- .Her Majesty wanted to see the Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge before she goes on holiday this Friday
- .Kate, Prince William and their newborn baby travelled home to Kensington Palace yesterday evening
- .Waiting for them was the Duchess' sister Pippa but Prince Harry may not meet him for several more days
- .Couple say they are 'still working on a name' but James and George are the bookies' favourites
- .William jokes his new son ‘has a good pair of lungs’ and tells crowd his child has Kate’s looks and more hair than him
- .Kate's parents Carole and Michael were the first members of the family to visit their daughter and her young son
- .Duchess says: ‘It’s been emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like'
- .William aces his first test of fatherhood as he gets the car seat right first time
- .Prince Charles and Camilla came two hours later and said the baby was 'marvellous'
- .Couple release new statement thanking St Mary's Hospital staff for how they have looked after 'the three of us'
- .William stayed in a separate hospital room overnight on Monday to be close to Duchess of Cambridge and their son
Baby Cambridge was taken to see his grandparents on his first afternoon out today as it was revealed the Queen and Prince Harry have now met the royal baby for the first time.
Kate and William smiled broadly and waved from their car as they were driven away from Kensington Palace by security, where they had spent their first night together as a family.
Both the Duke and Duchess looked happy and fresh-faced, with William sat in the front passenger seat and Kate in the back with their child in his baby seat.
They left their west London home shortly after the Queen had visited her new great-grandson and potentially discussed names with the parents.
Kensington Palace officials would not confirm where the young family were going this afternoon, but their black Land Rover was later seen arriving at grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton's mansion in Bucklebury, Berkshire.
Her Majesty, who will travel to Balmoral for her summer holiday on Friday, spent 30 minutes with the Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge from 11am.
It has also emerged that Prince Harry, who is said to be thrilled to have become an uncle, may have been there last night after the trio left hospital, having raced back to London from Wattisham airbase in Suffolk where he is on duty with the RAF.
It is understood that James Middleton and Pippa Middleton were also at Kensington Palace yesterday evening.
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First day at home: Kate, William and their baby left Kensington Palace today as they were seen for the first time since leaving hospital last night
Very happy: Kate and William both smiled and waved to crowds outside the gates, but Kensington Palace would not reveal where they were heading
Relaxed: William looked fresh and was wearing glasses while Kate chatted to their newborn and grinned to people watching as she sat next to their prince's baby seat
New mother: Kate waved with her left hand and appeared to have her right hand resting next to her baby
Visit to the in-laws: The couple arrived in Bucklebury this afternoon to stay with the Middletons
Their were clear hints that Kate and William were off to Bucklebury after heightened police presence was in evidence around the £5million home of the Duchess of Cambridge's parents this morning.
Yellow police cones with a 'no waiting' symbols lined both sides of the road every few yards for around a mile either side of majestic Bucklebury Manor, West Berkshire.
A bright yellow sign stuck to a road sign confirmed an 'emergency' three-week bylaw prohibited any form of waiting in the road while a pair of police officers stood at both entrances to the Grade II listed Georgian pile, while marked police cars swept past the entrances every couple of minutes.
A large police horsebox marked 'Mounted section' arrived in the picturesque village at lunchtime and a small marquee surrounded by marked and unmarked police cars was visible in a nearby field.
It was not possible to tell whether the Duchess' parents or her siblings, Pippa and James, were at the vast estate, set in 18 acres of land and boasting its own tennis court, swimming pool and library.
Last night The Queen told guests at a Buckingham Palace reception she was 'thrilled' at the birth of her great-grandson, and today William and Kate may have discussed potential names with her.
On the eve of the baby's birth, the Queen famously told a ten-year-old schoolgirl that she didn't mind if it was a boy or a girl, adding: 'I would very much like it to arrive. I’m going on holiday'.
Dressed in a turquoise floral outfit she looked relaxed and happy as she left, having travelled the short distance from Buckingham Palace without the Duke of Edinburgh, who is still convalescing at Windsor Castle following exploratory abdominal surgery last month.
Baby Cambridge has spent his first night at home after a dramatic evening where the waiting world had its first wonderful glimpse of him.
Heading home: After half an hour with the new prince, Kate and William, where they may have discussed names, the Queen went back to Buckingham Palace
Down the drive: Her Majesty visited without the Duke of Edinburgh, who is still at Windsor Castle recuperating after an operation last month
Special moment: Prince William and Kate waved and smiled broadly as they carried their son out of hospital, but they are yet to decide on a name
New life: The baby was crying in his car seat as his father took him to their waiting car yesterday evening
Happy day: The Queen arrives at Kensington Palace today to meet her new great-grandson for the first time and see his parents
Happy to be there: The Queen looked expectantly towards the palace as she arrived and she will be pleased to see the baby before she goes on holiday on Friday
Prince William said yesterday they were 'still working on a name' for the future king, reportedly because he and Kate wanted to see their baby’s 'little face' and get to know him before choosing one.
After he left hospital at around 7pm his aunt Pippa and brother James were waiting for him at Kensington Palace for a cuddle as the little boy is introduced to his family..
The Cambridges were safely tucked away in a small cottage in Kensington Palace's grounds today, with the only sign of movement this morning being a royal protection officer walking their dog Ludo nearby.
Magic: With the world watching, Kate and William hold their prince outside the Lindo Wing in a genuinely historic moment for Britain
Emotional: The new mother looked delighted as she looked down at her first child while her husband waved to the excited crowds
Protective: The baby was wrapped in a white shawl - Kate held her new son closely to her chest as she waved to the impressive crowd
Gentle: The trio take their first steps together into the outside world together as the prince starts his life
Arrival: The new family arrive at Kensington Palace with their newborn son - where Pippa Middleton was waiting for them
His grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton and Prince Charles, with his wife Camilla, met the baby at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital yesterday afternoon and the child will also meet the Queen in the coming days.
Welcome party: Kate's sister Pippa, pictured in London last month, was waiting at Kensington Palace last night to see the baby
But it could still be longer until he gets a name.
When Prince William arrived in 1982, his parents took seven days to decide what to call him, while the Queen took a month to name Prince Charles when he was born in 1948.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have 42 days to register their son’s birth, but are unlikely to take that long.
George and James became the favourites at the bookies last night, after hundreds of thousands of pounds were staked on the possibilities.
Alexander, Henry, Louis, Richard and Arthur were the next most betted-on choices.
The name will likely come to symbolise an entire era, as in Georgian, Victorian and Elizabethan.
Last night Prince William and Kate waved and smiled broadly to the waiting cameras as they held their prince on the steps of the private Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London, 26 hours after he was delivered, weighing 8lbs 6oz.
Speaking for the first time since giving birth, an obviously moved Duchess of Cambridge said: 'It's been very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like.'
As they left St Mary's carefully cradling their precious child, the Duke of Cambridge followed the steps his parents Charles and Diana took with him 31 years ago, when he was born there on June 21, 1982.
'He's a big boy, quite heavy. We're still working on a name,' he told reporters, adding: 'Well he has a good pair of lungs on him, that's for sure.'
Confirming that the prince was overdue, William said: ‘I will remind him of his tardiness when he is older.’
With a huge smile he then added: ‘He’s got her looks thankfully’ to which the Duchess responded ‘No, no, no I’m not sure about that.’
The Duchess wore a lilac purple dress, with her long hair falling in waves around her face. The new father wore a blue open neck shirt rolled up to his elbows with black trousers.
She revealed that her clearly hands-on husband had already changed his first nappy.
Waiting: The media has moved from St Mary's Hospital, where they have been for weeks, to Kensington Palace, where the Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge are all staying
On patrol: Scotland Yard officers today walk the grounds of Kensington Palace after the arrival of Kate, William and their baby last night
The couple then returned to the hospital as William held his son, swaddled in a blanket, before bringing him out again in his car seat.
The Prince was heard to affectionately call Kate 'Poppet' as he ushered her back to the Lindo Wing.
William then visibly breathed a sigh of relief when he successfully installed his baby on the back seat with his wife, before driving them home to Kensington Palace cheered on by a huge crowd.
As soon as William returns to work following his two weeks’ statutory paternity leave, Kate plans to depart the palace for her parents’ mansion in Berkshire.
She will reside there - on and off - for the next six weeks, while her husband completes his present tour of duty with the RAF in Anglesey, North Wales.
Home sweet home: Nottingham Cottage, the two-bedroom pied-a-terre circled in red in the grounds of Kensington Palace, is the baby's first home
The prince will finish his posting as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Valley in early September, relocating to London while waiting for his next assignment, meaning the couple can enjoy some quality time together as a new family.
Within weeks – by October at the latest - it is hoped that they will finally be able to move into their new official London residence, Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace
Apartment 1A is actually a spacious four-storey, 20-room property with its own large south-facing walled garden, which takes up half the Clock Tower wing originally designed by Sir Christopher Wren for King William and Queen Mary.
Their child is now third in the line of succession, displacing Prince Harry to fourth and the Duke of York to fifth, although he may not become sovereign for half a century or more.
Caring: As his wife walked down the steps, William placed a protective hand on her arm to make sure the new mother and son made it down the steps safely
Warm welcome: The ecstatic crowd sang 'Congratulations' as the new parents stepped out of the London hospital
The safe hands of the Duchess of Cambridge with her son who was born on Monday, but was thrown into the spotlight yesterday
Happy trio: Kate told reporters that 'It's been very emotional. Any parent will know what this feeling is like' while the prince joked the baby 'has more hair than me'
Are those tears? The Duchess admitted the becoming a mother for the first time was 'emotional'
Huge crowds were waiting to catch a glimpse of the couple and the baby outside St Mary's hospital
The Duke, Duchess and Baby Cambridge travelled home to Kensington Palace, and will spend two weeks there while William is on paternity leave.
Palace officials confirmed for the first time last night that the couple will not have a nannyand rely upon their families help instead, saying: 'They have both got families that will care hugely for this baby.'
Huge crowds of well-wishers and journalists from all over the world have been waiting outside the west London hospital ward for weeks, first to be there when Kate went into labour and now as the couple left with her firstborn child.
Earlier the royal baby's grandparents met him for the first time, and soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed the Duke, Duchess and baby would leave hospital.
Kate's sister Pippa was said to be there waiting for her.
Carole and Michael Middleton were the first to arrive at the private Lindo Wing at around 3pm yesterday, with Prince Charles and his wife Camilla following them at 5.30pm after being rushed to London by helicopter after two-days carrying out official duties in Yorkshire.
Before mounting the St Mary's Hospital steps, the smiling Prince of Wales asked journalists who have been stood outside for almost three weeks: 'Have you been there long?'
When he left around 10 minutes later, Charles said the baby was 'marvellous' and told journalists: 'You'll see in a minute'.
Gently does it: After Kate took the prince down the stairs, William carefully picked up their son
Big moment: Prince William holds his son for the first time in front of the world's media
Debut: Despite the excitement the tiny baby seemed to remain asleep throughout his debut allowing his parents to answer questions
The future king made his public entrance in the safe hands of the Duke of Cambridge and his wife as they left the Lindo Wing
Part of the journey: The medical staff at the hospital lined up as the new parents emerged
Poignant: It was an emotional moment for William - the Duke of Cambridge had followed the steps his parents Charles and Diana took with him 31 years ago, when he was born there on June 21, 1982
Statement: William and Kate both spoke to the press and the Prince said 'thankfully he has her looks'
Good spirits: The new parents both looked in good spirits as they spoke to the waiting press, ending weeks of speculation about when the baby will arrive
Soon afterwards Kensington Palace confirmed: 'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will be discharged this evening.
'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to Kensington Palace.
'Their Royal Highnesses would like to reiterate their thanks to the hospital for the care and treatment they have all received'.
Earlier doting grandmother Carole Middleton described her grandson, the future king, as 'absolutely beautiful' after she and her husband visited him.
The Duchess of Cambridge's parents said their first grandchild is 'absolutely beautiful' and his parents are coping 'fabulously'.
The Middletons spent just over an hour with their daughter Kate and son-in-law William, and a smiling Mrs Middleton, speaking about mother and baby, said: 'They are both doing really well, and we are so thrilled.'
When asked by the world's media, who have been camped outside for nearly three weeks, how the proud parents were doing, she replied: 'Fabulously.'
Asked what the first cuddle with her grandson was like, Mrs Middleton, who had been ushered forward by her husband to speak to the press, said: 'Amazing, It's all coming back.'
Strapped in: The newborn baby was strapped into a car seat as Prince William carried him out of the hospital and into the awaiting car
William calmly carried his new baby to the Range Rover which he drove home himself with his wife and child on board
Welcome to the world: The baby, titled His Royal Highness, Prince (name) of Cambridge, raised his tiny hands in the air as he was transported to the awaiting car in the car seat
Precious cargo: Prince William carefully placed his new son in the back seat of the awaiting car in preparation for their journey back to Kensington Palace
Relief: With the world watching as he strapped his new son into the car William let out a sigh of relief that he had passed a crucial parent test - the fiddly car seat
Stylish: The Duchess of Cambridge wore a bespoke lilac dress by British designer, Jenny Packham with cream wedges
Goodbye: William gives a final farewell wave before he drives his wife and their new addition back home
Proud dad: William fulfilled a dream chased by many wannabee parents, taking the opportunity to drive his wife and child home from hospital
Kate looked incredibly fresh despite going into labour and giving birth less than two days ago at the hospital where her husband was born
Parenthood: After such a bright and public spotlight on the baby's birth the couple drive away from the spotlight
Decades before: Princess Diana and Prince Charles preset Prince William to the world. Diana also wore a polka dot dress similar to the pattern Kate wore
Carole was also asked if she and Michael had suggested any names for the third in line to the throne, and she replied laughing: 'Absolutely not!'.
Adding to speculation the world will soon get its first glimpse of the new prince, a member of the royal household also arrived carrying a car seat for the future king and fresh clothes for Kate and William.
The Duchess's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, who has been her stylist since last year, also entered the Lindo Wing via its private rear entrance, adding to speculation that mother and child were soon to be discharged.
Mrs Cook Tucker has been cutting William and Harry's hair for years, attended the royal wedding and was even flown in on their trip to the Far East in 2012 because Kate's hair started to droop in the 36 degree temperatures.
Earlier it was revealed that the family were 'all doing well' and William and Kate expressed their gratitude to the St Mary's medical team for their 'tremendous care', after their son was born there at 4.24pm on Monday, weighing 8lb 6oz.
'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.
'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,' a joint statement from the couple said yesterday afternoon.
Nursing staff are said to have helped Kate begin to breast-feed her son yesterday morning.
A Kensington Palace spokesman added: 'Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning.'
The overjoyed couple have started their first full day as proud parents of a ‘beautiful’ baby boy, as Britain continues to celebrate the prince's birth.
On Monday night William slept at the hospital in a separate room so he could be near his wife and their little boy.
Royal duties: As they commotion ensued Queen Elizabeth II attended a reception for the Winners of the Queens Award for Enterprise 2013 at Buckingham Palace
Delight: The Queen told guests at a Buckingham Palace reception she was 'thrilled' at the birth of her great-grandson
The Queen’s Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell came to assess Kate yesterday morning and decided when the Duchess and baby can be discharged.
Their prince could be named today, with the bookies' favourite currently being James, followed by George and Henry, but he has already been given the title His Royal Highness and will be known as Prince (Name) of Cambridge.
On Monday night, great-grandmother the Queen said she was 'delighted' at the news while an overwhelmed Prince Charles exclaimed he was 'overjoyed' and 'enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time'.
The Prince of Wales told crowds in Yorkshire that he and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall were still 'thrilled and excited' and celebrated with champagne last night, but added they have 'no idea' what their grandson's name would be.
The Evening Standard said that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wanted to see their baby’s 'little face' and get to know him before choosing a name.
Onlookers climb to risky vantage points to get a better look at the Royal couple and their new arrival as they leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary's
Spectators teeter on their narrow vantage points as they wait for the young family to appear
There's not a great deal of space for this onlooker as he waits to catch a glimpse of Britain's newest prince from a narrow window ledge across the street from the doors to the Lindo Wing
A picture is worth a thousand words... Scores of photographers train their lenses on the Duke and Duchess and Cambridge as they present their newborn son to the world
All hoping for that perfect picture: Many of the professional photographers out to capture the moment had been camped night and day to get the best spot
The most photographed newborn in the world: The press pack gathered from across the world to capture the first pictures of the Royal baby as he emerged from hospital for his first taste of fresh air
Film crews and onlookers capture the moment as Prince William carries the new arrival to the back seat of his car
Photographers crane their necks to get the best shots to send back for publication in newspapers, magazines and websites the world over
Nurses from St Mary's wave and cheer as Prince William and Kate leave the hospital to take their little one home
Poking fun: Camilla smiles broadly as Prince Charles asks journalists outside St Mary's Hospital: 'Have you been there long?' before heading up the steps to meet his first grandchild
Exit: After an hour in the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital, Carole and Michael Middleton leave after seeing their grandson for the first time
Few words: Carole spoke on behalf of her and Michael, and said the baby was 'absolutely beautiful' and that William and Kate were coping 'fabulously'
Thrilled: Kate's parents Carole and Michael smiled broadly as they arrived at hospital to see their daughter and meet their new grandchild
Telling: The Middletons' arrival at St Mary's Hospital came as it emerged that Kate, William and Baby Cambridge looked to be on the verge of leaving
Ready to go home? A member of the royal staff has arrived at St Mary's hospital and has taken a car seat in via a rear entrance alongside Kate's official hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, dragging a suitcase, raising hopes Kate, William and the baby might be about to leave
Help: A chauffeur holds dresses for the staff member, who was then waved into the hospital by police through the Mary Sandford entrance, which Kate came through on Monday
Patient: Broadcasters are forced to take cover under a Union Flag umbrella as yet another thunderstorm hits London yesterday afternoon
Drenched: Police officers keeping the St Mary's Hospital secure are not allowed to get out of the heavy downpours
Inclement weather: After three weeks of almost wall-to-wall sunshine London was hit with a series of violent storms
Impatient: A sweet young girl clutches her two dolls outside the hospital where the royal baby was born, while a well-wisher drops off some gifts for the prince
Offer: A man asks police guarding the Lindo Wing whether they can take a teddy bear gift for the new prince
The young prince's first night in the world was an eventful one, because London was hit with a number of violent thunderstorms after what had been the hottest day of the year so far.
Meanwhile well-wishers partied late into the night outside Buckingham Palace, even in the thunder, lightening and torrential rain.
Prime Minister David Cameron said it was 'a historic moment in the life of our nation' but 'above all, it's a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy'. U.S. President Barack Obama led tributes from world leaders and said that the new baby's birth was a 'joyous occasion'.
The Prince of Wales had resisted heading back to London to meet the child and stuck to his royal duties in Yorkshire, where his wife Camilla described the arrival of the Prince of Cambridge as 'a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country'.
Charles and Camilla were met by cheering crowds of well-wishers on a visit to East Yorkshire where villager after villager offered the couple their congratulations as the royal couple walked around the green in Bugthorpe.
'I'm thrilled and very excited,' the Prince of Wales said, while the Duchess said her husband would make a 'brilliant' grandfather.
'I think it's wonderful news. I think mother, son and father are all well,' she told the BBC.
'And I think it's a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country. It's very exciting and it's wonderful for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children.'
The village was decked out with Union flags and bunting for the visit.
One member of the crowd, local resident Robert Barrett, was one of the first to greet the Prince, saying 'Morning Grandad', which raised a chuckle from Charles. 'He obviously likes being a grandad,' Mr Barrett added.
And a little boy asked the Prince: 'When's the little baby coming?' to which Charles replied: 'We haven't been able to bring him yet.'
Isla Lister, eight, said both Charles and Camilla told her they could not wait to see the new baby.
She said: 'She was really nice and she said was really excited. I spoke to Prince Charles too and he said he couldn't wait to see him too.'
The day after: Crowds started to gather outside Buckingham Palace after London was soaked by torrential rain from violent thunderstorms
Back again: Huge numbers headed to Buckingham Palace again to see the Changing of the Guard, where the band played 'Congratulations' and other celebratory songs
Pageantry: Traffic waited behind the band as the band marched up The Mall to the Palace playing cheerful and jubilant music marking the royal birth
Dozens of world leaders have been sending best wishes to the Cambridges and their new child.
Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd wished the 'royal bub' all the best on behalf of all Australians.
'This is a day of great joy,' he said. 'When a new bub comes into the world, any old day, any part of the world, it is frankly a time for rejoicing.
'To Prince Charles and Camilla, they have the delight of being grandparents, all I can say is, this is probably one of the best experiences of your life and I'm sure they're going to have a wonderful time with the royal baby'.
Stephen Harper, prime minister of Canada - where William and Kate carried out their first Royal tour together - said Canadians were 'delighted' to learn of the birth of their son and sent 'heartfelt congratulations'.
'This new beginning reminds us of the remarkable and enduring relationship our country has enjoyed with generations of the royal family.
'We recall with fondness the years of unfailing service by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and their deep affection for and loyalty to this country.'
The Royal Canadian Mint also announced that it will issue special commemorative coins to mark the historic occasion.
New Zealand's prime minister John Key said the nation's official gift to the royal couple is a hand-spun, hand-knitted fine lace shawl, similar to the one given when Prince William was born, and there was a 21-gun salute fired from Point Jerningham, Wellington, to mark the occasion.
'This is wonderful news for Prince William and Catherine,' he said.
'The birth of a child is a time of great joy and excitement, and I know they will make excellent parents.'
He added: 'New Zealanders remember with fondness the visit of Prince William when he was just a toddler, playing on the lawn of Government House with a Buzzy Bee. It would be a great pleasure to welcome Prince William's son to New Zealand as well.
'On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I wish Prince William, Catherine and the royal family all the very best.'
Many people asked whether the new baby had a name, but Charles gave little away.
Alec Dale told Charles: 'We popped a bottle of bubbly last night at our house. I hope you did too.'
The Prince replied: 'Yes. But just a little bit.'
Debbie Lister, asked Camilla about the baby's name.
Mrs Lister said: 'She said they had no clue whatsoever. She wasn't giving anything away. I thought she might tell me something, but no.'
And Isla's grandmother, Judy Willis, said Charles told her: 'Grannies are getting younger, you know.'
Gun salutes sounded across London yesterday to mark the birth of the royal baby as the armed forces join in the celebrations.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company carried out the ceremonial royal salutes in honour of the new addition to the Royal Family.
Gun salutes are fired for the birth of every prince or princess, no matter where their place is in the line of succession, the Ministry of Defence said. The last royal salute for a birth was for Princess Eugenie in 1990.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, wearing full dress uniform, paraded past Buckingham Palace to Green Park where they staged a 41-gun royal salute.
They went from their forward mounting base in Wellington Barracks into Green Park, where 71 horses pulled six First World War-era 13-pounder field guns into position for the royal salute at 2pm.
Each of the six guns fired blank artillery rounds at 10-second intervals until 41 shots were fired. The horses and riders then collected the guns and escorted them back to Wellington Barracks.
Major Mark Edward, commanding officer of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, said: 'The opportunity to mark the birth of the child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by firing a 41-gun royal salute, comes as a huge honour for the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.'
The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), the City of London's Army Reserve Regiment, also fired a 62-gun salute from Gun Wharf at the Tower of London at 2pm.
Whilst a royal gun salute normally comprises 21 guns, this is increased to 41 if fired from a royal park or residence.
Uniquely, at the Tower of London, which is a royal residence, 62 rounds are fired as this also includes an additional 21 guns for the citizens of the City of London to show their loyalty to the monarch.
Tributes: : Pupils at Buckleberry Church of England Primary School draw congratulatory cards for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Touching: The children have put in a great deal of effort to mark the prince's much-anticipated entrance into the world
Elated new parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have given their backing to a charity supporting the hospital where their son was born.
The couple pledged to support Imperial College Healthcare Charity in celebration of their first born's birth, the charity said.
The charity raises money for research and studies designed to improve services to St Mary's and four other hospitals constituting Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The Duke and Duchess's baby boy was delivered in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's.
Jane Miles, the charity's chief executive, said: 'We are honoured and delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen to support us in celebration of such a joyous occasion.
'The charity wishes them and their son every future happiness.
'Having their support is hugely important to us as a charity that strives to improve the service given to patients at the five hospitals, including St Mary's, of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.'
As well-wishers gathered at the hospital, William's uncle, the brother of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, issued a statement welcoming the new family arrival.
Earl Spencer, who has his seven children and 2 stepchildren staying with him and Countess Spencer, to celebrate the first birthday of their youngest daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer, said: 'We're all so pleased: it's wonderful news. My father always told us how Diana was born on just such a blisteringly hot day, at Sandringham, in July, 1961. It's another very happy summer's day, half a century on.'
Yesterday morning the Band of the Scots Guard used the daily Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to the tiny future king.
It played a medley of hits starting with Cliff Richard's Congratulations, Royal Salute, The Duke of Cambridge March, Procession of the Nobles and Spirit of Pageantry.
It played a medley of hits starting with Cliff Richard's Congratulations, Royal Salute, The Duke of Cambridge March, Procession of the Nobles and Spirit of Pageantry.
Some of those in the crowd who packed outside the palace gates and at the Victoria Memorial sang along, while the ensemble broke into spontaneous applause at its conclusion.
Sir Richard Sykes, Chairman of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, also said this morning: 'Like people up and down the country, I was delighted to hear the news that the Duchess of Cambridge has had her baby boy. On behalf of everyone at the Trust I would like to congratulate Their Royal Highnesses on the new arrival.
'It will always be a source of great pride for the Trust and everyone who works here that the baby, like his father, was born in the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s and we would like to wish him/her the very best of luck for the future.
Glad tidings: An easel stands in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London to announce the birth of a baby boy, at 4.24pm to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St Mary's Hospital on Monday
Historic: The Queen's Press Secretary Ailsa Anderson with Badar Azim, a footman, place the official document on the easel used in the same way when Prince William as born in 1982
A police officer tries to control a crowd of people trying to get to the railing to take pictures of the notice proclaiming the birth of the Royal baby
Fascinated: Two children in the crowd climb on adults' shoulders to grab a better view of the palace and the easel with the signed declaration
Iconic: Crowds climb the Victoria memorial to try and get a better view
'I am enormously grateful to the team at the Lindo Wing and all those members of the Trust staff, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Duke and Duchess received the best possible care and that the rest of the hospital has continued to function as normal in spite of the huge public interest in this auspicious occasion.'
Recent legislation allowing female heirs to automatically accede to the throne if they are first born will clearly not affect the Cambridge’s son, but will have a bearing on any of his children.
News of the royal birth - which came after an 11 hour labour - was not made public by Kensington Palace until 8.29pm on Monday night, four hours after the baby was born.
Sources said the couple ‘just wanted to spend a little time together to bond as a family’ and inform members of both families privately before the news was disseminated to the world. William made those calls personally.
The Queen, who arrived back at Buckingham Palace just after 3pm on Monday, declared herself ‘delighted’ - as did all.
In its official statement Kensington Palace said : ‘Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24pm.
‘The baby weighs 8lbs 6oz.
‘The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.
‘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.
‘Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight.
Royal aide Ed Perkins leaves St Mary's with the official announcement that the Cambridges' son has been born
Mr Perkins rushes down the steps of the hospital to the street where, right, he hands it to a chauffeur to be ferried across central London to the Palace
A Jaguar car is driven into the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace bringing the news to announce the birth
A day for celebrations: Royal fans mob the gates of the Palace, trying to get the best photographs as the announcement is put in place
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