Prince William and Kate Middleton have welcomed their third child, a baby boy, and he’s already receiving royal fanfare.
Kensington Palace announced that Kate had given birth on Monday, after she was admitted to the hospital earlier that morning.
“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 11:01 hours,” the statement said. “The baby weighs 8lbs., 7oz. 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,” the statement continued. “Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”
The newborn was greeted on social media by everyone from British Prime Minister Theresa May to the London Eye.
“My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy,” wrote May on Twitter. “I wish them great happiness for the future.”
The London Eye announced that it would light up in red, white and blue to honor the arrival of Prince George and Princess Charlotte‘s younger sibling.
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The University of St. Andrews shared their congratulations to the proud parents, who are alumni of the school, with a throwback photo of the duo.
“Baby joy for Fife graduates – #congrats to Catherine Middleton, art history Class of 2005 & William Wales, geography Class of 2005, on the birth of their 3rd child,” read the caption.
The Church of England and the Archbishop of Canterbury also welcomed the newborn with a special prayer and blessings. Westminster Abbey announced that bell ringers will “ring a full peal of Cambridge Surprise Royal,” at 1 p.m. Tuesday in celebration of the birth.
Kate Middleton and Prince William
BRITTA PEDERSEN/AFP/Getty
Clarence House, the residence of William’s father Prince Charles and Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, retweeted Kensington Palace’s news.
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For the first time in history, a female royal’s spot in line to the throne won’t be bumped by the arrival of a younger brother. Thanks to the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, birth order determines who will become the next king or queen of the U.K., regardless of gender. Had it not been in place, Charlotte would have lost her spot if Kate had given birth to a boy.
The royal baby remains fifth in line of succession after Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George and Princess Charlotte.
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