The world now awaits a glimpse of the new prince

THE much awaited arrival of a Royal baby has sparked celebrations across the nation and around the world.

The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a boy, weighing 8lb 6oz, yesterday, at 4.24pm after an 11-hour labour.

The child — born at St Mary’s Hospital, in London — is third in line to the throne and Prince William said he and Kate “couldn’t be happier”.

Mum, dad and baby spent the night in the Paddington hospital’s private Lindo wing, and gifts arriving for the new prince today included a teddy bear in full royal racing colours from British Horse Racing.

A waiting game has now begun overthe child’s name, with George and James the bookies’ favourites.

Prince Charles said he was “overjoyed” by the arrival of his first grandchild and the Queen and Prince Philip said they are “delighted”.

The royal birth will be marked today with gun salutes and the ringing of Westminster Abbey bells.

The royal birth has been celebrated around the world. The London Eye was illuminated in patriotic red, white and blue and the Telecom tower flashed the news around the capital even Niagara Falls in America was given a blue hue.