Excitement in sleepy village where Duchess grew up

John Haley, owner of the Old Boot Inn near the Duchess’s parents’ home in Bucklebury, Berkshire, said: “It’s just amazing news. When we heard the announcement it was a boy, the place just exploded.”

Mr Haley, who attended the royal wedding in 2011, added: “We are all having a massive party, it’s a great atmosphere and it’s all kicked off. It’s great that Kate and her son are doing well.”

The Duchess’s former music teacher Daniel Nicholls, who taught her piano from 11 to 14 and who still lives near Bucklebury, said: “It’s absolutely amazing news. I think they are going to be wonderful parents.

“I believe they are going to come here to the village with the child and I know that Kate’s parents Michael and Carole will be a great support. Is he too young to start learning the piano? Maybe in the future...”

Hash Shingadia, who runs Peaches Stores in Upper Bucklebury, said: “The baby was born healthy, which is what everyone wanted. The village has been waiting in anticipation now for a week or more for news so to hear it means everyone here is overjoyed.”

The international media, from as far afield as America and Australia, have been camped out in the village for the last few days while the “Kate Wait” carried on until last night’s announcement.