Britain's Prince William and Kate return home with newborn son    

LONDON - AFP

Britain's Prince William accompanied his wife Kate as she left hospital on April 23 evening after giving birth to a baby boy, the couple's third child who is fifth in line to the British throne.

The boy was born at 11:01 am with William, the Duke of Cambridge, present for the birth, Kensington Palace announced.

"The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their son will travel home to Kensington Palace," it said. "Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank all staff at the hospital for the care and treatment they have received. They would also like to thank everyone for their warm wishes," the palace added in a statement.

The couple stepped out of St. Mary's Hospital in central London around 6 p.m. to cheers from a crowd of supporters and global media outlets gathered outside.

Their two other children, Prince George, aged four, and two-year-old Princess Charlotte, had met the latest addition to the family earlier in the afternoon, before returning home to Kensington Palace ahead of their parents.

Queen Elizabeth II, William's father Prince Charles, and his brother Prince Harry were said to be delighted with the news.

Prime Minister Theresa May led the messages of support saying: "My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy.

"I wish them great happiness for the future."          

Kate, 36, was admitted early April 23 to St. Mary's private Lindo Wing, where she had given birth to George and Charlotte.