Royal baby pictures: Duke and Duchess of Cambridge look delighted as they pose with their new baby boy

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have showed off their new son to adoring crowds for the first time.

The royal infant, wrapped up against the cool Spring weather, nestled in the arms of his mother as the couple posed for pictures.

Kate looked in good health after giving birth this morning to her as yet un-named prince, who is fifth in line to the throne.

As he left, the duke told reporters he was "very happy, very delighted, thank you".

He added: "Thrice the worry now."

Close-up: the baby boy in his mother's arms
John Stillwell/PA

And to reporters, he said: "We didn't keep you waiting too long this time."

Asked about George and Charlotte’s reaction, he added: “They are very excited."

And quizzed about the new prince’s name, he added, “We will let you know soon.”

After re-emerging with the baby in a car seat, William placed him in the rear of the vehicle with Kate and then drove them under police escort to Kensington Palace.

George and Charlotte earlier met the newest addition to the family after being brought to St Mary's Hospital by William.

Looking calm: the baby boy outside the Lindo Wing Reuters)
Reuters

A confident Charlotte, who turns three on May 2, turned to wave at the photographers as she led the way up the steps holding the duke's hand, while four-year-old George appeared more wary of the huge crowds of media.

William and Kate thanked the hospital for their care and the public for their warm wishes.

Turning for a wave: Charlotte alongside Prince William and her brother George
AFP/Getty Images

Kensington Palace 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 said the baby's name would be "announced in due course", but Arthur is already the favourite with punters, according to the bookies.

An announcement of the birth was posted outside Buckingham Palace
PA

Other predictions include Philip, after the Duke of Edinburgh, as well as James, Frederick and Albert.

The baby boy was born at 11am on Monday weighing 8lbs 7oz.

Royal baby The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave hospital today with their new baby boy
Jeremy Selwyn

Prince William was present for the birth at the Lindo Wing in St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington.

A statement from Kensington Palace announcing the birth earlier said: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 11.01am.

"The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.

AFP/Getty Images

"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."

A formal notice of the birth was posted on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace this afternoon.

The Duchess was admitted to the hospital before 6am.

Due to a change in the primogeniture laws, the new baby - despite being a boy - will be behind his sister Prince Charlotte in the line of succession.

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