What a beautiful baby says doting grandma

The Duchess of Cambridge's parents Carole and Michael Middleton leave the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, after meeting their new grandson.

Carole and Michael Middleton spent just over an hour with their daughter Kate and son-in-law William, and a smiling Mrs Middleton, speaking about mother and baby, said: “They are both doing really well, and we are so thrilled.”

When asked by the world’s media, who are camped outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London, how the proud parents were doing, she replied: “Fabulously.”

Asked what the first cuddle with her grandson was like, Mrs Middleton, who had been ushered forward by her husband to speak to the press, said: “Amazing, It’s all coming back.”

But when asked if she had suggested a name for the baby, she said: “Absolutely not, but thank you.”

It was the first visit the royal couple have received since the newborn was delivered yesterday at 4.24pm, weighing 8lb 6oz.

The Duke and Duchess earlier thanked the hospital staff who delivered their baby, describing the care they and their son received as “tremendous”.

The royal couple said in a statement: “We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received.

An easel stands in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London to announce the birth of a baby boy, at 4.24pm to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

“We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time.”

A Kensington Palace spokesman gave an update about the Duke and Duchess and their new son: “Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning.”

It is still not known when William and Kate and their baby will leave hospital. Their departure could be this evening - though it will not be before 6pm - or possibly tomorrow.

The Prince of Wales gave his reaction to the birth earlier, saying he was ‘’thrilled and very excited’’ about his first grandchild.

Hospital staff come out to see the assembled media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London

His wife the Duchess of Cornwall praised Charles when they visited the village of Bugthorpe in East Yorkshire, saying he would make a “brilliant” grandfather.

“I think it’s wonderful news. I think mother, son and father are all well,” she told the BBC.

“And I think it’s a wonderfully uplifting moment for the country.

“It’s very exciting and it’s wonderful for the grandfather - he’s brilliant with children.”

William and Kate stayed overnight at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington following the birth and could spend a second night at the Lindo Wing if advised to do so by their medical team.

They have yet to announce the name of their son and it could be several days before the nation knows what the baby will be called.

The Duke and Duchess said last night they “could not be happier” following the birth of their son.