By Rebecca English and Jennifer Smith and Stephanie Linning and Gemma Mullin for MailOnline
The Duke
and Duchess of Cambridge have taken their new baby daughter home just 12
hours after arriving at hospital and ten hours after giving birth.
The
couple emerged on the steps outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's
Hospital shortly after 6pm and the world was given a brief glimpse of
the new princess, who was wrapped in a white blanket.
The
newest royal, whose name is yet to be announced, was born at 8.34am
today weighing 8lbs and 3oz - less than three hours after the Duchess
was admitted to hospital.
Prince
George was taken to the Lindo Wing to meet his newborn sister, offering a
timid wave to the gathered crowds from the hospital steps, at around
4pm this afternoon.
The
21-month-old was driven from the family home at Kensington Palace to St
Mary's Hospital by his father, Prince William, and stayed for about an
hour before he was taken back home for his bath and tea with his nanny.
Both
mother and her newborn daughter were said to have been 'doing well'
when the news came shortly after 11am today. The baby, whose name is not
yet known, will be known as Her Royal Highness Princess of Cambridge.
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.
Prince Charles held a toddling William's hand as they walked up the Lindo Wing steps where Diana gave birth.
The
announcement came by way of a statement released by Kensington Palace
shortly after 11am. 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 this afternoon
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 this
morning 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.'
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