The Royal Baby Is Here! Kate Middleton Gives Birth To A Healthy Baby Boy!

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are at parents at last! Yes it's been a long week for everyone (Kate Middleton more than others of course), but after being over-due for a number of days and spending an arduous, almost day-long struggle in labour, Kate and William are parents at last.

Congratulations to the new parents

The official word from the palace is that Kate has indeed given birth to a healthy boy, with the child arriving at 4.24 pm GMT and weighing 8lb 6oz. A statement form the palace states that the Duchess and her child are "doing well" and will be staying in hospital overnight before returning to the royal residence.

This means that the next three monarch of the United Kingdom will all be male, with Prince Charles - William's father - the next in line for the throne, followed by William and then the little one. Had the Duchess given birth to a girl, she would have automatically ascended to the throne anyway after Queen Elizabeth II's 2011 altercation to Commonwealth law spelt a change to succession laws in order to make them more equal. The new rules imposed by the reigning monarch and approved of unanimously by 16 Commonwealth nations reversed 300 years of tradition, custom and law, and means that the first born of any future monarch will automatically become the first in line for the throne, regardless of gender. The new legislation also repelled the law that no future monarch could marry a Catholic, a rule that was as archaic as the males first rule.

No word on a name yet

On a less serious note than succession, betting outlets across the globe are betting George as a possible name for the child, with James or Henry as possible alternatives. In terms of where this would sit with future monarchs, it would be George VII, James III or Henry IX. Strangely enough names like, Blue Ivy and North are nowhere to be seen on the bookmaker's assumptions (with the Windsor surname, Castle would make a good novelty name, if Kate and Wills are willing to take that route).

Catherine and William arrived by car, flanked by police escorts, at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, at around 6 am GMT on Friday (July 19) and it was reported on Monday (July 22) that Kate had gone into labour. The couple had kept the sex of their child a secret until the big day and we're sure they're just as happy with the outcome as we are.

Congratulations to Catherine and William and their new child, and to the future King of the United Kingdom. We look forward to watching you grow up!

Kate gave birth this afternoon

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Kate Middleton, Jessica Simpson and More Best Baby Bumps of 2013

by Nicole Adlman Fri., Jul. 19, 2013 2:45 PM PDT

Getty Images, AKM-GSI

It's been a busy pregnancy season for Hollywood celebrities and British royalty alike!

With some celebs set to give birth in coming weeks (or days—we're looking at you Royal Baby) or already with a new bundle of joy at home, we're looking back at some of the best-dressed baby bumps of 2013.

The royal baby is reportedly two or three days late now, with suspicions of an arrival this weekend mounting now that Kate Middleton has left her family's estate in Bucklebury, where she's been resting over the last week. One way to pass the time as we wait is to look back on the Duchess of Cambridge's royal pregnancy style, which consisted of fitted coats in pastel colors, airy dresses and platform-adorned heels.

PHOTOS: Royal baby media frenzy

Jessica Simpson, who gave birth to son Ace Knute Johnson on June 30, continued to wear clingy maxis even as her belly popped in the later months of her pregnancy. The stylish mom-of-two favored long skirts and leggings, with some standout mini-dresses in the mix for show appearances.

Channing Tatum's leading lady, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, gave birth to daughter Everly at the end of May, and her body has already rebounded. The actress was seen out during her pregnancy in loose maxi dresses and comfy jeans—but looked beautiful in gowns during award show season, wearing a black lace Rachel Roy frock to this year's Oscars.

NEWS: New mom Jenna Dewan-Tatum returns to work

Abaca USA/AKM-GSI

Fergie is due to give birth to a baby boy in September, as hubby Josh Duhamel revealed on a recent episode of Live! With Kelly and Michael. The mom-to-be keeps it sexy and comfortable in stretch-friendly jersey dresses, tailored blazers, and her signature high heels.

Newly married mom Halle Berry is also expecting her second child, a boy, this fall with husband Olivier Martinez (the pair wed in France on July 13). The actress has been no stranger to red carpets over the course of her pregnancy, showing up to film premieres in form-fitting gowns that showcased her svelte figure and growing bump.

Other adorably dressed bumps this year include Busy Philipps (daughter Cricket was born on July 2), along with E!'s own Kim Kardashian (who welcomed baby North West on June 15) and Kristina Guerrero, who gave birth to baby boy Mateo yesterday afternoon.

Who do you think had the best dressed baby bump of 2013? Sound off in the comments.

PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's pregnancy style

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New Royal Baby Name Odds: What Are the Chances Kate Middleton Will Name Her Son Barack? Find Out!

Splash News

The betting odds for royal baby names just got a little more exciting.

Since the announcement of Kate Middleton's pregnancy in December, royal bookies began to place bets on the gender and name of the future prince or princess, and even as we get down to the final days, the odds continue to change.

According to the National Post, Alexandra was the solid favorite for a girl at the betting houses, along with James or George for a boy, which is not something new.

However, there were a few interesting names thrown into the mix.

PHOTOS: See the best and craziest royal baby memorabilia

Along with the usual monikers that have been thrown around—Diana, Elizabeth, Alice, Mary, Charles and Philip—the betting houses also listed Adam and Eve, Basil and even Barack and Elvis!

But before you get excited and put down some moolah on the latter choices, you should probably know that the chance of Prince William and Kate naming their royal child Barack or Elvis are slim to none.

According to the report, Barack was at 200-1 while the King of Rock n' Roll was pegged as a 500-1 long shot.

PHOTO: Kate stuns at final pre-baby public appearance

As of earlier this week, royal bookies narrowed down their top picks of royal baby names to Alexandra, Charlotte, Elizabeth, George, James, Victoria, Diana, Isabella, Alice, Mary, Eleanor, Grace, Phillip, Alexander, Anne, Catherine/Kate, Charles, Frances, Louis, Alfred and Arthur.

"Nobody knows what William and Kate are calling their baby or even if they have decided on a name," a royal source previously told E! News. "They are being very careful to keep everything to themselves. The duke and duchess are taking their privacy very seriously. They are not speaking to anyone about these private matters."

No pressure, but a lot of newborns' names are riding on this.

PHOTOS: Check out Kate's royal baby bump!

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Royal Baby Frenzy at St. Mary's for Nothing? Kate Middleton Could End Up Giving Birth Somewhere Else!

LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Image

The world may need to make a detour.

Media, passers-by and practically anyone else you can think of have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of Kate Middleton and Prince William's little prince or princess at St. Mary's hospital in London, but maybe that's not where the Duchess of Cambridge is going to give birth.

Gasp!

PHOTO: Kate stuns at final pre-baby public appearance

As previously reported, Kate has moved from lying low in Nottingham Cottage in London and relocated to her parents' home in Bucklebury to spend some time with her family before the baby's birth. However, Kate's parents' home is about 53 miles away from St. Mary's in London—the hospital where she is due to deliver.

Considering the fact that her due date has already passed—which means it can seriously be any day now—it seems a little risky to be so far from the famous Lindo Wing at St. Mary's.

With that said, the new royal may be welcomed at a hospital in Reading, a half hour away from Kate's parents' home.

LOOK: Check out Kate Middleton's birthing suite

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Royal Berkshire Hospital, in the center of Reading, delivers almost 6,000 babies per year, and offers women the choice of giving birth on the labor ward or in the Rushey midwife-led birth center, which has four rooms themed on the four seasons, according to The Telegraph.

Earlier reports stated that aides have planned to take the duchess to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading or a hospital in Bangor, near to their home on the Isle of Anglesey, if she goes into labor early or if there is a medical emergency. But if she is at Bucklebury and there is time, they are expected to take her into London to the Lindo Wing.

A palace source tells The Telegraph, "It is still a possibility that she could give birth there, though that would only be in extremis, as the expectation is that she will go to St Mary's."

PHOTOS: Check out these Kate Middleton pregnancy pics

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Prince William Buys Teddy Bear for Kate Middleton and Their Royal Baby Boy: See the Adorable Gift!

Chris Jackson/Getty Images; Harrods

Heads of state and foreign governments haven't been the only ones buying up gifts for the royal baby, who was finally born this afternoon.

It turns out that Prince William purchased a teddy bear from famed London department store Harrods a few weeks ago as a surprise for wife Kate Middleton, a source exclusively confirms to E! News.

He then gave her the bear shortly after she gave birth. And this isn't just any bear...

PHOTOS: Royal baby twitpics from London

It's Harrods' annual bear!

We don't know the new prince's name yet, but this little guy is named Charles Stephens.

Though he's missing pants, the otherwise-dapper stuffed animal comes clad in a pin-striped vest and white dress shirt with a red tie and pocket square. He's both fit for the royal nursery and to go work at the local stock exchange!

Forgive us the presumption, but the only thing cuter may end up being the royal baby himself.

PHOTOS: Kate Middleton pregnant—remembering the royal baby bump!

Harrods

Meanwhile, the royal baby gifts continue to arrive from all corners.

English Premier League football club Aston Villa sent Kate and Will's firstborn son his own kit, including a pint-size jersey with "HRH 1" on the back.

And it turns out that Villa is carrying on a royal family tradition: According to the team's website, the club also sent Prince William—a big fan since his Eton days—a gift package for his 21st birthday. The Duke of Cambridge was also spotted wearing Villa socks in Decemeber 2011 while kicking around a soccer ball with pals.

shop.avfc.co.uk

About 10 1/2 hours after his mum and dad arrived at St. Mary's Hospital in London, his wee Royal Highness was born at 4:24 p.m. (British Summer Time), weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces. 

"We could not be happier," William said in a statement today.

PHOTOS: More royal baby memorabilia

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Royal Baby Watch: Will Prince William and Kate Middleton Name Their Tot Hyancinthe or Theophilus?

by Brandi Fowler Fri., Jul. 19, 2013 3:36 PM PDT

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Before Kate Middleton delivers the royal baby, there might be some clues on what she and Prince William will name it.

At least, that's what researchers at family history website Ancestry.co.uk are betting on. 

NEWS: 7 reasons why you should care about Kate Middleton and Prince William's baby!

The site's researchers delved into the names of the couple's ancestors, looking for a moniker we might hear when the royal baby delivery news is finally announced, according to the UK's Daily Mirror.

On the more "exotic" end of the spectrum, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge could name their baby Hyancinthe or Theophilus after one of their ancestors.

Or, they could stick with a more common name like Elizabeth and John—both of which are the most popular names in both of their respective family trees.

While it's still up in the air as to when Middleton will give birth to the royal baby, Middleton and Prince William did leave her family's home in Bucklebury earlier today, and it's expected they will head back to London. 

NEWS: Prince William and Kate Middleton leave Bucklebury, head to London

ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

Which could be the first sign that the royal baby will be on its way sometime soon.

Although initial reports claimed the baby was due July 13 or 14, the U.K.'s Telegraph reported that the duches is due today, and that hospital staffers were told to be on standby for Middleton's delivery as early as a month beforehand.

And this isn't called the Great Kate Wait for nothing.

Even Queen Elizabeth II is in limbo over the baby news, saying recently, "I would very much like [the baby] to arrive because I'm going on holiday."

NEWS: Bugaboo Strollers and more items expected to sell out when the royal baby arrives

The Queen is expected to start her summer vacation in Scotland next week.

And perhaps she'll get her wish.

Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, told well-wishers Monday that the family expects Middleton to give birth "by the end of the week."

"We are all just waiting by the telephone," she added. "We are hopeful that by the end of the week he or she will be here." 

PHOTOS: Royal baby media frenzy

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Kate Middleton "Will Cope Quite Well" After Royal Baby Is Born, Says Schoolmate

by Natalie Finn Tue., Jul. 16, 2013 4:07 PM PDT

Count pretty much everyone who has ever met Kate Middleton among those who think she is going to handle all of the pressures that come with being mother to the future king or queen of England just fine.

"I think that Kate will cope quite well," Kingsley Glover, a former schoolmate of Kate's who knew the future Duchess of Cambridge from the ages of 5 to 12, told E! News in the royal's home village of Bucklebury in West Berkshire, England.

"Certainly she's had a lot of experience now in dealing with some of the media sensation and things that go on," Glover continued. "So I think she'll cope very, very well. I just hope that she can be sort of left alone, really, after...to raise the baby for a while—and, well, I hope that's what happens!"

PHOTOS: Kate Middleton's royal baby bump

Well, perhaps after the baby arrives (and we all get a glimpse of his or her precious royal face) the media will take a holiday.

But in the meantime, the United Kingdom and beyond are gearing up to party like it's 1982 (when Prince William was born) when they get word that Kate has given birth.

About the mum-to-be herself, Glover said, "I always thought she was kind of shy, really...She certainly was very, very sporty."

And she had talent!

PHOTO: Prince William plays polo as Kate's due date comes and goes

Press Association via AP Images

"I knew her more through the choir and through some of the drama things we used to do as well," Glover said of then-tweenage Kate. "She had a very good singing voice and we used to go off all round to restaurants and services in the local church...So she was very much into singing and sports and I seem to remember her being fairly academic as well!"

With the whole world rallying around such a positive bit of news, we can't help but be relieved Kate didn't take the other William up on his proposal!

"There was a school performance where I believe a chap called William did propose to her!" Glover recalled, laughing, when asked if he had ever met Kate's husband. "But no, I met that William, not Prince William."

VOTE: What do you think the royal baby's name will be?!

With her reported due date come and gone, Kate is bound to give birth any day now.

Prince William, perhaps sensing he should stick close to home, canceled on an outing with his mates Monday night, and his stepmother, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is "hopeful" that Prince Charles' first grandbaby will show up by the end of this week.

Make sure to tune in to E! after the royal baby's birth for A Royal Family: An E! News Special.

PHOTOS: Kate & Will's best moments

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Royal Baby Watch: Find Out Where Kate Middleton, Prince William & the Rest of the Family Are Ahead of the Royal Birth

by Bruna Nessif Tue., Jul. 16, 2013 5:30 PM PDT

Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Tick, tock, tick, tock...

We're not the only ones awaiting the (now later than anticipated) arrival of the royal baby—Kate Middleton, Prince William and the rest of the royal family are also joining in on the waiting game.

But where and how are they passing the time?

PHOTO: Prince William plays polo in the midst of royal baby watch

The soon-to-be "brilliant" mother, who was laying low at Nottingham Cottage in London, recently relocated to her parents' home in Bucklebury to spend some time with her family before the baby's birth. Kate's parents' home is about 53 miles away from St. Mary's in London—the hospital where she is due to deliver.

Meanwhile, Wills is preparing to hop on a helicopter to be by his wife's bedside. In fact, a source told E! News exclusively that the daddy-to-be canceled Monday night plans with his guy friends just in case Middleton went into labor during that time.

His backing out of plans with the boys is "unexpected," adds a source, so he might be on to something (or just having pre-parental anxiety!) about when the royal baby is planning to make his or her debut.

PHOTOS: St. Mary's Hospital beefs up security for royal baby

Meanwhile, Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, were spotted at the Little Harbour children's hospice at Porthpean, near St. Austell, Cornwall, yesterday, for their annual "Cornwall Week," which includes meeting locals and highlighting the work of worthy causes.

During their visit, the Duchess of Cornwall let it slip that she expects Kate to give birth "by the end of the week."

"We are all just waiting by the telephone," Camilla said in an impromptu speech. "We are hopeful that by the end of the week he or she will be here."

PHOTOS: Kate & William's own baby pics

LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth has been keeping busy by counting swans (no, seriously).

Her Majesty is currently performing the annual tradition of Swan Upping, where she literally counts all of her mute swans.

Lastly, there's the hunky uncle-to-be Prince Harry, who has been pretty MIA throughout the waiting game, however his doppelgänger made a surprise appearance outside the Lindo Wing this morning. His lookalike arrived decked out in full military regalia, alongside a giant bear who sported a Union Jack scarf and crown.

Sweet of him to provide some entertainment during this time, don't ya think?

Make sure to tune in to E! after the royal baby's birth for A Royal Family: An E! News Special

PHOTOS: Royally pregnant Kate Middleton

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