After a one-night sleep over at Kensington Palace two-day-old royal baby was taken for his first afternoon outing as proud parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took their son to the Middleton family home in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
The now three-piece Cambridge family spent one night together as a family at their official residence in the palace before heading to Kate’s parents country home.
The new parents smiled and waved as they exited Kensington Palace with dad in the front seat and mum and baby in the back before making the hour-long journey to Bucklebury shortly after receiving visits from the newborn prince’s great-grandmother, The Queen, and first-time uncle, Prince Harry.
Kate’s sister Pippa has also had a cuddle with her new nephew, waiting at Kensington Palace before the new family made their way from St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington on Tuesday afternoon.
A spokesperson for the Palace said the family would be having “private, quiet time to get to know their son”, over the next few days, and did not confirm how long the family would be spending at Bucklebury manor.
It has long been speculated that Kate would be moving in with her mother Carole Middleton at their country home for the first six weeks of the royal baby’s life.
As the new Prince of Cambridge met his adoring public for the first time yesterday evening, reactions from the wider royal family came flooding in from different parts of the country.
The Prince of Wales expressed in a statement this week how “enormously proud and happy” he felt on becoming a grandfather, however the reaction of his sister Anne, Princess Royal was reportedly a little less enthused. She is said to have gently brushed off journalists in her characteristically brusque manner with: “Nothing to do with me, but it’s very good news.”
Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, who is wife to Prince Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth, was clearly delighted to receive news of the royal birth, declaring she feels “ridiculously happy” for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the arrival of their baby son.
“I’m so excited for them both,” Sophie beamed. “It’s a wonderful event. Everybody’s absolutely thrilled as you can imagine.
“I never expected to feel quite this happy but I’ve had a big smile on my face ever since the news broke.”
As a mother of two children, Lady Louise Windsor and James, Viscount Severn, the Countess was quick to empathise with William and Kate’s new position as first-time parents.
“I think they’ll probably just want to be together at the moment,” the 48-year-old told reporters.
“Having had babies myself I know that you really want to close down the hatches and just be together with your immediate family in the first few days and weeks.
“I hope to be able to see the baby some time soon but not just yet.”
On Tuesday, Prince William’s uncle and the late Princess Diana’s younger brother Earl Spencer shared his views on his nephew’s new baby, revealing that the birth evoked family memories of Princess Diana’s birth half a century ago.
“My father always told us how Diana was born on such a blisteringly hot day, at Sandringham, in July 1961”, said the Earl.
“It’s another very happy summer’s day, half a century on.
“We’re all so pleased: it’s wonderful news.”
Charles Spencer, 49, was celebrating another family occasion this week, as 23 July marked the first birthday of his youngest daughter Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer.
A “very emotional” Duchess of Cambridge stepped out of the hospital wing on Tuesday evening cradling the world’s most famous baby in her arms, introducing the prince to the world with proud dad Prince William by her side, only 28 hours after giving birth.
Hundreds gathered outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital to catch a glimpse of the young royal family with its newest addition, baby Cambridge, and the rest of the world looked on via television broadcasts.
Some had waited hours and others weeks, but the wait was proven worth it as hordes of well wishers cheered and clamoured to snap photographs of the Duke, Duchess and baby Cambridge.
Proud parents Kate and Prince William emerged from the entrance to the Lindo Wing — which has become the most watched and photographed doorway in the world over recent weeks — with the heir to the throne cradled in his mother’s arms.
Just as William’s parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana had done in the very same spot 31 years earlier, the new mum and dad introduced their son to the world from the steps of the private maternity wing and posed for the family photographs the world has been waiting for.
The couple agreed it was a “very emotional” time, and gave waiting media an insight into the personality of the future king, yet to be named, who arrived at 4:24pm on Monday afternoon weighing 8lb 6oz.
“He’s got a good pair of lungs on him, that’s for sure,” William said.
“He’s a big boy, he’s quite heavy. But we are still working on a name so we will have that as soon as we can.”
First time mum Kate said welcoming her and William’s baby boy was “such a special time”.
“I think any parent will know what this feeling feels like.”
The Duchess was glowing in a bespoke dress by British designer Jenny Packham, and the couple seemed relaxed and overjoyed, bearing huge smiles and proving to be good humoured parents already.
William quipped the baby had “way more [hair] than me”, and joked about the royal baby’s late arrival — he is thought to have been about a week overdue. “I’ll remind him of his tardiness when he’s a bit older,” William said.
“Hopefully the hospital and you guys can all go back to normal and we can, you know, look after him.”
Prince William is already proving to be a hands-on father, tackling one of the first challenges of parenthood like a pro.
He strapped his son into a car seat where the baby travelled safely in the back seat of the car alongside mum, with ease. Kengsington Palace confirmed the new dad had been practicing.
The Prince then drove his new family from the Lindo Wing to their official residence in Kensington Palace, where the three will spend the night in the cottage they inhabit while their new apartment on the palace grounds is under renovation.
It is unknown how long the royal baby will spend in the palace, with many presuming the Duchess will move in with her mother, Carole Middleton, at their family’s country home in Berkshire for the baby’s first few weeks as the Prince is to get back to work again after two weeks paternity leave.
Both sets of grandparents visited the Cambridge family in hospital on Tuesday afternoon before they were discharged.
Kate’s parents Mike and Carole Middleton spent more than an hour at the Lindo Wing with the first time grandmother telling media the pair were “thrilled” at becoming grandparents and the new parents were doing “fabulously”.
“He is absolutely beautiful,” she said.
“They are both doing really well. We’re thrilled.”
New grandfather the Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall fit in a visit at the Lindo Wing shortly after the Middleton’s left, following engagements in York today and before they head off to resume royal duties in Wales tomorrow.
Charles said his first grandson was “marvellous” as he left the hospital, and tipped off the patient press that the baby might be going home shortly after saying “you’ll see in a minute”, when asked what he was like.
The Prince of Cambridge, who is third in line to the throne after his grandfather and father, is the first royal baby to be born into the new media age, and his birth has been welcomed across the world with all sorts of celebrations from traditional military salutes to memes, and gifts are pouring in form all corners of the globe.
Today, The Duchess of Cambridge stepped onto the stairs of the Lindo Wing, showing her baby boy to the world for the first time, just like Diana did 31 years ago.
Kate wore a baby blue polka dot dress strikingly similar to Diana’s; a tribute to Prince William’s late mother.
Princess Diana broke royal tradition some 31 years ago when she gave birth to William at St Mary’s hospital instead of the family home.
Kate has followed her footsteps into St Mary’s hospital and now, with her bundle of joy, down the Lindo wing stairs.
The Duchess of Cambridge makes a polka-dotted tribute to Diana
Princess Diana holds Prince William in her arms blissfully.
The Duchess of Cambridge stands close to Prince William with her boy held to her chest.
Prince William joked his son had a fuller head of hair than he did.
The new parents hand over their baby boy to each another.
Prince Charles holds his first son.
Kate hands over her precious boy to his father.
Wills holds his son close to his chest.
Prince Charles stands proud with his newborn son and wife, Princess Diana, by his side.
Diana looks on to well-wishers in her teal, polka dot dress.
Kate walks alongside her husband in a baby blue polka dot dress.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have left St. Mary’s Hospital with their baby boy, and given the public their first look at His Royal Highness, The Prince of Cambridge.
After an 11 hour natural labour and a day’s rest in hospital, the new family have left the Lindo Wing of the hospital to return home.
William stood proudly by his wife’s side on the building’s steps to debut their new son to the waiting press, public and the rest of the world.
“He’s a big boy, quite heavy. We’re still working on a name,” William told the crowds.
“Well he has a good pair of lungs on him, that’s for sure.”
The Duke was in high spirits, joking with the reporters and fans outside the hospital. “I will remind him of his tardiness when he is older,” he said, confirming his son was overdue.
“He’s got her looks thankfully,” he added, to which the Duchess responded “No, no, no I’m not sure about that.”
“It’s been very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like,” Catherine said.
The two are yet to announce the name of their child, but bookmaker’s are citing “James” as the most likely choice.
The new royal baby was born at 16.24 UK time, weighing 8lbs 6oz.
William spent the night in the hospital, but stayed in a separate room to his wife and child.
“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,” a joint statement from the couple read. “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.”.
To show off her beautiful newborn son yesterday evening, alongside proud husband Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in a baby-blue frock designed by popular British designer Jenny Packham – and within 24 hours the ‘Kate Effect’ was felt in full force.
As pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge splashed across news outlets and social media sites, Jenny Packham’s website crashed under demand for the stylish, polka dot dress, which is understood to have been carefully selected by Kate before going into hospital.
Fans of the pretty, empire-line crepe de chine dress were hoping to snatch it up online but frustration ensued for thousands of shoppers, as a spokesman for the designer confirmed last night it was a one-off creation made especially for the Duchess of Cambridge and her first public appearance as a new mother.
Kate has long been a fan of Jenny Packham creations, having worn the designer’s dresses to a number of high profile engagements in recent years. At a gala dinner in 2011, Kate modelled a stunning rose sequin dress (since hailed a fashion highlight for the 31-year-old), and in 2012 Kate sizzled in an elegant jade green pleated gown at an Olympic concert in London. The trend-setting royal was also frequently pictured in Jenny Packham throughout her Asian tour towards the end of last year.
Fashion PRs all over the world are now clamouring for Kate’s attention more than ever in the hope to secure the same result for their clients – and will no doubt be looking to the newborn as a future fashion icon of our times.
First time grandparents Mike and Carole Middleton after visiting their grandson at St Mary's hospital.
The royal baby has received his first visitors as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed first-time grandparents Mike and Carole Middleton to the Lindo Wing this afternoon.
Kate’s parents pulled up in front of the private wing and eager press pack at St Mary’s hospital in Paddington in a black cab at around three o’clock on Tuesday afternoon.
The grandparents’ pride was already palpable as they posed briefly for photographs on the steps of the ward were the world’s most celebrated baby was born yesterday before visiting the newborn prince.
After spending about an hour inside the building where Kate delivered the heir with proud father Prince William by her side, the Middleton’s emerged wreathed in smiles.
Grandmother Carole, who wore a blue and white spotted dress and a huge smile for her first meeting with the now three-piece Cambridge family, was unable to contain her excitement telling media waiting outside she had an “amazing” first cuddle with her grandson.
“He is absolutely beautiful,” she said.
“They are both doing really well. We’re thrilled.”
The proud grandmother added “it’s all coming back”, after visiting her one-day old grandson, and said Kate and William were doing “fabulously”.
It was a rare interview with the Middletons who are famously media-shy, but they didn’t answer all questions.
When asked if they had any idea about their grandson’s name — the question on everybody’s lips — Mrs Middleton replied “absolutely not”.
The Middletons were the first family members to visit their clan’s newest addition, with no royals spotted entering the Lindo Wing just yet.
It is unknown whether grandfather Prince Charles and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, who have carried on engagements in York, will make a stop off at the Lindo Wing before they are due in Wales tomorrow.
Members of the royal family may first meet the heir after he and parents Kate and William leave the hospital as they are due to be discharged tomorrow morning at the latest.
While the couple and baby haven’t had any other official visitors, an aide to the Duchess was seen delivering a baby seat in which the young Prince will be travelling as the family departs the hospital, and wardrobe options for the Duchess.
The young royal family are expected to be photographed on the front steps of the Lindo Wing — as Prince William was when he was born in the same facility 31 years ago with parents Prince Chrales and Diana — when they leave after six o’clock this evening or on Wednesday morning.
The royal capital is yet to be introduced to the first child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but bells have rung out, cannons thundered, and monuments lit up around London to welcome the little Prince.
A traditional 21-gun salute was extended as 41 shots were fired by the King’s Troop artillery who staged a 41 royal gun salute in Green Park, next to Buckingham Palace.
Crowds gathered to view the event and were delighted by horse-drawn carriages that led the salute welcoming the new royal baby.
Among the crowd was Ballarat mother Donna Smith, who brought her children down to the park to witness the ceremony.
“I wanted my kids to see this. It’s something I wanted them to remember.”
Six-year-old William Smith told The Weekly he was in London primarily to see the Harry Potter museum, but was just as excited to be close to the royal birth.
“He’s going to be king,” he said, after removing his hands from his ears during the very loud salute, wondering if the baby had heard the celebratory shots.
“It was really loud.”
Another 62 shots were fired at London Tower to celebrate the Prince of Cambridge’s arrival, and the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace was altered to include renditions of “congratulations” played in tribute to the heir by the Scots Guards band.
Monuments in London and around the world have turned patriotic red, white and blue for a boy to welcome Kate and William’s first child and the third-in-line to the throne.
Hollywood power couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem have welcomed their second child into the world, on the same day as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
The 39-year-old actress and her husband were in Madrid to attend the Los Veranos de la Villa Music Festival over the weekend when she went into labour, meaning their child was born in their native country of Spain.
The couple wed in July 2010 and already have a two-year-old son, Leandro.
Even though they are so heavily in the public eye, they are also notoriously private when it comes to their personal and family life. There is still no word on the sex or name of their baby.
“I want my son and my kids – if I have more – to grow up in a way that is as anonymous as possible,” Penelope said recently.
“The fact that his father and I have chosen to do the work we do doesn’t give anybody the right to invade our privacy.”
She announced her second pregnancy soon after her younger sister Monica chose to use an anonymous sperm donor to conceive.
“I have decided to tell all. To become pregnant, I turned to artificial insemination,” Monica said at the time.
“I want to tell, also, so I can have the opportunity to show my thanks to all those anonymous men that help to give many women like me, the dream of their lives.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were greeted by cheers and applause as they left St. Mary’s Hospital today, giving the world a first look at their son.
Catherine looked radiant in pale blue and white polka dots that mirrored Diana‘s outfit when William‘s mother left the same Hospital 31 years ago.
Princess Diana sported a strikingly similar green and white dress for the occasion, stirring memories of the would-be grandmother.
“What people won’t be aware of is how much Diana, with her strong maternal instincts, relished the whole process of pregnancy. Indeed, she embraced any woman she saw who happened to be pregnant,” her friend Rosa Monckton wrote in The Mirror yesterday. “She would have been the most magnificent grandmother.”
Kate’s look was strikingly similar to Diana’s.
Diana and Charles with baby William in 1982.
The royal hairdresser payed a visit to the Lindo Wing of the hospital especially.
William joked that his child already had “way more [hair] than me, thank God.”
“Diana would be thrilled at the prospect of having a baby in the palace”-friend Richard Kay
Like his father did before him, William took his son from Kate and held him.
The Duke of Cambridge drove his wife and child home from hospital himself.
Charles and Camilla leaving St. Mary’s.
“Today Diana would have been a proud grandmother,” – Tessy Ojo from Diana’s charity.
The two looked happy and at ease with parenthood already.
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