World leaders welcome royal arrival

The world’s media remained camped outside St Mary’s Hospital in London, hopeful of a sighting of the newborn, as the news continued to dominate the headlines.

After yesterday’s announcement, the historic arrival was said to have been mentioned more than two million times on Twitter, while newspaper websites across the world brought the royal birth to the top of their home pages.

US president Barack Obama and wife Michelle sent their congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge last night, saying: “We wish them all the happiness and blessings parenthood brings.

“The child enters the world at a time of promise and opportunity for our two nations. Given the special relationship between us, the American people are pleased to join with the people of the United Kingdom as they celebrate the birth of the young prince.”

Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd wished the “royal bub” all the best on behalf of all Australians.

“This is a day of great joy,” he said. “When a new bub comes into the world, any old day, any part of the world, it is frankly a time for rejoicing.

“To Prince Charles and Camilla, they have the delight of being grandparents, all I can say is, this is probably one of the best experiences of your life and I’m sure they’re going to have a wonderful time with the royal baby.

“And to Her Majesty the Queen and to the Duke of Edinburgh, the special delight of a great-grandchild.

“So on behalf of all Australians we wish the family all the best at this wonderful time of celebration.”

Stephen Harper, prime minister of Canada - where William and Kate carried out their first Royal tour together - said Canadians were “delighted” to learn of the birth of their son and sent “heartfelt congratulations”.

“The arrival of the newest member of the royal family, a future sovereign of Canada, is a highly anticipated moment for Canadians given the special and warm relationship that we share with our royal family.

“This new beginning reminds us of the remarkable and enduring relationship our country has enjoyed with generations of the royal family.

“We recall with fondness the years of unfailing service by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and their deep affection for and loyalty to this country.

“We also recall the royal tour by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who were so warmly received in Canada only two years ago. We look forward to their return to Canada and to being able to introduce their child to Canada and all Canadians.

“Laureen and I send our best wishes of health and happiness to the new parents as they embark on this exciting chapter in their lives.”

The Royal Canadian Mint also announced that it will issue special commemorative coins to mark the historic occasion.

President and chief executive Ian Bennett said: “On behalf of all employees at the Royal Canadian Mint, I am honoured to convey our warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess on welcoming their first child.

“The mint has a proud tradition of celebrating milestones of Canada’s royal family and I am pleased to announce that we will issue special commemorative coins to mark this very special and historic occasion.”

New Zealand’s prime minister John Key said the nation’s official gift to the royal couple is a hand-spun, hand-knitted fine lace shawl, similar to the one given when Prince William was born, and there will be a 21-gun salute fired from Point Jerningham, Wellington, today to mark the occasion.

“This is wonderful news for Prince William and Catherine,” he said.

“The birth of a child is a time of great joy and excitement, and I know they will make excellent parents.”

He added: “New Zealanders remember with fondness the visit of Prince William when he was just a toddler, playing on the lawn of Government House with a Buzzy Bee. It would be a great pleasure to welcome Prince William’s son to New Zealand as well.

“On behalf of the people of New Zealand, I wish Prince William, Catherine and the royal family all the very best.”