The wait is finally over. It's a prince! Shortly after 4:24 pm local time, Duchess Kate gave birth on Monday to a baby boy, weighing in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces. The palace revealed the news via press release at 8 p.m. local time.
Here's the timeline of royal baby activity and what will happen next:
- The official birth announcement was carried from the hospital through the streets of London to Buckingham Palace by the press secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Ed Perkins. The two-mile ride was be broadcast live from a helicopter.
- The declaration was displayed on a golden easel behind the palace gates. Prince William's birth in 1982 was announced on the same easel.
- There will be a 41-gun salute in London Street Park and 62 cannon blasts from the Tower of London.
- Finally, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will appear on the steps of St. Mary's Hospital with their new bundle of joy.
Kensington Palace will send tweets with more information, but don't count on finding out the name — that could take weeks. Prince Charles and Princess Diana took a week to announce William's name.
Slideshow 20 photos
Toddlers in tiaras: Royals and their babies
Kate and Will brought their first child into the world on July 22, but they aren't the first royals to welcome a bundle of (titled) joy. Click through to check out other mini-majesties and their proud parents.