The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth on Saturday to a baby girl, who has moved Prince Harry down a spot to become fourth in line to the throne.
Kensington Palace announced at the weekend that “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8:34 am.”
The princess was named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, the second and third names after her great-mother, the current Queen Elizabeth II, and her late grandmother, Princess Diana.
The daughter of the royal couple was said to weigh 8lbs 3oz.
“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales & The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry & members of both families have been informed. Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well,” the announcement said.
Earlier in the day Catherine was admitted in labour into the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London.
Princess Charlotte is the first girl to have been born to a direct heir to the throne since the Queen gave birth to Princess Anne 64 years ago, and is the monarch’s fifth great-grandchild.
Other members of the royal family to have already met the new Princess include an “absolutely delighted” Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Kate’s parents Carole and Michael Middleton also visited the family at Kensington Palace along with their daughter Pippa on Sunday.
Prime Minister David Cameron sent well wishes earlier via Twitter, saying, “The whole country will wish her well.”
The baby is the fourth in line to the throne. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot stated, “On behalf of all Australians, Margie and I extend to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge congratulations on the birth of a daughter […] we wish the young Princess a long and happy life.”
Prince George’s birth also took place in Saint Mary’s in 2013, and Prince William’s in 1982. Obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston, along with Alan Farthing, surgeon gynaecologist to the Queen, were present for the second royal birth.
Following the Queen’s visit William and Kate made the journey to their country residence, Amner Hall, where they will spend private time together as a family. The couple will spend the next few weeks at their country retreat where they will adjust to life as a family of four and help Prince George settle into his new role as a big brother.
