April 23 (UPI) — Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton gave birth to her third child, a boy, on Monday.
“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs. The baby weighs 8 lbs. 7oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well,” Kensington Palace announced on Twitter.
“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.”
Middleton, 36, and Prince William, 35, announced in September they were expecting their child, due in April.
The couple, who married in 2011, are also parents to 4-year-old son Prince George and 2-year-old daughter Princess Charlotte. The newborn son is fifth in line to the throne.
Middleton was taken to St. Mary’s Hospital in London early Monday as she entered into labor. The British royal gave birth inside the private Lindo Wing where she previously welcomed Prince George and Prince Charlotte.
British mom of two, Georgie McGrath, told Us Weekly that the Lindo Wing is a hotel-like facility that includes carpeted floors, fitted cupboards, a TV, a small fridge, curtains and a new menu every day.
“And once you’ve had your baby, they do a special sort of menu for the parents where they will take the baby for the night and go put him in the nursery and you can have a full-on sort of four-course meal, with champagne and candles and everything like that,” McGrath said.
The same easel used to announce Prince George and Prince Charlotte’s births at Buckingham Palace, will be used to announce the newborn’s name. Middleton and Prince William are expected to return to Kensington Palace from the hospital before returning to their home in Norfolk, England.
The newborn son’s April 23 birthday falls on the same day as St. George’s Day, the feast day of St. George who was officially named the protector of the royal family and the patron saint of England during the Middle Ages. St. George’s cross is used as the English flag and is featured in the United Kingdom’s Union Jack flag.
In honor of Prince George’s second birthday in 2015, the Royal Mint released a commemorative coin featuring St. George and the dragon legend says he slayed on one side and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the other.
April 23 also marks the celebration of William Shakespeare‘s birthday and when nominations for the Order of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in the United Kingdom, are announced.
