Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
clear sky
weather
OMAN
25°C / 25°C
EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Britain’s Prince William and Kate return home with newborn son

1316882
1316882
minus
plus

Britain’s Prince William accompanied his wife Kate as she left hospital Monday evening after giving birth to a baby boy, the couple’s third child who is fifth in line to the British throne.


The boy, weighing eight pounds and seven ounces (3.8 kilogrammes), was born at 11:01 am (1001 GMT) with William, the Duke of Cambridge, present for the birth, Kensington Palace announced.


“The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to Kensington Palace,” it said.


“Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank all staff at the hospital for the care and treatment they have received.


“They would also like to thank everyone for their warm wishes,” the palace added in a statement.


The couple stepped out of St. Mary’s Hospital in central London around 6:00 pm to cheers from a crowd of supporters and global media outlets gathered outside.


Their two other children -- Prince George, aged four, and two-year-old Princess Charlotte -- had met the latest addition to the family earlier in the afternoon, before returning home to Kensington Palace ahead of their parents.


Charlotte gave a wave to the assembled well-wishers and media as she entered the hospital after William had collected the siblings from school.


Queen Elizabeth II, William’s father Prince Charles, and his brother Prince Harry were said to be delighted with the news.


Prime Minister Theresa May led the messages of support saying: “My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy.


“I wish them great happiness for the future.”


Kate, 36, was admitted early Monday to St. Mary’s private Lindo Wing, where she had given birth to George and Charlotte.


Royal fanatics, who had been camped outside the hospital wing for several days in anticipation, jumped for joy and popped open champagne.


“We’re going to celebrate with fish and chips!” said John Loughrey, who was wearing a Union Jack hat and clutching a plastic doll with a crown.


Maria Scott, 46, a housewife from Newcastle in northeast England, has been in place for 15 days.


“It’s really important to show support because they need to know how much they are loved by the people,” she told AFP.


“We’re very proud of our monarchy.”


The baby was born on St. George’s Day, England’s national day. — AFP


SHARE ARTICLE
arrow up
home icon