Wait for the Royal Baby finally over as Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to a son

THE Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a son weighing 8 lbs and 6 oz as the nation's wait for a Royal Baby reached its climax today.

The Duchess of Cambridge has gone into labour

Her husband Prince William was present as his wife gave birth to our future king, who is third in line to the throne.

Buckingham Palace said the Royal family are delighted with the news.

A statement said: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24pm. The baby weighs 8lbs 6oz.

"The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.

"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.

"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight."

An easel with details of the Royal Baby is set up outside Buckingham Palace

A town crier announced the arrival of the baby outside the hospital and a notice giving details about the baby was transported by car to Buckingham Palace.

The notice was placed in an easel in the palace's forecourt, much like when Prince William was born on June 21 1982.

Prince Charles said he was "enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time", adding that it was "an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine".

He added: "Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone's life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future."

While Prime Minister David Cameron spoke outside 10 Downing Street to say the birth of the royal baby was 'an important moment in the life of our nation.'

The Duke of Cambridge issued a short statement, saying: "We could not be happier."

A town crier announces the arrival of the Royal Baby outside St Mary's

People gather outside Buckingham Palace after news of the Royal Baby's arrival emerges

New baby delivers a tot tips frenzy

BOOKIES cashed in yesterday as punters put down £100,000 an hour in bets.

Fans are ecstatic about the new birth that many are willing to try and win some money on it

“The whole world has been waiting for Kate to give birth”

Nicola McGeady, Ladbrokes spokeswoman

 Ladbrokes reported a betting bonanza as Kate laboured on, with 900 wagers every 60 minutes.

And Coral said the royal baby was the biggest non-sporting betting event in the firm’s history.

Company spokeswoman Nicola McGeady said: “The whole world has been waiting for Kate to give birth.

“Now we have witnessed another betting frenzy."

Duchess Kate in expert hands

A MEDICAL team with extensive experience and knowledge of the Royal Family looked after the Duchess of Cambridge.

Kate is in good hands with Marcus Setchell at the Lindo Wing

Marcus Setchell, 69, who was the Queen’s gynaecologist for two decades, was in charge.

He helped save the lives of the Countess of Wessex and her eldest child Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor in 2003.

Sophie was rushed to hospital suffering severe internal pains when she was eight months pregnant.

She was dangerously ill from blood loss and doctors performed an emergency Caesarean.

Lady Louise – the first grandchild of the Queen to be born on the NHS –weighed just 4lb 9oz.

Two years earlier the Countess, 48, was airlifted to hospital after suffering a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy.

Fans await the news outside St Mary's hospital

“She was dangerously ill from blood loss and doctors performed an emergency Caesarean.”

Mr Setchell assisted with the 66-year-old Duchess of Cornwall’s hysterectomy at King Edward VII’s Hospital in 2007 and delivered Sophie’s son James – Viscount Severn – the same year.

He looked after Kate when she was taken to hospital with severe morning sickness in the early stages of her pregnancy.

Mr Setchell was assisted by the Queen’s current gynaecologist, Alan Farthing, 50, the former fiance of murdered TV presenter Jill Dando.

He was appointed to the royal post in September 2008.

Kate’s baby is his first high-profile royal birth.

New boy to be caring like Princess Diana

THE future of Princess Kate’s little boy is already written in the stars, with the tot born a sensitive Cancer.

Princess Diana with Prince Charles and newborn WIlliam

The baby was born under the sign of the crab, meaning he will be in touch with his emotions and love a cuddle from mum and dad.

He is the same star sign as dad William, 31, and his late gran Princess Diana, whose down-to-earth, caring characters have seen them champion a string of good causes.

Carrying on such traits will make him a perfect candidate for the demanding role of Prince, understanding the challenges of ordinary people across Britain and the globe.

The boy has also picked an unusual time to come into the world, on the cusp of two star signs and during a Full Moon.

If he had been born after 4.57pm yesterday, when the signs changed, he would have been a trailblazing Leo.

But rather than a fiery, decisive and limelight-loving Leo, experts reckon he will be a sensible lad who can show great sympathy and compassion for others.

Crowds gather outside Buckingham Palace to feel part of the atmosphere

“The boy has also picked an unusual time to come into the world, on the cusp of two star signs and during a Full Moon.”

Daily Star astrologer Lori Reid said: “Cancer is all about home and nurturing. They are great little collectors and very close to their mums. They are squidgy on the inside, sensitive and emotional but they have a hard, strong shell.” And she said a Full Moon baby almost certainly meant change.

She added: “A Full Moon baby brings a circle to a close. They like seeing through change.”

If the boy had been born just 33 minutes later, he would have been a Leo, added Lori.

But being so close to the sign of Leo he will almost certainly carry some traits of that sign too.

Lori added: “Being born so close to Leo, this child will transform British life and follow through with a lot of changes.”

Famous people with the Cancer sign include singer Cheryl Cole, 30, Pussycat Dolls babe Nicole Scherzinger, 35, and US rapper 50 Cent 38.

It's a boy! Wills and Kate's joy at royal baby

PRINCESS KATE sparked worldwide celebrations last night after giving birth to an 8lb 6oz baby boy.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are celebrating their new arrival

Proud Prince William immediately called the Queen, his father Prince Charles, and his brother Harry and made sure Kate’s family was told the happy news.

After more than a week of waiting, Kate was admitted to the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s, Paddington, west London, at 5.30am, already in labour.

Just under 11 hours later the baby, who is third in line to the throne after Charles and William, arrived at 4.24pm.

Palace sources said the couple chose to delay the public announcement of the birth until 8.30pm to allow them to spend “quality time” together.

Tony Appleton, a town crier, announces the birth of the royal baby

Everyone got the message loud and clear