Royal Baby: Prince Charles leads wellwishers congratulating Prince William and Kate on birth of baby boy British Prime Minister David Cameron congratulated Prince William and his wife Kate on the birth of their baby boy, calling it "an important moment in the life of our nation." BRITAIN'S Prince Charles has led well-wishers from around the globe sending their congratulations on the birth of the royal baby, his new grandson. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, gave birth to a baby boy at 4.24pm local time (1.24am AEST) at St Mary's Hospital in London. Prince William was by her side for the birth. Prince Charles released a statement revealing his delight at becoming a grandfather. He said both he and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, are overjoyed at the arrival of his first grandchild. Kate and William welcome little prince Prince Charles said it was an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and they're thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy. He said he had been told grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone's life, so he was enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future. UK Prime Minister David Cameron said the birth would be celebrated across the UK and the Commonwealth, declaring the new prince's arrival "an important moment in the life of our nation." Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, he said: "It is wonderful news from St Mary's, Paddington and I am sure that right across the country, and indeed right across the Commonwealth, people will be celebrating and wishing the royal couple well. It is an important moment in the life of our nation but, I suppose, above all it is a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy. He said it had been a remarkable few years for the royal family, with a royal wedding, a magnificent jubilee and now a royal birth. He said the proud nation would be celebrating with the happy couple. Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby was one of the first to speak of his joy on Twitter. Delighted for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they welcome their baby boy. May God bless them all with love, health and happiness," he said. Labour Leader Ed Miliband added: "Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I wish them and their son all happiness and good health. Even former Spice Girl Emma Bunton expressed her excitement - echoing a sentiment felt among the hordes gathered outside Buckingham Palace. It's a boy "Special times ahead for Kate and William," she said. Governor-General Quentin Bryce has sent Australia's heartfelt congratulations to the royal family on the birth of the new prince. "The birth of a baby is an experience to celebrate and cherish," Ms Bryce said in a statement. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd sent his congratulations on the birth. "On behalf of all Australians, Therese and I extend our warmest regards to the new parents, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge," he said in a statement. Prince William holds a special place in the hearts of many Australians. Some of us remember his first visit to this country as a 9 month old baby more than 30 years ago with his mother Diana and father Charles. In more recent times, Prince William demonstrated deep compassion when he met with families in Victoria who had lost everything during the Black Saturday bushfires of February 2009. We share in the joy of the Royal Family, particularly Prince Charles on the birth of his grandson and Queen Elizabeth II on the birth of her great grandchild. Opposition Leader Tony Abbott said he and wife Margie extended their best wishes to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. "This would be the happiest day in their lives and all Australians share their joy," he said in a statement. While there will come a time to contemplate the constitutional duties that await the young Prince, today we simply welcome a baby boy into the world and share the joy of this young family. I am sure that over the course of his life, the Prince will, like the rest of his family, develop a deep affection for our country, as we already have for him. US President Barack Obama sent their congratulations on the arrival of the future king. Michelle and I are so pleased to congratulate The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the joyous occasion of the birth of their first child. We wish them all the happiness and blessings parenthood brings," the statement read. The child enters the world at a time of promise and opportunity for our two nations.