Well-wishers lined the streets outside St Mary’s Hospital in London on Monday, hoping to catch a glimpse of the new royal baby, however it was newly minted big sister Charlotte who stole the show.
The adorable princess was every bit the proud sister as she arrived at the Lindo Wing with her father, Prince William, and brother, Prince George, to meet her new sibling. William had been with his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, throughout the delivery of their new son, and later ducked home to fetch his two eldest children so they could check up on mum and meet their new brother.
The doting dad couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as he walked hand-in-hand with his children as they made their way into the hospital. While the sight of the three of them together was enough to send the waiting crowd cheering, it was Charlotte’s adorable wave to well-wishers that melted hearts. Even Britain’s steely jawed reporters waiting in the press area couldn’t resist letting out an “awww” when she turned around on the hospital steps to offer a shy smile and a wave goodbye.
Her little royal moment in the sun sent social media users into meltdown as they commented how “cute” the little princess was – and how much she appears to take after her great-grandmother, the Queen.
Despite her young years one user commented that “Charlotte is a queen in the making”. Another said the princess was “so adorable” adding: “I love how Prince George is still a little shy but Princess Charlotte waves at the cameras.”
A third wrote: “How cute is princess Charlotte working the camera!”
Soon after, William and Catherine were greeted by royal fans and the world’s media as they descended the steps of the hospital with their new prince – Catherine looking remarkably fresh faced in a striking red dress and nude heels.
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.