile on your face, and Prince William and Catherine were grinning from ear to ear as they left St Mary’s Hospital with their new son on Monday.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were greeted by royal fans and the world’s media as the descended the steps of the hospital with their new prince – Catherine looking remarkably fresh faced in a striking red dress and nude heels.
Earlier, Catherine and her new baby, who’s name is yet to be revealed, received a very special visit from Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who appeared eager to see what all the fuss was about as they arrived as the hospital with their dad.
William was by his wife’s side for the birth, Kensington Palace said in a statement, and ducked home soon after to bring his two eldest children to visit their new brother.
As he got into the car he joked to the press “thrice the worry now,” holding up three fingers with a smile.
“We didn’t keep you waiting too long this time,” before adding, “very happy, very excited, thank you.”
The two tots looked adorable as they arrived at the hospital and waved to the waiting press – George dressed in his school uniform and Charlotte sporting a blue frock with matching cardigan.
As with their previous children, William and Catherine made a brief appearance on the steps outside the Lindo wing at St Mary’s before bundling the new prince into the car to take him home to Kensington Palace. Although he was visibly nervous the first time round with Prince George, William had no qualms clipping his new son into the baby capsule in the backseat of the car – having had plenty of experience over the past few years.
While they don’t often show affection in public due to royal protocol, the Duke and Duchess held hands as they left the hospital looking smitten with both each other and their son.
Catherine looked lovely in a red Jenny Packham dress with white lace peter pan collar – very similar to the one Diana wore after she gave birth to Prince Harry. While royal mums in the past have tried to cover their still rounded post-baby belly, once again Catherine proved herself a modern royal and a realist and didn’t try to conceal her bump.
Upon leaving the hospital, Kensington Palace released a statement on the pair’s behalf, thanking well-wishers and their medical team.
“Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank all staff at the hospital for the care and treatment they have received,” the statement read. “They would also like to thank everyone for their warm wishes.”
As is tradition, the official notice for the birth has been placed on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, where it will be displayed for 24 hours. Notices have been posted on the occasion of a Royal birth for at least as long as Buckingham Palace has been the Sovereign’s official residence (from 1837).
Union Jack flags have also been raised at both Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
The Palace announced that Catherine had “gone into the early stages of labour” on Monday morning and that she and William had arrived at the hospital. A mere five or so hours later, they declared the Duchess “was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs”.
“The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth,” they said. “Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”
Members of the royal family expressed their joy upon hearing the news, saying: “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 new prince is fifth in line to the throne, bumping his uncle Harry further down the ladder to sixth place. The royals are expected to reveal his name in the coming days.