Royal baby boy born: Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to future King Couple release new statement thanking St Mary's Hospital staff for how they have looked after 'the three of us' The family are not expected to leave Lindo Wing until at least 6pm tonight, but they could wait until tomorrow William stayed in a separate hospital room overnight to be close to Duchess of Cambridge and their son The Queen's Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell came to see Kate this morning to assess her condition Prince Charles says he has 'no idea' what baby will be called but the bookies' favourites are James, George and Henry His wife Camilla added: 'It's very exciting and it's wonderful for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children' Band of the Scots Guard play Cliff Richard's Congratulations at daily Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace Birth announced by a press release sent out from the palace at 8.30pm last night but baby was born at 4.24pm Official announcement was then placed on easel outside Buckingham Palace for the huge waiting crowds to see Queen and Duke of Edinburgh said to be 'delighted' at news of their great grandson's birth The Prime Minister, Archbishop of Canterbury and Leader of the Opposition all express their congratulations David Cameron says 'the whole country will celebrate' the birth of the new Royal baby William now starting his two weeks' paternity leave and accepts the full entitlement of £136.78 per week The Duchess, Duke and Baby Cambridge 'are all doing well' today and have thanked hospital staff for their 'tremendous care' over the past 24 hours. William and Kate have expressed their gratitude to the medical team at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, after their son was born there at 4.24pm yesterday, weighing 8lb 6oz. But the world will have to patiently wait until at least 6pm tonight for a first glimpse of the future king as Kate prepares to leave hospital, with royal sources admitting the trio might not go home to Kensington Palace until tomorrow. We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received. We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time,' a joint statement from the couple said this afternoon. A Kensington Palace spokesman added: 'Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning.' The overjoyed couple have started their first full day as proud parents of a "beautiful" baby boy, as Britain continues to celebrate the prince's birth. LIVE: The wait for Kate & baby Last night William slept at the hospital in a separate room so he could be near his wife and their little boy, with a huge crowd of media and well-wishers waiting outside to see them all leave. But royal watchers are reportedly a little confused about why no family members have been to visit the mother and child yet, particularly because Kate's parents Carole and Michael, and her siblings Pippa and James, have stayed away. The Queen's Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell came to assess Kate this morning and will decide when the Duchess and baby can be discharged. Their prince could also be named today, with the bookies' favourite currently being James, followed by George and Henry, but he has already been given the title His Royal Highness and will be known as Prince (Name) of Cambridge. Last night great-grandmother the Queen said she was 'delighted' at the news while an overwhelmed Prince Charles exclaimed he was 'overjoyed' and 'enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time'. This morning the Prince of Wales told crowds in Yorkshire that he and his wife the Duchess of Cornwall were still 'thrilled and excited' and celebrated with champagne last night, but added they have 'no idea' what their grandson's name would be. Not long now: Members of the press are forced to wait in the pouring rain for the first glimpse of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, west London, today Patient: Broadcasters are forced to take cover under a Union Flag umbrella as yet another thunderstorm hits London this afternoon Drenched: Police officers keeping the St Mary's Hospital secure are not allowed to get out of the heavy downpours Inclement weather: After three weeks of almost wall-to-wall sunshine London has been hit with a series of violent storms Ill-prepared: After a night of showers some press and public failed to heed the unsettled conditions and arrived at St Mary's with no umbrellas or coats Impatient: A sweet young girl clutches her two dolls outside the hospital where the royal baby was born, while a well-wisher drops off some gifts for the prince Offer: A man asks police guarding the Lindo Wing whether they can take a teddy bear gift for the new prince Smiling doctor: The Queen's Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell arrives at St Mary's Hospital this morning to assess Kate and baby The young prince's first night in the world was an eventful one, because London was hit with a number of violent thunderstorms after what had been the hottest day of the year so far. Meanwhile well-wishers partied late into the night outside Buckingham Palace, even in the thunder, lightening and torrential rain. Prime Minister David Cameron said it was 'a historic moment in the life of our nation' but 'above all, it's a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy'. U.S. President Barack Obama led tributes from world leaders and said that the new baby's birth was a 'joyous occasion'. The Prince of Wales today resisted heading back to London to meet the child and stuck to his royal duties in Yorkshire, where his wife Camilla described the arrival of the Prince of Cambridge as 'a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country'. Charles and Camilla were met by cheering crowds of well-wishers on a visit to East Yorkshire where villager after villager offered the couple their congratulations as the royal couple walked around the green in Bugthorpe. 'I'm thrilled and very excited,' the Prince of Wales said, while the Duchess said her husband would make a 'brilliant' grandfather. 'I think it's wonderful news. I think mother, son and father are all well,' she told the BBC. 'And I think it's a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country. It's very exciting and it's wonderful for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children.' The village was decked out with Union flags and bunting for the visit. One member of the crowd, local resident Robert Barrett, was one of the first to greet the Prince, saying 'Morning Grandad', which raised a chuckle from Charles. 'He obviously likes being a grandad,' Mr Barrett added. And a little boy asked the Prince: 'When's the little baby coming?' to which Charles replied: 'We haven't been able to bring him yet.' Isla Lister, eight, said both Charles and Camilla told her they could not wait to see the new baby. She said: 'She was really nice and she said was really excited. I spoke to Prince Charles too and he said he couldn't wait to see him too.' The day after: Crowds have again started to gather outside Buckingham Palace after London was soaked by torrential rain from violent thunderstorms Back again: Huge numbers have headed to Buckingham Palace again to see the Changing of the Guard, where the band played 'Congratulations' and other celebratory songs Pageantry: Traffic waited behind the band as the band marched up The Mall to the Palace playing cheerful and jubilant music marking the royal birth Joyous: The easel still stands in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace while the crowds of people clinging to the Palace railings have been replaced by this teddy bear and other mementos It's a boy: The message displayed outside the palace telling the world that there is a new prince in the British royal family who one day will be king Still keen: There is no shortage of people desperate to see the official notice and easel last used bu the royal family 31 year ago Drama: The London Eye was turned red, white and blue last night after the news of the royal birth as London suffered a series of violent thunder storms Tribute: Central London's iconic Tower Bridge was illuminated in bright blue to celebrate the Duchess of Cambridge giving birth to a prince Dozens of world leaders have been sending best wishes to the Cambridges and their new child. Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd wished the 'royal bub' all the best on behalf of all Australians. 'This is a day of great joy,' he said. When a new bub comes into the world, any old day, any part of the world, it is frankly a time for rejoicing. 'To Prince Charles and Camilla, they have the delight of being grandparents, all I can say is, this is probably one of the best experiences of your life and I'm sure they're going to have a wonderful time with the royal baby'. Stephen Harper, prime minister of Canada - where William and Kate carried out their first Royal tour together - said Canadians were 'delighted' to learn of the birth of their son and sent 'heartfelt congratulations'. This new beginning reminds us of the remarkable and enduring relationship our country has enjoyed with generations of the royal family. We recall with fondness the years of unfailing service by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and their deep affection for and loyalty to this country. The Royal Canadian Mint also announced that it will issue special commemorative coins to mark the historic occasion. New Zealand's prime minister John Key said the nation's official gift to the royal couple is a hand-spun, hand-knitted fine lace shawl, similar to the one given when Prince William was born, and there will be a 21-gun salute fired from Point Jerningham, Wellington, today to mark the occasion. 'This is wonderful news for Prince William and Catherine,' he said. The birth of a child is a time of great joy and excitement, and I know they will make excellent parents. He added: 'New Zealanders remember with fondness the visit of Prince William when he was just a toddler, playing on the lawn of Government House with a Buzzy Bee. It would be a great pleasure to welcome Prince William's son to New Zealand as well. On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I wish Prince William, Catherine and the royal family all the very best. 'Thrilled and excited': The Prince of Wales remains in Yorkshire today and said he did not know what his first grandchild would be called, but despite his enthusiasm he still managed to make six-month-old Emily Scott cry Delighted: A very happy Prince Charles receives flowers from youngsters in Bugthorpe, East Yorkshire, including Isla Lister, who also spoke to Camilla Buoyant: The Duchess of Cornwall told villagers of Charles: 'It's very exciting and it's wonderful for the grandfather - he's brilliant with children' Many people asked whether the new baby had a name, but Charles gave little away. Alec Dale told Charles: 'We popped a bottle of bubbly last night at our house. I hope you did too. The Prince replied: 'Yes. But just a little bit. Debbie Lister, asked Camilla about the baby's name. Mrs Lister said: 'She said they had no clue whatsoever. She wasn't giving anything away. I thought she might tell me something, but no. And Isla's grandmother, Judy Willis, said Charles told her: 'Grannies are getting younger, you know.' Gun salutes sounded across London today to mark the birth of the royal baby as the armed forces join in the celebrations. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and the Honourable Artillery Company carried out the ceremonial royal salutes in honour of the new addition to the Royal Family. Gun salutes are fired for the birth of every prince or princess, no matter where their place is in the line of succession, the Ministry of Defence said. The last royal salute for a birth was for Princess Eugenie in 1990. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, wearing full dress uniform, paraded past Buckingham Palace to Green Park where they staged a 41-gun royal salute. They went from their forward mounting base in Wellington Barracks into Green Park, where 71 horses pulled six First World War-era 13-pounder field guns into position for the royal salute at 2pm. Each of the six guns fired blank artillery rounds at 10-second intervals until 41 shots were fired. The horses and riders then collected the guns and escorted them back to Wellington Barracks. Major Mark Edward, commanding officer of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, said: 'The opportunity to mark the birth of the child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge by firing a 41-gun royal salute, comes as a huge honour for the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery.' The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), the City of London's Army Reserve Regiment, also fired a 62-gun salute from Gun Wharf at the Tower of London at 2pm. Whilst a royal gun salute normally comprises 21 guns, this is increased to 41 if fired from a royal park or residence. Uniquely, at the Tower of London, which is a royal residence, 62 rounds are fired as this also includes an additional 21 guns for the citizens of the City of London to show their loyalty to the monarch. Excitable: People dressed in costumes and red, wight and blue gather outside St Mary's Hospital as the media and members of the public wait in anticipation for Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge to introduce their son to the world Celebrations: The Cottage Inn in Bucklebury, where the family home of the Middletons is, has been draped in flags to mark the royal birth Tributes:: Pupils at Buckleberry Church of England Primary School draw congratulatory cards for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Touching: The children have put in a great deal of effort to mark the prince's much-anticipated entrance into the world Elated new parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have given their backing to a charity supporting the hospital where their son was born. The couple pledged to support Imperial College Healthcare Charity in celebration of their first born's birth, the charity said. The charity raises money for research and studies designed to improve services to St Mary's and four other hospitals constituting Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The Duke and Duchess's baby boy was delivered in the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's. Jane Miles, the charity's chief executive, said: 'We are honoured and delighted that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have chosen to support us in celebration of such a joyous occasion. The charity wishes them and their son every future happiness. 'Having their support is hugely important to us as a charity that strives to improve the service given to patients at the five hospitals, including St Mary's, of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.' As well-wishers gathered at the hospital, William's uncle, the brother of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, issued a statement welcoming the new family arrival. Earl Spencer, who has his seven children and 2 stepchildren staying with him and Countess Spencer, to celebrate the first birthday of their youngest daughter, Lady Charlotte Diana Spencer, said: 'We're all so pleased: it's wonderful news. My father always told us how Diana was born on just such a blisteringly hot day, at Sandringham, in July, 1961. It's another very happy summer's day, half a century on.' This morning the Band of the Scots Guard used the daily Changing Of The Guard at Buckingham Palace to pay tribute to the tiny future king. It played a medley of hits starting with Cliff Richard's Congratulations, Royal Salute, The Duke of Cambridge March, Procession of the Nobles and Spirit of Pageantry. Some of those in the crowd who packed outside the palace gates and at the Victoria Memorial sang along, while the ensemble broke into spontaneous applause at its conclusion. Wetting the baby's head: Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Education Secretary Michael Gove leaves Scott's restaurant in Mayfair last night after a celebratory dinner Revellers: Well-wishers partied late into the night outside Buckingham Palace after the prince was born yesterday at 4.24pm Proud: Youngsters Harrison, Charlotte and Matthew were among those celebrating at the Palace, they heard the news when they were in bed, and rushed down in their pyjamas, while Rachael Carter-Eagleton was jumping for joy in her Union Flag dress Sir Richard Sykes, Chairman of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, also said this morning: 'Like people up and down the country, I was delighted to hear the news that the Duchess of Cambridge has had her baby boy. On behalf of everyone at the Trust I would like to congratulate Their Royal Highnesses on the new arrival. Official: The London Gazette, Britain's most prestigious journal, carried the 'extraordinary' announcement of the baby's birth 'It will always be a source of great pride for the Trust and everyone who works here that the baby, like his father, was born in the Lindo Wing at St Mary's and we would like to wish him/her the very best of luck for the future. I am enormously grateful to the team at the Lindo Wing and all those members of the Trust staff, and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Duke and Duchess received the best possible care and that the rest of the hospital has continued to function as normal in spite of the huge public interest in this auspicious occasion. The child is now third in the line of succession, displacing Prince Harry to fourth and the Duke of York to fifth, although he may not become sovereign for half a century or more. At 2pm today The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will fire a 41 Gun Royal Salute to celebrate the birth of the royal baby, and at the same time at the Tower of London, the Honourable Artillery Company will fire 62 rounds. News of the royal birth - which came after an 11 hour labour - was not made public by Kensington Palace until 8.29pm last night, four hours after the baby was born. Sources said the couple "just wanted to spend a little time together to bond as a family" and inform members of both families privately before the news was disseminated to the world. William made those calls personally. The Queen, who arrived back at Buckingham Palace just after 3pm yesterday, declared herself "delighted" - as did all. Kate, 31, may be discharged as early as lunchtime after being assessed by doctors this morning. Surprisingly, no family visitors were expected last night - not even the Middleton family - as the couple want to spend some time alone together, sources told the Mail. Glad tidings: An easel stands in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London to announce the birth of a baby boy, at 4.24pm to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St Mary's Hospital yesterday Historic: The Queen's Press Secretary Ailsa Anderson with Badar Azim, a footman, place the official document on the easel used in the same way when Prince William as born in 1982 Celebration time! Thousands of well wishers mob the gates of Buckingham Palace as the news of the Duchess of Cambridge's baby was revealed last night Britain rejoices: Ecstatic onarchists clamour for a better view as the news is revealed outside the Queen's central London home A police officer tries to control a crowd of people trying to get to the railing to take pictures of the notice proclaiming the birth of the Royal baby Fascinated: Two children in the crowd climb on adults' shoulders to grab a better view of the palace and the easel with the signed declaration Grandfather: Prince Charles out and about in York yesterday going ahead with his normal schedule as his son was at the Duchess' bedside in west London Happy: One girl shouts with joy as she hears that the couple have had a baby boy, who has not yet been named Ram: People straining to look at a notice formally announcing the birth of a son to Britain's Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge Iconic: Crowds climb the Victoria memorial to try and get a better view Photographers: Members of the public are desperate to capture a piece of the special moment Resplendent:The baby boy was born at 4.24pm and weighed in at 8lbs 6oz In its official statement Kensington Palace said: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24pm. The baby weighs 8lbs 6oz. 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 and will remain in hospital overnight. Royal aide Ed Perkins leaves St Mary's with the official announcement that the Cambridges' son has been born Mr Perkins rushes down the steps of the hospital to the street where, right, he hands it to a chauffeur to be ferried across central London to the Palace A Jaguar car is driven into the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace bringing the news to announce the birth After the message's delivery, the Queen's senior Page Philip Rhodes, right, is given the official notification in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace A day for celebrations: Royal fans mob the gates of the Palace, trying to get the best photographs as the announcement is put in place Last night Charles, who cleverly pretended he had no news of the baby when questioned by well-wishers in Yorkshire yesterday afternoon, said he was "thrilled" and eagerly looking forward to seeing his first grand-child. Both my wife and I are overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild. It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy," he said. The clearly overwhelmed prince added: "Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone's life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future." Blue for a boy: The crew of HMS Lancaster celebrate the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's son on patrol in the Caribbean Tribute: Sailors on the HMS Kent spelled out the word BOY on the ship's flight deck to send their best wishes and congratulations to the royal couple In lights: The news was broadcast in a special animation which shone from the BT Tower in Fitzrovia, central London Well-wishers wearing outfits emblazoned with the national flag celebrate news of the birth of the new Royal baby outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington A town crier announces the birth of the son of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital. Right, David Cameron outside Number 10 tonight congratulating the Royal couple on the birth of their son. 'The whole country will celebrate,' he said. Royal frenzy: Self-proclaimed Town Crier Tony Appleton rings his bell in celebration outside St Mary's Self-appointed town crier Tony Appleton announces the birth of the newest Royal Dancing in the streets: Revellers in fancy dress party outside St Mary's, where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will stay together overnight before going home tomorrow Good job: Guy Thorpe-Beeston, Marcus Setchell and Alan Farthing, the medical team in charge of the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's newborn baby, leave the Lindo Wing It wasn't this big... Dr Setchell gestures to the crowd as the medical team make their way home for the night Capturing the moment forever: People take pictures outside St. Mary's hospital. The new royal baby will be the 43rd sovereign since William the Conqueror if it follows reigns by the Charles then William Another important delivery: A Royal detective turns up at the rear entrance to St Mary's with two pizzas from Zizzi's restaurant at 8.45pm, after leaving 10 mins before the announcement of the Royal birth Shortly after an announcement was made by press release last night, the couple's Press Secretary, Ed Perkins, walked out of the hospital to hand the formal proclamation to a waiting driver who sped with it across London to Buckingham Palace. There it was displayed on an easel last used to announce William's birth in 1982 by the Queen's Press Secretary, Aisla Anderson. For much of the day, however, the waiting media and public had little more to go on than a brief 45-word statement from Kensington Palace which read: "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge has been admitted this morning to St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington, London in the early stages of labour. The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge. Palace officials refused to give any further details, arguing they wanted to afford the Duchess some "dignity" in what was a very public labour, although sources also confirmed what the nation had long suspected: that Kate was overdue. But photographs taken at 5.30am by a freelance photographer waiting outside the hospital capture the moment just seconds after Kate and her husband, both 31, were smuggled in a side entrance to the hospital. Blue for a boy: The fountains at Trafalgar Square are seen lit blue to signify the birth of a baby boy, part of a plan previously announced by Westminster council. If it was a girl the fountains would have shone pink A woman swims in the fountains at Trafalgar Square: The Prime Minister said the 'whole country will celebrate' the birth of the royal baby as news of the child's arrival spread across the globe Get 'em started young: The Royal baby has already been sent a present from Prince Williams favourite football team - an Aston Villa FC shirt with HRH 1 printed on the back. Prince William is a big fan of the Premier League team from Birmingham and the club have announced they are excited to have another Villa fan in their ranks. An announcement read: 'Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Another Villa fan arrives into the world! #AVFC #RoyalBabyBoy Vast: Crowds of tourists and well-wishers gather on the steps of the Queen Victoria Memorial Statue and at the gates outside Buckingham Palace yesterday as they wait for the royal baby to be born Royal excitement: Enthusiasts gather outside Buckingham Palace yesterday and some tourists cool off in the fountains on what has been the hottest day of the year Royal baby coming: Members of the public cool off in the pools outside Buckingham Palace yesterday as the country waited for news about the royal birth Fever pitch: There were huge cheers and a rushing crowd as the Queen arrived back at Buckingham Palace with one of her dorgis this afternoon ahead of the birth of the royal baby. The breed is a cross between a dachshund and a corgi The royal parents-to-be were driven from Kensington Palace in a blacked out Ford Galaxy people carrier followed by a blue Saab containing a security detail, both different vehicles from normal in a bid to outfox the paparazzi. The only clue as to the passengers" identities were the plain-clothed Scotland Yard protection officers standing in the street. News of their arrival was quick to leak out over the social media network Twitter, with photographers crowing about their "world exclusive" by 5.55am. Aides had always made clear, however, that they would not publicly comment on the Duchess's condition until she had been safely assessed by her consultants, the Queen's Surgeon-Gynaecologist Marcus Setchell and his assistant, Surgeon-Gynaecologist to the Royal Household, Alan Farthing. At 7.29am that announcement was finally released. Although it is unconfirmed by the palace, medical experts suggest that the Duchess, who has made clear she hopes for a natural birth, was not medically induced even though she was believed to be up to a week overdue. Doctors would not have been keen to instigate a medical intervention until she was closer to two weeks" pregnant and it would almost certainly been done under supervision in hospital, whereas the couple were driven from their home, Nottingham Cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palace, where they had spent the weekend quietly. Despite fears that William, a Search and Rescue pilot with RAF, may be on duty in North Wales when contractions began, he was fortunately in London - after taking a week's leave from work - and able to accompany his wife to the hospital. The prince had always been determined to be at his wife's side for the birth of their first child, like his father, Prince Charles, was before him, and even had a helicopter on stand-by in his back garden in Wales in case the baby came early. Other royal wives have not been so lucky. Prince Philip was enjoying a game of squash with his private secretary when the then Princess Elizabeth gave birth to their first born, Charles. Buckingham Palace say that as an HRH, the youngster does not require a surname, indeed William and his brother Harry were christened using just their first names. Although just hours old, the baby boy is destined to become a future head of the armed forces, supreme governor of the Church of England and head of the Commonwealth, which covers 54 nations across the world, and subsequently head of state of 16 countries across the globe. But the birth is also a momentous event for the present Queen on a very personal level. More pertinently, it will be time of immeasurable joy for first time parents William and Kate, who have made no secret of their desire to start a family. Shortly after the news was confirmed they were busy conducting a series of high profile engagements in Cambridge. Only in hindsight is it possible to discern the discreet contentment in their bearing. Sadly, however, the Duchess's health was to take a turn for the worse when, on Monday December 3 last year, just six weeks into her pregnancy, she was admitted to hospital suffering from a severe form of pregnancy-related sickness known as hyperemesis gravidarum. She was immediately put on a drip at the King Edward VII Hospital in London to introduce fluids and nutrients into her body and fortunately responded well to treatment, although the couple cancelled several public engagements. But the following weekend she suffered another bout of severe sickness, forcing the cancellation of further long-standing engagements. The couple's choice of the private Lindo wing at St Mary's Hospital is unsurprising, but nevertheless touching given the link with William's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. A team of royal protection officers rushed the mother-to-be in via a rear exit, the same route taken by Princess Diana when she gave birth to William in 1982. By the afternoon there was a large police presence around the hospital as royal fans gathered as they waited for news about the soon-to-be mother and baby. Meanwhile, many more gathered outside Buckingham Palace, where the official announcement of the baby's birth was to be made on an easel to be placed at its gates. Business as usual: The Prince of Wales was relaxed while visiting the National Railway Museum in York yesterday, and told reporters there was 'no news' from the hospital and he would keep to his two-day schedule in Yorkshire Calm: Prince Charles strolls with his hands behind his back as he passes a train named after his son, who later became a father himself His wife Camilla was set to meet him and the two were to visit Bridlington, East Yorkshire. Excitement reached feverish levels outside Buckingham Palace this afternoon when the Queen arrived home from Windsor Castle, where the huge crowd surged dangerously as she was driven through the gates. Scores of people ran towards her vehicle screaming 'the Queen!', while others reached into their pockets to grab their camera phones in an effort to catch Her Majesty's fleeting appearance. Well-wishers from around the globe began gathering outside Buckingham Palace early yesterday, as news of the royal baby's imminent arrival broke. Tourists armed with cameras peered hopefully through the Palace gates on the off-chance of spotting the easel, placed on the forecourt detailing confirmation of the birth. Historic: Met officers guard the rear Mary Stanford entrances, which Kate used to enter the hospital yesterday morning and was the same one used by Princess Diana when she gave birth to Prince William in 1982 Throng: This narrow strip of street outside St Mary's has been cordoned off for the media and the public, who have been patiently waiting for three weeks for the news Gifts: Police take a set of balloons from a woman standing at a barrier outside the hospital as monarchists arrive for the birth Kate and William, who spent the weekend at Kensington Palace, travelled without a police escort and entered the hospital through a rear entrance. Sources told MailOnline that Kate went into labour naturally, and was not induced, adding that things are 'progressing well' for the mother-to-be. William was said to be determined to make it to the delivery suite, following in the footsteps of his own father who broke royal tradition to be with his wife, Diana, Princess of Wales, for the birth of both their children. Inside the hospital providing help, advice and logistical support were the royal couple's most loyal aides: Miguel Head, Prince William's unflappable private secretary, and his young colleague Rebecca Deacon, who works as private secretary to the Duchess. Both are as close to the Duke and Duchess as any member of Royal Household staff can be and are trusted implicitly. Two of the couple's small press team - press secretary Ed Perkins and his assistant Nick Loughran - were also on permanent standby at the hospital, flitting between the Lindo Wing and the hundreds of photographers, journalists and camera crews waiting outside. Lastly, the couple's team of Scotland Yard bodyguards were never far away. Indeed, the couple's police protection officers, who were photographed ushering them safely into hospital, would have been among the first to know that the Duchess was in labour. Palace officials chose to make the announcement that Kate was in hospital public in an attempt to balance her "dignity" with the fact that social media makes it almost impossible to keep her baby's imminent arrival a secret. The couple chose not to know the sex of their baby, bucking the trend of 75 per cent of British parents who now choose to discover the gender of their child. As soon as the baby was born, a proclamation signed by the doctors who delivered the boy or girl was to be be rushed from the ward. Prime Minister David Cameron said it was a 'very exciting occasion' and whole country is 'hoping for the best'. Kate's controversial uncle Gary Goldsmith was the first member of her family to speak out after she went into labour. He wrote on Twitter: 'Woke up to Thunder this morning but not a drop of rain? It was also hoped that William will make a short statement on the steps of the hospital after the good news has been declared - as will the Middletons. Palace sources had also made clear the birth would not not be made public until the Queen and senior members of the royal family have been informed. The Middletons, in the unlikely event that were not able to make it to the the hospital, were also to be informed of the birth in advance. The procedure was to avoid announcing the birth on Twitter. The timing of the baby's birth would dictate whether the baby is an emotional Cancer or fiery Leo, astrologers say. If the child was born before 4.54 yesterday, it would be a Cancerian, like its father Prince William and grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales. But if the baby came later, astrologers say it will be Leo, like its great-grandmother Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon. The boy is a Cancerian. July 22, 4.24pm: The Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to a son weighing a healthy 8lb 6oz, but the news is kept secret to allow the new family a chance for 'quality time' July 22, 8.29pm: The world's media is alerted to the birth of the Royal baby four hours earlier via a press release sent from Kensington Palace July 22, 8.47pm: A Royal close-protection officer arrives at St Mary's hospital with two takeaway pizzas, presumably for the Royal couple