World gets first glimpse of new royal

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge introduced their baby boy to the world, standing proudly on the steps of the Lindo Wing with their son.

The royal infant, wrapped up against the cool Spring weather, nestled in the arms of his mother as the couple posed for pictures.

Kate looked in good health after giving birth this morning to her as yet unnamed prince, who is fifth in line to the throne.

Kensington Palace said the baby’s name would be “announced in due course”, but Arthur is already the favourite with punters, according to the bookies.

The new prince is fifth in line to the throne, and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh’s sixth great-grandchild.

The duchess was driven to the exclusive Lindo Wing before 6am on Monday in the early stages of labour.

Kensington Palace announced the baby’s arrival in a statement shortly after 1pm and said the Queen, the royals and Kate’s family were thrilled at the news.

“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 palace said.

A formal notice of the birth was placed in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace on an ornate golden stand , and a celebratory over-sized Union Flag was raised from the roof of the Queen’s London home.

Prime Minister Theresa May led the messages of support for William and Kate, saying: “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.”

The arrival of a baby boy was a surprise for the duke and duchess, who chose not to find out what they were having.

A huge media presence gathered outside the private Lindo Wing in anticipation of the birth, the same unit where George and Charlotte were born, as were William and Prince Harry.

Former world heavyweight champion boxer, Frank Bruno MBE, and Hollywood actress Mia Farrow were among the celebrity well wishers on social media.

Meanwhile, comedian David Walliams quipped: “Prince Harry just got demoted again.”