Kate and William are planning to decamp to Anmer Hall, their private home on the Norfolk estate, this week

The Queen is in Sandringham where she will remain until Tuesday and will likely meet her great-grandchild there

Carole, Pippa and Michael Middleton visited the baby this afternoon alongside Prince Charles and Camilla

Kate and William spent the day at home in Kensington Palace with their daughter and one-year-old Prince George

They added they were 'hugely grateful' for the kind wishes of people celebrating their newborn daughter's birth

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge said congratulations they have received from the public meant 'a great deal'


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have said they are 'hugely grateful' for all the warm wishes they have received since the birth of their daughter.

In a statement issued on the couple's behalf they said the congratulations of people around the world meant 'a great deal' to them as thousands continued to celebrate the little princess's birth.

Born yesterday at 8.34am, the baby girl - whose name is still not known - was taken home to Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace by her proud parents last night.

This morning Kate and William's relatives flocked to meet her, with Carole and Pippa Middleton the first to arrive. They were followed by Charles and Camilla who beamed with delight as they drove themselves past the palace gates.

The Queen is staying privately in Sandringham where she will remain until Tuesday. She will likely meet the baby, her fifth great-grandchild, when the Cambridges decamp to Norfolk tomorrow.

The princess, whose name has still not been revealed, was born at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital yesterday weighing 8lbs and 3oz.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have said they are 'hugely grateful' for the warm wishes of millions of people who celebrated their daughter's birth yesterday

The newborn princess spent her first night at home in Kensington Palace after being presented for the first time on the steps of the Lindo Wing yesterday evening. Born at 8,34am on Saturday, the baby girl slept soundly as her proud parents showed her off

Prince Charles waved cheerily as he left Kensington Palace after spending an hour-and-a-half getting to know his new granddaughter

The Duchess of Cornwall smiled proudly for the cameras as she and Prince Charles left Kensington Palace with Prince Charles this afternoon

Prince Charles and Camilla arrived at Kensington Palace shortly after Carole and Pippa Middleton to visit the newborn princess

Prince Charles told earlier in the week of his desire for a little granddaughter. He was among the first to visit the little princess in London today

Prince Charles offered a slight smile as he drove himself passed the palace gates in an Audi estate car with the Duchess of Cornwall in the passenger seat

Kate's mother and sister were the first of the royal couple's relatives to visit the newborn baby who was brought home to Kensington Palace last night just ten hours after being born

Driving past the world's media in a black Range Rover, Kate's mother and sister arrived at the palace at around 11.30am on Sunday morning

Carole Middleton looked after Prince George yesterday afternoon as his mother was in labour. She is thought to have left Kensington Palace when the 21-month-old was collected by his father to go to the hospital

Carole and Pippa Middleton arrived at Kensington Palace at around 11.30am to meet the baby princess for the first time this morning

Kate's father Michael Middleton arrived at Kensington Palace this afternoon shortly before 2pm to meet his granddaughter for the first time

Mr Middleton failed to raise a smile as he drove himself through the palace gates this afternoon to join his wife, daughters and granddaughter

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were seen leaving St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham this morning. They are staying privately in Norfolk this weekend and will return to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday

The Queen will likely meet the new princess, her fifth great-grandchild, tomorrow when the Cambridges decamp to Norfolk where they have a private home on the Sandringham estate

Professor Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, director of midwifery at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, arrives at Kensington Palace today

'The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the messages of congratulations they have received from people all over the world,' a Kensington Palace spokesman said this afternoon.

'It means a great deal to them that so many people have celebrated the arrival of their new daughter.'

DUKE AND DUCHESS THANK PUBLIC FOR THEIR WARM WISHES A statement released on behalf of the royal couple this afternoon said: 'The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the messages of congratulations they have received from people all over the world. 'It means a great deal to them that so many people have celebrated the arrival of their new daughter.' Advertisement

It also emerged the couple would not reveal their daughter's name this evening. Officials said the couple did not plan to make any further statement this evening, meaning the world will have to wait another day to learn the name of the princess.

In the same statement Prince Harry was quoted as saying: 'She's absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to meet her.'

Harry is in Australia completing a month-long secondment.

Earlier today the princess's grandparents visited Kensington Palace to become acquainted with the new arrival.

Looking sternly on the road ahead of her, Carole Middleton was the first to arrive, driving herself into the palace this morning with daughter Pippa in the passenger seat.

They are the first to visit the baby girl, with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge having chosen to spend their first night with their daughter as a family of four with Prince George.

Less than two hours later Prince Charles and Camilla arrived in an Audi estate car. The Duchess of Cornwall offered a wide smile from the car's passenger seat as her husband, who previously told of his desire for a granddaughter, drove them in.

After around an hour-and-a-half, Prince Charles and Camilla were seen leaving. They offered slight waves to those gathered around the palace gates in west London.

The Queen will not be among the visitors at Kensington Palace today as she is spending the Bank Holiday weekend privately in Norfolk.

The sovereign and Prince Philip are currently staying at Wood Farm, a sprawling farmhouse in the grounds of her private estate at Sandringham as the main house as just opened to public visitors.

They attended a church service this morning where the congregation offered prayers for their new great-granddaughter.

The 89-year-old queen wore pink for the second day in a row in a fitting tribute to the birth of the little princess.

Royal sources have told Mail Online that the monarch – and now great-grandmother five times over - will return to Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

This suggests that she will meet the latest addition to her family when William and Kate leave London to return to Anmer Hall, their country home on the edges of the Queen’s estate, tomorrow.

The ten-bedroom mansion, which was a gift from William’s grandmother, is just a few minutes’ drive away from where the Queen and her husband are in residence.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge held hands tightly as they walked towards their car carrying a sleepy newborn princess in her car seat. The family will remain at Kensington Palace today to receive visitors before decamping to Anmer Hall in Norfolk

The newborn managed to sleep through cheers and flashbulbs as she was proudly shown off for the very first time yesterday afternoon

Kate wore a lemon and white Jenny Packham dress for the appearance, with proud Prince William dressed casually in a blue jumper and shirt

Standing on the steps of St Mary's Hospital outside the Lindo Wing, the new parents looked delighted by the reception from the onlookers

The little princess - pictured at just a few hours old - is the fourth in line to throne and the fifth great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, 89

Cheers and chants of 'Princess! Princess!' rang out from the hundreds of well-wishers and tourists gathered outside the palace and the hospital as soon as the news was announced

Kate gives a wave as she holds on tightly to the new princess, who is fourth in line to the throne after her older brother Prince George

A name for their new daughter is yet to be revealed, although it took two days for officials to announce the name of Prince George in 2013

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived at the Lindo Wing just 12 hours earlier at 6am with Kate giving birth two hours later

The princess, whose name is not yet known, appeared to be fast asleep as well-wishers cheered to celebrate her long awaited arrival

Earlier William said he and Kate were 'very happy' following the birth of their second child, a daughter weighing 8lbs and 3oz

Kate looked remarkably fresh as she posed for cameras just 12 hours after being admitted to St Mary's Hospital and 10 hours after giving birth

Prince William was present for his daughter's birth as he was when the couple's first child, Prince George, was born in July 2013

Kate, a mother for the second time in two years, looks lovingly at her new bundle of joy while Prince William puts a protective arm around her

Kate, 33, had a firm hold on her new daughter before taking her back to Kensington Palace for the night. They'll all go as a family to their home in Norfolk in the coming days

The Duchess of Cambridge gives a wave to the media as she presents her newborn daughter, HRH Princess of Cambridge for the first time

Kate, who wore a Jenny Packham dress made especially for her, held her little girl who was swathed in a soft wool shawl made by the small, family-run Nottingham company GH Hurt & Son

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leaving the Lindo Wing yesterday (left) and Prince Charles with Diana on the same spot when Prince William was born in 1982 (right)

Yesterday as the Duke and Duchess presented their daughter for the first time cheers erupted outside the Lindo Wing.

The couple looked happy and relaxed as they waved for photographers before disappearing back into the hospital to fix the new princess into her car seat.

ODDS ON ROYAL BABY NAME Alice 3/1 Charlotte 3/1 Victoria 5/1 Elizabeth 6/1 Olivia 7/1 Alexandra 8/1 Diana 10/1 Mary 12/1 Frances 25/1 Grace 25/1 Advertisement

They reappeared moments later and quickly got into a waiting Range Rover. With his wife and daughter safely strapped in the back seat, William appeared relieved as he drove the car away.

Kate wore a Jenny Packham buttercup-print shift dress that the designer, one of the Duchess's favourites, says was made especially for her, teamed with a pair of nude Jimmy Choos, as she had done when George was born.

After they had returned home a statement on the Kensington Palace Twitter account posted a message from the proud new parents.

'Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank all staff at the hospital for the care and treatment they have all received,' it said.

'They would also like to thank everyone for their warm wishes.'

At around 4pm William left the hospital to collect Prince George and returned minutes later.

After being lifted out of the car and put on the ground to walk, George stretched out his arms to be lifted back up by his father before offering a timid wave to the gathered media and fans.

Cheers erupted for the young prince, who has not made a public appearance in the UK since his own birth in 2013, as he made his way towards the Lindo Wing in his father's arms.

After walking a few steps holding his father's hand, the one-year-old stretched out his arms to be picked back up by his father before being encouraged to wave to the gathered crowds.

Beaming with pride, William was seen mouthing 'good boy' in his son's ear before giving him a tender kiss on the head.

The pair then disappeared behind the hospital doors to reunite with Kate and the new princess in a scene reminiscent of Prince Harry's birth in 1984 when William toddled up the Lindo Wing steps holding the hand of his father Prince Charles.

The newest Royal was born at 8.34am on Saturday weighing 8lbs and 3oz - less than three hours after the Duchess was admitted to hospital

This is the moment the family first stepped through the doors of the Lindo Wing with Prince William helping his wife down the steps

The couple didn't answer any questions, though William earlier told reporters he was 'very happy' as he brought young George to the hospital to meet his baby sister

The little princess slept through cheers and flashbulbs as her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, pose for the world's media

The couple posed with their new daughter for a couple of minutes before the world's media on the steps of the hospital's Lindo Wing

Kate looked lovingly at her newborn daughter before the family left the hospital in a waiting Range Rover that was driven by Prince William

The new royal met her big brother just a couple of hours before she was taken out onto the steps of the Lindo Wing, as he was two years ago

The Duchess looked remarkably well rested and groomed just a few short hours after giving birth to the little princess and even wore high heels for her appearance

William carries his baby daughter in her car seat to their family car before strapping her safely in the back to return to Kensington Palace

'Two out of two': Prince William jokes about getting the baby's car seat into the back of the car successfully to take his wife and daughter home

Earlier in the afternoon Prince George offered a shy wave as he arrived at the Lindo Wing with his father to meet his little sister for the first time

The blonde-haired toddler, who is 21 months old, was sporting a side parting. His ensemble - a blue jumper with a white collared shirt underneath - matched William's outfit, but George also wore blue shorts, blue pulled up socks and black shoes

William planted a kiss on his little boy's head as they waved from the steps of the Lindo Wing yesterday afternoon before disappearing into the hospital to join Kate and the newborn princess

After lifting his son out of his car seat Prince William attempted to walk into the hospital holding hands with the toddler but was quickly seen picking him back up after a little persuasion

Wearing almost identical jumpers, Princes George and William arrived back at the Lindo Wing yesterday at around 4pm after the birth of the princess

The 21-month-old clung to his father as he was carried inside the hospital yesterday to meet his newborn sister, born at 8.34am on Saturday

William attempted to put his toddler down after lifting him out of the car but was quickly persuaded into picking him back up. With a little encouragement from his father George offered a shy wave as he entered the hospital

George appeared to take the cheering crowd in his stride and peered curiously over his father's shoulder as they walked into the hospital

Prince William shows his son how to wave to the press in his first public appearance in the UK since his birth in July 2013

Prince William lifts his 21-month-old son up and onto his hip after he refused to walk into the Lindo Wing to meet his new sister

The little prince looked bemused as he was carried out into the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital. It is the first time George has been seen publicly since his own birth in 2013

Prince William lifts his son out of their Range Rover and sets him down on the pavement, as George looks bewilderingly at the crowd

A VERY ROYAL ARRIVAL: A TIMELINE 6am: The Duchess is admitted to the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in the early stages of labour 6.34am: Kensington Palace inform the media Kate has been admitted to the hospital 8am: Palace sources say the Duchess's birth is 'progressing normally' 8.34am: The royal baby is born at a healthy weight of 8lbs and 3oz 11am: Kensington Palace announce the princess's birth 4pm: Prince William leaves the Lindo Wing to collect Prince George from Kensington Palace 4.15pm: Prince William returns to the hospital with his son so he can meet his new sister He was later taken home ahead of his parents and sister. 6.11pm: William and Kate emerge from the Lindo Wing with their daughter for the first time, to show her to the waiting cameras and fans, before heading back inside. 6.16pm: They emerge once more, this time with the princess in a car seat, and drive home to Kensington Palace. 6.31pm: Kensington Palace tweets the Royal family’s thanks to the staff of St Mary’s Hospital for the care and treatment they received and thank the public for their warm wishes Advertisement

The princess's birth was announced in a statement released by Kensington Palace shortly after 11am on Saturday morning.

It was then posted on the palace's official Twitter page two minutes later.

'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8.34am,' it said.

'The baby weighs 8lbs 3oz. '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.'

At around 12.30 a framed certificate signed by Kate's medical team was placed on an easel outside Buckingham Palace with the same words.

The baby's name is not yet known but Alice and Charlotte are the most popular among bookmakers.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall released a statement saying they were 'absolutely delighted' with the arrival of their granddaughter while the Earl of Spencer, Prince William's uncle, said: 'It's wonderful news - we are all thrilled for all four of them.'

The Prime Minister was among the first to congratulate the couple writing on Twitter: 'Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby girl.

'I'm absolutely delighted for them.'

He was followed by Nick Clegg who said: 'Congratulations to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their new baby. Miriam & I wish them all the best as their family grows.'

Labour leader Ed Miliband also offered his congratulations, writing on Twitter: 'Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess on the birth of their daughter. Wishing them lots of joy and happiness - and hopefully some sleep!'

Nigel Farage said he had told 'every Ukip candidate in the country to raise a glass to the royal baby girl', adding, somewhat bizarrely, that he was glad her weight (8lbs 3oz) had been given in imperial measurements.

President Barack Obama also sent his well wishes to the family, saying: 'Michelle and I are delighted to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family, and all the people of the United Kingdom on the birth of the Royal Princess.

'On behalf of the American people, we wish the Duke and Duchess and their son George much joy and happiness on the occasion of the arrival of the newest member of their family.'

Kensington Palace posted this on message on Twitter, welcoming the new princess to the 'family' along with two photographs of her

William waved and smiled as cheers erupted in the crowds outside The Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital yesterday afternoon as he left to go home to collect George

After telling the gathered media and fans he was 'very happy', William drove himself away from the hospital to collect Prince George from Kensington Palace

A well wisher outside the entrance of the Lindo Wing after the arrival of the princess yesterday. Crowds steadily gathered outside St Mary's Hospital throughout the afternoon after news of her birth spread

Celebrations outside the Lindo Wing yesterday where royal enthusiasts had camped out for days before the birth of the princess born yesterday

Two footman place the traditional birth notice signed by Kate's medical team on a golden easel outside Buckingham Palace on Saturday

Town crier Tony Appleton made the above announcement on the steps of the Lindo Wing at around 11am on Saturday morning shortly after Kensington Palace released the news

Kate was admitted to the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital at 6am on Saturday morning, giving birth two-and-a-half hours later.

DUKE AND DUCHESS 'TOUCHED' BY LINDO WING TOWN CRIER The Duke and Duchess were said to have been touched by the town crier who announced their daughter's birth on the steps of the Lindo Wing yesterday morning. Tony Appleton stood proudly in historical costume to herald the birth of the princess, born yesterday at 8.34am. It was the second time he heralded the birth of the Cambridges child, having been in the same spot in 2013 to welcome Prince George. But after being accused of being a fake when the toddler was born, Mr Appleton was keen to set the record straight before the princess's arrival. 'Last time a lot of people said I was a fake and it was absolutely ridiculous because town criers came to England in 1066 and the town crier was specifically employed by the king to proclaim births, executions, weddings, whatever, and obviously this was the birth. 'So this time I thought "I’m not going to get caught out", so I actually wrote to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and asked them if I could proclaim the birth of the new baby.' He read the reply to the letter, which said: 'I am sure your royal highnesses would be touched by your kind suggestion.' It added: 'Thanks for thinking of them in this way.' Advertisement

When news of the baby's birth was announced, chants of 'Princess! Princess!' could be heard outside the Lindo Wing.

Royal super fan Terry Hutt, who was given a birthday card and cake by Kensington Palace on his 80th birthday last week, said: 'I'm on top of the world.'

He said he did not expect the birth to happen so quickly after Kate was admitted but said: 'Babies come when they're ready.'

The prince was welcomed around 11 hours after she was admitted to the Lindo Wing on July 22, 2013, while the newborn princess arrived just two-and-a-half hours after Kate was driven there.

The baby girl, who arrived around one week late, is three pounds lighter than her big brother was when he was born.

News of the birth was celebrated at Kate's favourite pub in the village of Standford Dingley in Berkshire. Locals wet the baby's head by popping champagne and raising glasses in a toast.

Many of them have known the Duchess since she was a little girl - Kate and her sister Pippa grew up in Bucklebury and went to school locally, and their parents Carole and Michael Middleton have a £7million mansion in the village.

There was also a celebratory atmosphere in Cafe Diana, located across the road from Kensington Palace, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge live.

Managers let off pink and union jack balloons and handed out lemon cake to their customers to mark the arrival of the couple's baby girl.

The cafe, which opened in 1989, is named after Diana, Princess of Wales and covered in photographs of the royal.

Cafe owner Abdul Daoud, 59 brought in a life-sized cardboard cut-out of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as he released the balloons.

He said: 'It's a special day. Prince William came here with his mum many years ago when he was at school and lived with his mum.

'The cafe was named after Princess Diana and when we opened she came and congratulated us and supported us. She was very fond of the cafe.

'I hope Prince William and Kate will come and visit us one day.'

William and Kate’s new daughter, a younger sister for Prince George, who was born at the same hospital in July 2013, is fourth in line to the throne.

Although she is unlikely to ever become queen, it is not unheard of for a second child in the direct line of succession to accede to the throne.

Mostly recently the Queen’s own father, King George VI, replaced his elder brother, King Edward VIII, who abdicated over his love for the ‘unsuitable’ American divorcee Wallis Simpson.

Tony Appleton rings his bell to herald the arrival of the baby girl (left). Flowers were seen arriving at the hospital shortly after midday (right)

A town crier celebrates outside the hospital as members of the media react to the news that the Duchess of Cambridge had given birth to a girl

A young girl poses for a photograph in front of the golden easel which was placed in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace on Saturday

Crowds gathered outside Buckingham Palace to take photographs of the golden easel which bears a certificate confirming the birth

Before long there was a 20 minute wait outside Buckingham Palace to view the birth notice erected shortly after 12.30pm on Saturday

A Metropolitan Police officer stands in front of gathered crowds at Buckingham Palace after the announcement the royal baby had been born

A well-wisher celebrates outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in royal paraphernalia and with a bottle of champagne to mark her birth

ROYAL MINT GIVES FIRST OF 2,015 SILVER PENNIES TO BABY GIRL BORN ON THE SAME DAY AS THE NEW PRINCESS The Royal Mint has presented the first of its 2,015 commemorative silver pennies to a pair of proud new parents, whose baby daughter arrived less than an hour after the Princess. The happy parents welcomed their new baby girl within 45 minutes of the new Princess at 9.16 on Saturday morning. Gaurav and Bhumi Mehta, from Woodford, London, were presented with the silver penny in their ward at Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow. Gaurav and Bhumi Mehta and their newborn baby girl were presented with the silver penny by the Royal Mint in their ward on Saturday Their as-of-yet unnamed daughter weight 6lbs 10oz. Mrs Mehta said: 'We're over the moon and want to thank The Royal Mint for their kind gesture. 'It's a special day for us and we're excited to be one of the first families to receive a lucky silver penny and be part of the celebrations.' The Royal Mint revealed last month that it would gift 2,015 silver pennies to the families of babies born on the same day as the new prince or princess. The tokens will be engraved with the year of their birth to celebrate the arrival of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's second child. It is in keeping with the tradition of marking a birth with silver. Shane Bissett, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: 'The birth of the new Royal baby is a joyous occasion. 'It is not only special for Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but for the whole nation, as we celebrate another remarkable milestone in their life journey together. 'It is also a special day for many mothers and fathers across the country as they also welcome the arrival of their new babies. 'This is why we wanted to extend this historical moment to them with a unique and timeless gift that can be treasured for years to come.' For details visit www.royalmint.com Advertisement

A well-wisher waves a balloon outside the Lindo Wing as royal fans began to gather in the hope of seeing the new princess when she left

Royal fans celebrate the news that the Duchess gave birth to a daughter after gathering outside the Lindo Wing overnight. Some had spent more than a week outside St Mary's Hospital with Kate having been expected to give birth in April

The Queen and Prince Andrew were in good spirits as they attended The Royal Lancers amalgamation parade at Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire yesterday afternoon. Fittingly, the Queen wore pink for the occasion

Meanwhile in Australia: Prince Harry was seen at a football game as news of his niece's birth emerged. Members of the royal family were told of the baby's arrival before it was confirmed publicly

The Duchess of Cambridge, pictured above on her final public engagements on March 27, was taken from her apartment at Kensington Palace to St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington at 6am with Prince William by her side

HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE WORLD: HOW THE THE MEDIA REACTED AS A PRINCESS WAS BORN News of the royal princess's birth quickly made headlines around the world. News outlets on every continent announced the birth of Britain's princess, with most favouring a simple headline of 'It's a girl!' in a various languages. However in Australia, where Prince Harry is currently attached to the army, the NT News, based in Darwin in the Northern Territory, joked on Twitter: 'Royal baby born - read all about it here or just get on with your life, commoners.' It later tweeted: 'Royal baby born - no word on when the p*** up starts at Harry's place.' The Sydney Morning Herald picked up on the presence of town crier Tony Appleton, with a headline of 'Oyez, oyez, oyez' A Royal Princess: (Unofficial) Town crier on the steps of St Mary's Hospital announces the news of the royal birth'. The story also had top billing on the front page of the New York Post website, with the first line reading: 'A princess is born.' USA Today posted: 'Prince George meets his new baby sister!' The New York Times and Washington Post gave the story less billing and a more serious tone. CNN's website started its story with: 'The wait for the second royal baby is over. And it's a princess!'. In Israel the Jerusalem Post ran the headline 'Mazel Tov! Will and Kate welcome a new baby girl'. The Times of India went with: 'The fourth in line to the British throne is a girl. The New York Times produced a dry Biblical take on events in a later version of its story, with correspondent Steven Erlanger writing: 'Lo, and it came to pass at last on Saturday morning, unto Kate, who was late, a child was born - a baby girl, who will be fourth in line to the British throne. 'There was much rejoicing in the land, especially among the many who had placed their bets on her having a girl, while others await a further windfall, if they guess right on what name will be chosen.' Advertisement

Thanks to a recent change in the law, the couple’s daughter cannot be superseded in her claim to the throne by any younger brother who may yet come along.

The Succession to the Crown Act, passed in 2013, means that male heirs no longer precede their elder sisters in the line of succession

A 2012 intervention by the Queen also means that the new baby will automatically become an HRH – Her Royal Highness – and be permitted to take the title of princess.

As the second child of the second heir to the throne she would, until then, only have been a Lady.

Her arrival will shunt her uncle, Prince Harry, down to fifth in the order of succession. Her great uncle, Prince Andrew, will fall out of the top five for the first time to sixth.

Many royal watchers had been desperately hoping for a girl – the last to be born in the direct line of succession was Princess Anne back in 1950.

Both Prince Charles and William’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, both openly longed for a girl to add to their family.

Upon news of the princess's arrival bookmakers outside the hospital wiped boys names from betting boards with Alice the hot favourite at odds of five to four

Fans react to the long-awaited news of the princess's birth yesterday morning shortly after the announcement was made at around 11am

A couple leave the Lindo Wing shortly after the announcement that the Duchess of Cambridge had given birth. The unknown couple graciously posed for photographs for the waiting press

The BT tower in central London marked the news with a rolling purple banner which read 'it's a girl' to congratulate the Duke and Duchess

Ukip leader Nigel Farage celebrated the baby girl's arrival with a pint. He was in a pub in Ramsgate ahead of the general election on Thursday

Armed Metropolitan Police officers were seen outside the hospital for the first time this week after daily security checks were carried out in preparation for the royal arrival

Members of the media set up camp outside the hospital after having been warned against gathering until the Duchess was admitted

Well-wishers wave await news after pitching up outside St Mary's Hospital. While members of the media were not allowed to gather outside the hospital until Kate was admitted, hospital staff allowed some well-wishers to camp on the street since last week

Royal fan Terry Hutt stands proudly as he is interviewed by Sky News presenters Kay Burley and Rhiannon Mills after waiting outside the Lindo Wing overnight. Mr Hutt was sent a birthday card and cake by Kensington Palace earlier this week as he turned 80

'CHEERS!': LOCALS AT KATE'S FAVOURITE PUB WET THE BABY'S HEAD WITH CHAMPAGNE AND RAISED GLASSES Landlord John Haley, (left) a close friend of the Middletons, and Neil Easter, 82, (right) celebrating the Royal birth at the local pub yesterday The Duchess of Cambridge's favourite public house, The Old Boot Inn at Standford Dingley, Berkshire, was bedecked with Union Jack flags to celebrate the birth of her second child yesterday. The 18th century pub is such a favourite of the Royal couple that they even invited the landlord to their wedding in 2011. The news of the birth of a baby girl was met with popped corks and raised glasses by locals who know and love the family. Many of them have known the Duchess since she was a little girl - Kate and her sister Pippa grew up in Bucklebury and went to school locally, and their parents Carole and Michael Middleton have a £7million mansion in the village. Landlord John Haley, who last saw the Duchess of Cambridge a month ago, said he was thrilled to hear Kate had safely delivered a baby girl. He said: 'It's really exciting for the village, we are all so happy. I last saw her a month ago, last month. I've known the family for as long as I have been here, for 19 years.' The Grade II listed building has been decked out in bunting as villagers raised a glass to the happy couple. Neil Easter, 82, lived in the village for years until he moved to neighbouring Woolhampton, Berkshire. He said: 'I'm chuffed to bits of course - we all love Kate here. I personally think it will be her last, I don't think she will have any more babies.' He said the Middletons initially used to live just up the road before they moved to their new multi-million pound mansion in the village and would sneak past the paparazzi down a side path to drink in The Old Boot. Of the Duchess of Cambridge, the local said: 'She's lovely, Kate is. She's a lovely girl. I like her very much, and her father, who is a really nice gent.' Mirdrn Townsend, who lives near the pub, said she had known the Middletons for years. 'They are a lovely family. We know them quite well and we see them in here,' she said. 'It is such luck that she had a boy and now has a girl. It is like the perfect family.' Gary Bush, landlord of The Cottage Inn, which threw a huge party for Prince George's birth, told the Newbury Weekly News they have put up bunting and banners. 'We are over the moon that it's a girl. We are really happy and it's just lovely for Kate.' The Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Newbury Richard Benyon who attended the Royal Wedding in 2011 and whose wife Zoe designed Kate's earrings told the same newspaper: 'Along with everybody else in the country I am delighted for Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge and I am also thrilled for the Middleton family here in West Berkshire to have another grandchild. 'There's lots of smiles in Newbury today and lots of comments and like everybody else I am thrilled.' Chairwoman of Bucklebury Parish Council Wynne Frankum also told the newspaper 'I think it's excellent and I'm sure everybody will be delighted with the news. 'I think the pubs will probably crack open the odd bottle to celebrate.' Advertisement

Indeed when congratulated by a member of the public about the news that he would become a grandfather again last year, he said candidly; ‘It’s wonderful to be a grandfather again. I’m looking forward to it. But I hope it will be a girl this time.’

Kate herself has said William was hoping for a daughter, although his brother, Prince Harry, joked William probably doesn’t realise what he is taking on

News of her birth came in the form of a press release to media organisations followed by a formal – and very modern - announcement two minutes later on the palace social media channels on Twitter and Instagram.

However it was made public only after the Queen and other family members had been informed, including Prince Charles, now a grandfather twice over, the baby’s uncle Prince Harry, who is currently on an army detachment in Australia, and, of course, Kate’s parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, who will play a dominant part in their new grandchild’s life.

Kensington Palace had barred journalists from camping outside the hospital in advance in an attempt to retain what it described as the ‘privacy and dignity’ of the event.

Hospital authorities were also said to be keen to avoid what had been described as the ‘media circus’ around Prince George’s birth.

Instead media crews were invited to set up only after the Duchess had been admitted, having been driven from her home at nearby Kensington Palace.

Prince William had faced a potential two-hour dash to the hospital to be with his wife if she suddenly went into labour while he was away training in his new role as a pilot for East Anglia Air Ambulance.

But earlier this week it emerged that he had completed the initial stage of his training ‘earlier than expected’ and is now taking six weeks’ unpaid leave until it resumes on June 1.

The happy coincidence meant that he could be with Kate and George in the run up to the new baby’s arrival and can take a hands-on parenting role in the coming weeks.

One group of fans had spent 13 nights camping outside the hospital, watching the Duchess's due date come and go last Saturday. There were cheers of delight outside the hospital when news of the birth came

Last week the royal couple sent breakfast pastries and cups of coffee to some of those gathered outside as a token of their appreciation for their support. Above, fans gather ahead of the princess's birth

In recent days the Duchess, who carried out her last public engagement in March, had been taking her mind off the impending birth by spending some time with her parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, at their sprawling Georgian mansion in Bucklebury, Berkshire.

On Sunday she and Carole took her eldest son, Prince George, for a visit to nearby Bucklebury Farm Park where youngsters can meet a variety of animals from lambs to wild boar and enjoy a large outdoor playground. The little prince is a frequent visitor to the park with both his mother, nanny and grandmother.

Kate appeared unbothered by her pregnancy, according to onlookers, as she carried George, accompanied by a low-key Scotland Yard security detail.

William, Kate and George returned to London on Sunday night but have kept a low profile since.

Aside from suffering again from the debilitating ante-natal vomiting condition hyperemesis gravidarum in the early stages, the Duchess has apparently enjoyed another healthy pregnancy.

At Easter she was seen energetically running about with George at a farm park in Norfolk, close to the couple’s home, Anmer Hall, with her bump barely showing still.

William’s determination to be at the birth, as he was at George’s, is in contrast to other royal fathers. Prince Philip was enjoying a game of squash when his first-born son, Charles, was delivered.

Prince William was with 33-year-old Kate throughout the birth of their daughter. Prince George is being looked after at the couple's apartment in Kensington Palace by his grandparents Carole and Michael Middleton before being brought to the hospital to meet his little sister

KATE'S 10% LINDO WING DISCOUNT The Duchess of Cambridge is being rewarded with a 10 per cent discount after returning to the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington for the birth of her second child. Following the successful delivery of her son, Prince George, there in 2013, she will be given the discount as part of a loyalty scheme for second-time round mothers. Prices have increased since George was delivered on July 22 however. A suite of two rooms now costs £6,570 for a one-night stay with normal delivery - £5,913 with Kate's 10 per cent off - plus consultant fees of around £6,000 on top. That means the cost of even a natural delivery, with little in the way of complications, will easily top £12,000 - with added costs if the use of forceps or other equipment is required. George was only the second direct heir to the throne to be born in hospital – the first being his father, Prince William, who was also delivered at the Lindo on June 21 1982 (followed later by his brother, Prince Harry). Other royal babies, including his grandfather, Prince Charles, were delivered at home or at royal residences such as Buckingham Palace. The Lindo Wing underwent an extensive refurbishment in June 2012 and now provides what it boasts is the ‘highest quality of care’ for patients experiencing both straightforward and complex pregnancies. All rooms are equipped with satellite television, wi-fi radio, a safe and a fridge. There is also a bedside phone, internet access and the option of having a daily newspaper delivered to your room. The wing even has its own team of catering staff separate from the rest of the hospital ready to cater for any dietary whim. The hospital wing also offers its own wine list should patients and their guests wish to enjoy a glass of champagne to celebrate their baby’s arrival. As for its aftercare service, the Lindo Wing has a team of maternity support workers and nursery nurses who can offer advice and reassurance to all new mothers staying there, royal or not. Advertisement

The couple’s new daughter will be the Queen’s fifth great-grandchild - of which four are girls - and a great-great-great-great-great grandchild of Queen Victoria.

It is not yet known whether little George, who will turn two in July, will go to the hospital to meet his new sister before the family eventually depart.

But sources say they will return to Apartment 1A at Kensington Palace for ‘a few days’ to recuperate before travelling to Norfolk to set up home at Anmer Hall, their new country estate.

‘The family will return to Kensington Palace where they are expected to stay for at least a couple of days. After their time at Kensington Palace the couple will return to their home in Norfolk,’ an aide revealed.

It will be while the couple are at Kensington Palace that an announcement will be made about the new baby’s name.

Kate, who undertook her final public duty last month, has not specified how much maternity leave she intends to take or indeed when her first public engagement after the birth might be.

But an aide added: ‘As you suspect with two very young children her focus will be on her family over the summer.’

Officials have also dismissed recent claims that the couple plan to employ a maternity nurse in addition to their existing nanny, Maria Borrallo.

‘At this stage the Duke and Duchess do not intend to take on any additional staff’ said one.

The couple have proved to be fiercely protective about their eldest son’s privacy and are likely to be no different with their daughter.

One photographer who recently shot pictures of Prince George playing in a London park was threatened with legal action.

The future king has not been seen in the flesh by the British public since the day he left hospital, although a number of carefully-selected pictures have been released.

A spokesman for the couple said recently that they had been 'touched' by the public reaction to the birth of their new baby.

In a statement about the impending royal arrival, he said: ‘The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the warm wishes they have received from people throughout the UK and indeed around the world over the last few months.

‘They know that people are excited Prince George will soon have a little brother or sister and it means a great deal to them that so many will be celebrating this important moment for their family.

‘They are very appreciative that so many people share their excitement as they await the arrival of their second baby.’

Kensington Palace were forced to reveal news of the Duchess’s condition several weeks earlier than planned last September after she once again developed Hyperemesis Gravidarum, the same chronic ante-natal sickness that saw her hospitalised while she was expecting George.

This time she was treated by doctors at Kensington Palace, although sources told the Mail that her condition was ‘just as severe as before’.

As a result the Duchess, who was barely six weeks pregnant at the time, was forced to cancel a string of planned public engagements, including her first solo foreign visit to Malta, and palace officials decided they had no choice but to make news of her condition public.

She was not well enough to undertake public engagements until the end of October when she and her husband officially greeted the President of the Republic of Singapore on behalf of the Queen at the start of a state visit to London.

Kate told them that she was delighted to ‘be out of the house’.

Fortunately she made a full recovery and continued with a light diary of public engagements until March this year, setting the fashion world alight with a range of stylish maternity outfits that ranged from a £35 polka dot dress from online retailer ASOS to a £995 silk chiffon dress by Erdem, with coats by Mulberry, Seraphine and Alexander McQueen – all with her trademark high heels.

William, who is one of two children while his wife is one of three, said recently that he was looking forward to the birth but described the arrival of his second child as a ‘game changer’.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcomed their first child, Prince George, on July 22 in 2013. The couple drove themselves away from the Lindo Wing the following day after a press conference where they introduced their newborn son to the world's media