Queen MISSES royal baby arrival: Monarch NOT in London as Kate gives birth to a baby boy
THE Queen has missed the arrival of the royal baby as she is out of London as Kate gave birth to a baby boy in Lindo Wing, at St Mary’s Hospital at 11.01am today.
Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to a baby boy
A baby boy was born at 11.01am this morning, and the Queen missed the royal baby’s birth, spending time in her Windsor home instead.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman confirmed to Express.co.uk Her Majesty is still in Windsor Castle, where she marked the official start of the London Marathon on Sunday.
And Express.co.uk has seen the monarch has been horse riding in the grounds as the world's eyes were focussed on the doors of the Lindo Wing awaiting a first glimpse of the third royal baby.
The spokeswoman also refused to comment on whether the Queen would visit Kate and the royal baby in the Lindo Wing but it appears unlikely as Her Majesty visited Kate and William’s other children Prince George and Princess Charlotte after the proud parents had returned to Kensington Palace.
The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth and Kate and the royal baby “are both doing well”.
The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have all been informed and are delighted with the news.
Buckingham Palace has officially confirmed the birth of the Kate’s baby boy with a bulletin announcing the royal birth on display outside the Queen’s London residence.
The practice of posting a bulletin outside the Palace is an age-old tradition that has occurred since it became the monarchy's London residence in 1837.
Earlier the Palace in a statement said: ”Following the announcement of the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's third baby, as is tradition, the framed notice of birth will go on display on a ceremonial easel on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace," the palace said.
"The framed bulletin will brought out of the Privy Purse Door and carried across the forecourt, to be placed on the easel."
Prince George and Princess Charlotte later arrived to visit their new baby brother at the Lindo Wing.
The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London earlier this morning in the early stages of labour
Princess Charlotte gave the crowds an adorable wave as she totted up the steps to the hospital.
Prince George appeared slightly shyer as the third in line to throne, still dressed in his school uniform, kept his eyes downcast.
Following the announcement of a royal baby boy, bookies have slashed the odds on the baby being named Prince Arthur or Prince James.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: "It's wonderful to hear that Mum and Baby are happy and healthy. Attention now turns to the name of the new Prince and punters reckon the baby will be called Arthur or James."
Other name favourites include Albert, Philip, Alexander, Thomas, Frederick, Henry and Alfred – however, Kensington Palace is not expected to announce the baby's name for several days, as was the case with Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
It is understood Kate was taken to the Lindo Wing with the Duke of Cambridge before 6am.
Kensington Palace tweeted: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London earlier this morning 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.”
Kate is being cared for by consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston and Alan Farthing, the Queen's surgeon-gynaecologist – both were part of the trusted team who delivered Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
Highly-trained midwives were also be on hand, while experts will be waiting in the wings in case of an emergency. For her previous births, Kate had a 23-strong team of top medics working or on standby.
Kate's labour coincides with St George's Day and if the royal baby is born by the end of the day, as expected, the little one will share their birthday with the patron saint of England.
St George is heralded for his honour, bravery and gallantry. Surrounded by myth, one legend tells of St George's defeat of a dragon.
The royal baby share his birthday with Lady Gabriella Windsor - the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, who was also born at the Lindo Wing on April 23, 1981.