Young Prince George is officially a big brother as the Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a girl, as announced by the Kensington Palace.
The princess – who is 4th in line to the throne – was “safely delivered” at 08:34 BST, the palace said in a statement. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth of the baby, who weighed 8lbs 3oz (3.7kg). Both Catherine and her daughter are “doing well”, the statement added.
The name of the baby will be announced in due course.
The Prince of Wales, who had earlier said he was hoping for a grand daughter, and the Duchess of Cornwall said they were “absolutely delighted”. The duchess had been admitted to the private Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, at 06:00 BST and the birth announcement came just after 11:00 BST.
The statement from Kensington Palace added:
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 latest royal joins the line of succession behind her grandfather Prince Charles, father Prince William and brother Prince George.
The baby is the Queen’s 5th great-grandchild.
Over the course of the past few months, speculation about the princess’ name includes Alice being the favourite with several bookmakers. Charlotte, Elizabeth, and Diana have also been popular with punters.
The new royal will not be overtaken in the line of succession by any future younger brothers. Under new rules which came into force in March, male bias was removed from the succession rules.
It declared:
All the children of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales should have and enjoy the style, title and attribute of royal highness with the titular dignity of prince or princess prefixed to their Christian names or with such other titles of honour.
She will also be known as the Princess of Cambridge after a Letter Patent was issued by the Queen, and the princess will also be able to marry a Roman Catholic without losing her place in line to the throne.
Congratulations to the beautiful Royal couple! We wonder what her name is going to be 🙂
Source: BBC.
