The Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby boy.

https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/988387844111716353

Kensington Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs.

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

'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.'

Kate was admitted to the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, in central London, at around 6am.

Her third child arrived around five hours later.

The baby boy will be fifth in line to the throne, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's sixth great-grandchild and a younger brother for Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

The new prince will spend part of his childhood at Anmer Hall, in Norfolk.One of the first to congratulate the couple was the charity East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH), of which the Duchess is patron.

Graham Butland, its chief executive, said: 'On behalf of all us at EACH, I'd like to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their third child.

'Her Royal Highness has been a fantastic supporter of EACH in her role as Royal Patron, including throughout her pregnancies, giving our media profile a significant boost and inspiring many people to raise funds for us, so we're incredibly fortunate.

'I know from Her Royal Highness's interaction with children and young people at our hospices, and from talking to the children and families who have met her, that she has all the qualities of a fantastic mum.

'We wish the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their family every health and happiness.'

North West Norfolk MP Sir Henry Bellingham said: I'm extremely pleased and as the Duke and Duchess's local MP in West Norfolk I'm very happy. Everyone I've spoken to is thoroughly excited.

It's sensationally good news for the couple and good news for West Norfolk. This area is part of their lives, not just somewhere they come for a holiday.

'They are passionate about West Norfolk and they have a huge following here. I have met the Duke and Duchess several times and am very happy for their arrival.'

Norfolk's Lord Lieutenant Richard Jewson said: 'I am sure all of Norfolk will wish to congratulate their Royal Highnesses, the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of a son, born on St George's Day. We wish the family every happiness and good health.'

Norfolk Council Chairman John Ward said: 'I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their third child.

'This is wonderful news, both for the family and for the country. We in Norfolk are especially proud of our Royal ties, and we look forward to welcoming the new arrival to our county.'

John Higginson, owner of the Feathers at Dersingham, the nearest pub to Sandringham House, said: 'We will be having a few drinks in celebration this evening. We are looking forward to the Royal wedding and will be holding something for that as well.

'It has all come as a bit of a surprise and we will go from there. We all want to pass on our best wishes to the Duke and Duchess.'

The couple chose not to be told the gender of their third child until he or she was born.

Arthur, Albert and Philip are all thought to be in the running for the new royal baby's name.

As is tradition, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have not immediately announced the chosen name of their third child and second son.

They are likely to wait until they have informed the Queen and the rest of their family.

Royal historian Judith Rowbotham predicted William and Kate would pick Philip for the new baby prince, in tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh.