BBC News with Fiona MacDonald.
Prince William's wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, has given birth to a son. Palace officials say the baby was born at 24 minutes past four in the afternoon and weighs eight pounds six ounces-- that's just over three and a half kilograms. The boy, who will be known as the Prince of Cambridge, is the third in line to the British throne and would in time also become head of state of 15 other Commonwealth countries. A spokesman for Buckingham Palace said the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh were delighted with the news. Rob Broomby reports from outside the hospital where the baby was born.
It's a boy. The news was carried by a messenger from the hospital unit where the duchess is recovering to Buckingham Palace shortly after a statement was released to the press. The letter has been placed on an easel there with the flourish of a royal proclamation of old. William and Kate's first child, the new-born prince, will be the third in line to the throne. The birth will mark a change in focus for the royal couple as they grapple with family life and duties in the media spotlight. Mother and son are doing well. Both families have been informed. The duchess will stay in hospital overnight.
William's father, Prince Charles, said he was enormously proud and happy to become a grandfather for the first time. Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron hailed the royal birth as an important moment in the life of the nation, but above all, a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple.