By Jessica Rowe

BEIJING, July 23 (Xinhuanet) -- Prince William’s wife, Kate Middleton, has given birth to a baby boy who is now third in line to the British throne. The royal family announced that the heir was born at about half-past-four p.m. local time and weighs 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Although there is no immediate word about the child’s name, he has become the most eye-catching icon in the country.

It’s a significant day for Britain.

Kate, and William, both aged 31, welcomed their first child.

On Monday morning, Kate was admitted to hospital in the early stages of labour - hours later, the royal baby was born.

Prime Minister David Cameron said he was delighted upon hearing the news... And "a proud nation" will be celebrating his birth.

"It is an important moment in the life of our nation, but, I suppose, above all it is a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy. It has been a remarkable few years for our royal family, a royal wedding that captured people’s hearts, that extraordinary and magnificent Jubilee and now this royal birth, all from a family that have given this nation so much incredible service, and they can know that a proud nation is celebrating with a very proud and happy couple tonight," David Cameron said.

The birth comes nearly one week after the baby was due. Fans of the Royal family came from all over the world to show their support and celebrate the birth.

A 70-year-old grandpa came from Cambridgeshire, where Kate became "Princess". He has waited for more than two weeks for this moment.

"I hope everything will be OK. Mother and child are both doing well," said Taree Hart, a royal family fan.

People also gathered outside the St. Mary’s Hospital to give their best wishes to the boy and his mother.

"I think it’s very exciting. A boy will be great for Great Britain. I think it’s very exciting for Will and Kate. I can’t wait to hear the name," royal family fan Sherry Fink said.

"I’m excited, I’m very happy and I hope mum and baby are doing really well and I’m so happy for her and I wish them all the best of luck,” another royal family fan Shaza Elmusharaf said.

The royal birth has attracted media from around the world, crowds of journalists are gathered outside Buckingham Palace and the hospital, patiently waiting for the Palace to announce the name of the third in line to the throne.

(Source: CNTV.cn)