'Thankfully he has her looks!' Beaming William jokes as he and Kate leave hospital with their newborn son giving the world its first glimpse of a future king
- Kate, Prince William and their newborn baby travelling home to Kensington Palace this evening
- Kate's parents Carole and Michael were the first members of the family to visit their daughter and her young son
- Prince Charles and Camilla came two hours later and told the assembled press: 'You'll see him in a minute'
- Soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed mother and baby were to be discharged at around 6.30pm
- Member of the royal household pictured arriving with car seat and clothes, alongside Kate's hairdresser
- Couple release new statement thanking St Mary's Hospital staff for how they have looked after 'the three of us'
- William stayed in a separate hospital room overnight to be close to Duchess of Cambridge and their son
- The Queen’s Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell came to see Kate this morning to assess her condition
- Prince Charles says he has 'no idea' what baby will be called but the bookies' favourites are James, George and Henry
- His wife Camilla added: 'It's very exciting and it's wonderful for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children'
- Band of the Scots Guard play Cliff Richard's Congratulations at daily Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace
The world has seen the royal baby for the first time as the future king left hospital with his ecstatic parents this evening, who revealed they had not yet chosen him a name.
Prince William and Kate waved and smiled broadly to the waiting cameras as they held their prince on the steps of the private Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London, 26 hours after he was delivered, weighing 8lbs 6oz.
An obviously moved Duchess of Cambridge said: 'It's been very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like.'
The Duke of Cambridge had followed the steps his parents Charles and Diana took with him 31 years ago, when he was born there on June 21, 1982.
'He's a big boy, quite heavy. We're still working on a name,' he told reporters.
'Well he has a good pair of lungs on him, that's for sure’
Confirming that the prince was overdue, William said: ‘I will remind him of his tardiness when he is older.’
With a huge smile he then added: ‘He’s got her looks thankfully’ to which the Duchess responded ‘No, no, no I’m not sure about that.’
Their child is now third in the line of succession, displacing Prince Harry to fourth and the Duke of York to fifth, although he may not become sovereign for half a century or more.
The Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge will travel home to Kensington Palace tonight, spending two weeks there while William is on paternity leave.
Huge crowds of well-wishers and journalists from all over the world have been waiting outside the west London hospital ward for weeks, first to be there when Kate went into labour and now as the couple left with her firstborn child.
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Special moment: Prince William and Kate waved and smiled broadly to the waiting cameras as they held their prince on the steps of the private Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London
Statement: William and Kate both spoke to the press and the Prince said 'thankfully he has her looks'
Close up: Kate held the baby as they descended the steps and revealed to waiting reporters they had not yet chosen a name
Happy trio: Kate told reporters that 'It's been very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like' while the prince joked the baby 'has more hair than me'
Next destination: The Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge have gone to Kensington Palace for the next fortnight
New life: The baby was crying in its car seat as its father took him to their waiting car this evening
Meanwhile, this evening the Queen told guests at a Buckingham Palace reception she was 'thrilled' at the birth of her great-grandson.
Earlier the royal baby's grandparents met him for the first time, and soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke, Duchess and baby would leave this evening.
Kate's sister Pippa is said to be there waiting for her.[related]
Carole and Michael Middleton were the first to arrive at the private Lindo Wing at around 3pm today, with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla following them at 5.30pm after being rushed to London by helicopter after two-days carrying out official duties in Yorkshire.
Before mounting the St Mary's Hospital steps, the smiling Prince of Wales asked journalists who have been stood outside for almost three weeks: 'Have you been there long?'
When he left around 10 minutes later, Charles said the baby was 'marvellous' and told journalists: 'You'll see in a minute'.
Huge crowds were waiting to catch a glimpse of the couple and the baby outside St Mary's hospital
Exit: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the Lindo Wing while Kate smiles serenely as they leave the hospital door
William calmly carried his new baby to the Range Rover which he drove home himself with his wife and child on board
The one-day-old prince did not open his eyes as his mother held him tightly in her arms
Soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed: 'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will be discharged this evening.
'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to Kensington Palace.
'Their Royal Highnesses would like to reiterate their thanks to the hospital for the care and treatment they have all received'.
Earlier doting grandmother Carole Middleton described her grandson, the future king, as 'absolutely beautiful' after she and her husband visited him.
The Duchess of Cambridge's parents said their first grandchild is 'absolutely beautiful' and his parents are coping 'fabulously'.
Duchess of Cambridge poses for photographers outside St. Mary's Hospital's exclusive Lindo Wing, where she has been since Monday
Good spirits: The new parents both looked in good spirits as they spoke to the waiting press, ending weeks of speculation about when the baby will arrive
Emotional: The new mother looked delighted as she looked down at her first child while her husband waved to the excited crowds
Protective: The baby was wrapped in a white shawl - Kate held her new son closely to her chest as she waved to the impressive crowd
The Middletons spent just over an hour with their daughter Kate and son-in-law William, and a smiling Mrs Middleton, speaking about mother and baby, said: 'They are both doing really well, and we are so thrilled.'
When asked by the world's media, who have been camped outside for nearly three weeks, how the proud parents were doing, she replied: 'Fabulously.'
Asked what the first cuddle with her grandson was like, Mrs Middleton, who had been ushered forward by her husband to speak to the press, said: 'Amazing, It's all coming back.'
Gentle: The trio take their first steps together into the outside world together as the prince starts his life
Carole was also asked if she and Michael had suggested any names for the third in line to the throne, and she replied laughing: 'Absolutely not!'.
Adding to speculation the world will soon get its first glimpse of the new prince, a member of the royal household also arrived carrying a car seat for the future king and fresh clothes for Kate and William earlier today.
The Duchess's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, who has been her stylist since last year, also entered the Lindo Wing via its private rear entrance this afternoon, adding to speculation that mother and child were soon to be discharged.
Mrs Cook Tucker has been cutting William and Harry's hair for years, attended the royal wedding and was even flown in on their trip to the Far East in 2012 because Kate's hair started to droop in the 36 degree temperatures.
Earlier it was revealed that the family 'are all doing well' today and William and Kate expressed their gratitude to the St Mary's medical team for their 'tremendous care' over the past 24 hours, after their son was born there at 4.24pm yesterday, weighing 8lb 6oz.
The world is desperate to get see the unnamed baby, with royal sources saying that they will not leave before 6pm this evening and could even be tomorrow.
'We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received. We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time,' a joint statement from the couple said this afternoon.
A Kensington Palace spokesman added: 'Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning.'
Flying visit: After two days in Yorkshire, Prince Charles and his wife Camilla arrived to meet the royal baby after being rushed to London by helicopter
Poking fun: Camilla smiles broadly as Prince Charles asks journalists outside St Mary's Hospital: 'Have you been there long?' before heading up the steps to meet his first grandchild
Exit: After an hour in the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital, Carole and Michael Middleton leave after seeing their grandson for the first time
Few words: Carole spoke on behalf of her and Michael, and said the baby was 'absolutely beautiful' and that William and Kate were coping 'fabulously'
Thrilled: Kate's parents Carole and Michael smiled broadly as they arrived at hospital to see their daughter and meet their new grandchild
Excited: It appears that Kate and William have asked the Middletons to visit them and their new child before the royal family
Telling: The Middletons' arrival at St Mary's Hospital came as it emerged that Kate, William and Baby Cambridge looked to be on the verge of leaving
Ready to go home? A member of the royal staff has arrived at St Mary's hospital and has taken a car seat in via a rear entrance alongside Kate's official hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, dragging a suitcase, raising hopes Kate, William and the baby might be about to leave
Help: A chauffeur holds dresses for the staff member, who was then waved into the hospital by police through the Mary Sandford entrance, which Kate came through on Monday
The overjoyed couple have started their first full day as proud parents of a ‘beautiful’ baby boy, as Britain continues to celebrate the prince's birth.
Last night William slept at the hospital in a separate room so he could be near his wife and their little boy.
The Queen’s Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell came to assess Kate this morning and decided when the Duchess and baby can be discharged.
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Their prince could also be named today, with the bookies' favourite currently being James, followed by George and Henry, but he has already been given the title His Royal Highness and will be known as Prince (Name) of Cambridge.
Last night great-grandmother the Queen said she was 'delighted' at the news while an overwhelmed Prince Charles exclaimed he was 'overjoyed' and 'enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time'.
This morning the Prince of Wales told crowds in Yorkshire that he and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall were still 'thrilled and excited' and celebrated with champagne last night, but added they have 'no idea' what their grandson's name would be.
The Evening Standard said today that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wanted to see their baby’s 'little face' and get to know him before choosing a name.
Not long now: Members of the press are forced to wait in the pouring rain for the first glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, today
Patient: Broadcasters are forced to take cover under a Union Flag umbrella as yet another thunderstorm hits London this afternoon
Drenched: Police officers keeping the St Mary's Hospital secure are not allowed to get out of the heavy downpours
Inclement weather: After three weeks of almost wall-to-wall sunshine London has been hit with a series of violent storms
Ill-prepared: After a night of showers some press and public failed to heed the unsettled conditions and arrived at St Mary's with no umbrellas or coats
Impatient: A sweet young girl clutches her two dolls outside the hospital where the royal baby was born, while a well-wisher drops off some gifts for the prince
Offer: A man asks police guarding the Lindo Wing whether they can take a teddy bear gift for the new prince
Smiling doctor: The Queen's Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell arrives at St Mary's Hospital this morning to assess Kate and baby
Royal arrival: The Queen is driven into Buckingham Palace with her corgis today on the day after the birth of her great-grandchild
The young prince's first night in the world was an eventful one, because London was hit with a number of violent thunderstorms after what had been the hottest day of the year so far.
Meanwhile well-wishers partied late into the night outside Buckingham Palace, even in the thunder, lightening and torrential rain.
Prime Minister David Cameron said it was 'a historic moment in the life of our nation' but 'above all, it's a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy'. U.S. President Barack Obama led tributes from world leaders and said that the new baby's birth was a 'joyous occasion'.
The Prince of Wales today resisted heading back to London to meet the child and stuck to his royal duties in Yorkshire, where his wife Camilla described the arrival of the Prince of Cambridge as 'a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country'.
Charles and Camilla were met by cheering crowds of well-wishers on a visit to East Yorkshire where villager after villager offered the couple their congratulations as the royal couple walked around the green in Bugthorpe.
'I'm thrilled and very excited,' the Prince of Wales said, while the Duchess said her husband would make a 'brilliant' grandfather.
'I think it's wonderful news. I think mother, son and father are all well,' she told the BBC.
'And I think it's a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country. It's very exciting and it's wonderful for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children.'
The village was decked out with Union flags and bunting for the visit.
One member of the crowd, local resident Robert Barrett, was one of the first to greet the Prince, saying 'Morning Grandad', which raised a chuckle from Charles. 'He obviously likes being a grandad,' Mr Barrett added.
And a little boy asked the Prince: 'When's the little baby coming?' to which Charles replied: 'We haven't been able to bring him yet.'
Isla Lister, eight, said both Charles and Camilla told her they could not wait to see the new baby.
She said: 'She was really nice and she said was really excited. I spoke to Prince Charles too and he said he couldn't wait to see him too.'
The day after: Crowds have again started to gather outside Buckingham Palace after London was soaked by torrential rain from violent thunderstorms
Back again: Huge numbers have headed to Buckingham Palace again to see the Changing of the Guard, where the band played 'Congratulations' and other celebratory songs
Pageantry: Traffic waited behind the band as the band marched up The Mall to the Palace playing cheerful and jubilant music marking the royal birth
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Joyous: The easel still stands in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace while the crowds of people clinging to the Palace railings have been replaced by this teddy bear and other mementos
It's a boy: The message displayed outside the palace telling the world that there is a new prince in the British royal family who one day will be king
Still keen: There is no shortage of people desperate to see the official notice and easel last used bu the royal family 31 year ago
Drama: The London Eye was turned red, white and blue last night after the news of the royal birth as London suffered a series of violent thunder storms
Tribute: Central London's iconic Tower Bridge was illuminated in bright blue to celebrate the Duchess of Cambridge giving birth to a prince
Dozens of world leaders have been sending best wishes to the Cambridges and their new child.
Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd wished the 'royal bub' all the best on behalf of all Australians.
'This is a day of great joy,' he said. 'When a new bub comes into the world, any old day, any part of the world, it is frankly a time for rejoicing.
'To Prince Charles and Camilla, they have the delight of being grandparents, all I can say is, this is probably one of the best experiences of your life and I'm sure they're going to have a wonderful time with the royal baby'.
Stephen Harper, prime minister of Canada - where William and Kate carried out their first Royal tour together - said Canadians were 'delighted' to learn of the birth of their son and sent 'heartfelt congratulations'.
'This new beginning reminds us of the remarkable and enduring relationship our country has enjoyed with generations of the royal family.
'We recall with fondness the years of unfailing service by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and their deep affection for and loyalty to this country.'
Tribute: The Honourable Artillery Company fire a 62 round Royal Gun Salute outside the Tower of London to celebrate the birth of the royal baby at 2pm
Historic: The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fire a gun salute to welcome the new royal baby in Green Park in London today
Pomp and ceremony: This is the first time since 1990 that gun-salutes have been fired to celebrate the birth of a royal child
Special moment: Crowds gather outside Westminster Abbey at 2pm today to the bells peal to celebrate the royal baby's arrival
The Royal Canadian Mint also announced that it will issue special commemorative coins to mark the historic occasion.
New Zealand's prime minister John Key said the nation's official gift to the royal couple is a hand-spun, hand-knitted fine lace shawl, similar to the one given when Prince William was born, and there will be a 21-gun salute fired from Point Jerningham, Wellington, today to mark the occasion.
'This is wonderful news for Prince William and Catherine,' he said.
'The birth of a child is a time of great joy and excitement, and I know they will make excellent parents.'
He added: 'New Zealanders remember with fondness the visit of Prince William when he was just a toddler, playing on the lawn of Government House with a Buzzy Bee. It would be a great pleasure to welcome Prince William's son to New Zealand as well.
'On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I wish Prince William, Catherine and the royal family all the very best.'
'Thrilled and excited': The Prince of Wales remains in Yorkshire today and said he did not know what his first grandchild would be called, but despite his enthusiasm he still managed to make six-month-old Emily Scott cry
Delighted: A very happy Prince Charles receives flowers from youngsters in Bugthorpe, East Yorkshire, including Isla Lister, who also spoke to Camilla
Buoyant: The Duchess of Cornwall told villagers of Charles: 'It's very exciting and it's wonderful for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children'
Many people asked whether the new baby had a name, but Charles gave little away.
Alec Dale told Charles: 'We popped a bottle of bubbly last night at our house. I hope you did too.'
The Prince replied: 'Yes. But just a little bit.'
Debbie Lister, asked Camilla about the baby's name.
Mrs Lister said: 'She said they had no clue whatsoever. She wasn't giving anything away. I thought she might tell me something, but no.'
And Isla's grandmother, Judy Willis, said Charles told her: 'Grannies are getting younger, you know.'
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Gun salutes sounded across London today to mark the birth of the royal baby as the armed forces join in the celebrations.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company carried out the ceremonial royal salutes in honour of the new addition to the Royal Family.
Gun salutes are fired for the birth of every prince or princess, no matter where their place is in the line of succession, the Ministry of Defence said. The last royal salute for a birth was for Princess Eugenie in 1990.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, wearing full dress uniform, paraded past Buckingham Palace to Green Park where they staged a 41-gun royal salute.
They went from their forward mounting base in Wellington Barracks into Green Park, where 71 horses pulled six First World War-era 13-pounder field guns into position for the royal salute at 2pm.
Each of the six guns fired blank artillery rounds at 10-second intervals until 41 shots were fired. The horses and riders then collected the guns and escorted them back to Wellington Barracks.
Major Mark Edward, commanding officer of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, said: 'The opportunity to mark the birth of the child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by firing a 41-gun royal salute, comes as a huge honour for the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.'
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), the City of London's Army Reserve Regiment, also fired a 62-gun salute from Gun Wharf at the Tower of London at 2pm.
Whilst a royal gun salute normally comprises 21 guns, this is increased to 41 if fired from a royal park or residence.
Uniquely, at the Tower of London, which is a royal residence, 62 rounds are fired as this also includes an additional 21 guns for the citizens of the City of London to show their loyalty to the monarch.
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Excitable: People dressed in costumes and red, wight and blue gather outside St Mary's Hospital as the media and members of the public wait in anticipation for Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge to introduce their son to the world
Celebrations: The Cottage Inn in Bucklebury, where the family home of the Middletons is, has been draped in flags to mark the royal birth
Tributes: : Pupils at Buckleberry Church of England Primary School draw congratulatory cards for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Touching: The children have put in a great deal of effort to mark the prince's much-anticipated entrance into the world
Elated new parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have given their backing to a charity supporting the hospital where their son was born.
The couple pledged to support Imperial College Healthcare Charity in celebration of their first born's birth, the charity said.
The charity raises money for research and studies designed to improve services to St Mary's and four other hospitals constituting Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The Duke and Duchess's baby boy was delivered in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's.
Jane Miles, the charity's chief executive, said: 'We are honoured and delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen to support us in celebration of such a joyous occasion.
'The charity wishes them and their son every future happiness.
'Having their support is hugely important to us as a charity that strives to improve the service given to patients at the five hospitals, including St Mary's, of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.'
As well-wishers gathered at the hospital, William's uncle, the brother of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, issued a statement welcoming the new family arrival.
Earl Spencer, who has his seven children and 2 stepchildren staying with him and Countess Spencer, to celebrate the first birthday of their youngest daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer, said: 'We're all so pleased: it's wonderful news. My father always told us how Diana was born on just such a blisteringly hot day, at Sandringham, in July, 1961. It's another very happy summer's day, half a century on.'
This morning the Band of the Scots Guard used the daily Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to the tiny future king.
It played a medley of hits starting with Cliff Richard's Congratulations, Royal Salute, The Duke of Cambridge March, Procession of the Nobles and Spirit of Pageantry.
It played a medley of hits starting with Cliff Richard's Congratulations, Royal Salute, The Duke of Cambridge March, Procession of the Nobles and Spirit of Pageantry.
Some of those in the crowd who packed outside the palace gates and at the Victoria Memorial sang along, while the ensemble broke into spontaneous applause at its conclusion.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2374931/Kate-Middletons-parents-beat-royals-family-members-visit-new-baby.html#ixzz2ZteO2y9G
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