Kate Middleton Gives Birth to Baby Boy, Watch Live Royal Baby Announcements (PHOTO, VIDEO)

Jul 22, 2013 03:18 AM EDT

Kate Middleton and Prince William have just welcomed a newborn baby boy on Monday, July 22 at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, England.

The baby's name will be announced later but George and James, both traditional royal names, were favored choices with British bookmakers for the child, who could one day be king.


An easel stands in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to announce the birth of a baby boy. (Photo:Reuters)

The royal birth announcement said the boy was born at 4:24 p.m. local time, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces. William was present for the birth, the statement said.

"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight," it said. William also issued a brief statement, saying "we could not be happier."

The Duke of Cambridge personally phoned the Queen to give her the news. He then called the Prince of Wales, Prince Harry and the Middleton family, who were able to speak to the Duchess briefly.


Crowds cheer outside Buckingham Palace. (Photo:Reuters)

William's father, Charles, and his wife, Camilla, spoke of their joy and pride in becoming grandparents for the first time.

"It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy," Prince Charles said in a statement.

"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."


Prime Minister David Cameron declared the birth “an important moment in the life of our nation”.

“It is an important moment in the life of our nation but, I suppose, above all it is a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy." Cameron said.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, was one of the first to speak of his joy on Twitter.

“Delighted for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they welcome their baby boy. May God bless them all with love, health and happiness,” he said.

The new prince is expected to be christened; as future king, he would be the head of the Church of England.

Hordes of TV crews and photographers, and royal fans wrapped in Union Jacks, remained camped outside the hospital overnight Monday, waiting for the couple to appear on the hospital steps holding their newborn, echoing the moment when William was first presented for public inspection outside the same hospital by Charles and Diana.