Congratulations are flooding in from around the globe after the birth of a son to Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
Prince William's wife, Catherine, has given birth to a baby boy, who becomes third in line to the British throne.
Leaders from the United States, Australia and New Zealand have been some of the first to publicly congratulate the new parents, as baby fever overcomes the international media.
Abby Dinham reports.
"Oyez, oyez! On this day the 22nd of July 2013 it is my humble duty to announce a future King. May he be long-lived, happy and glorious and one day reign over us! God save the Queen!."
Prince William and Catherine's son will be known as the Prince of Cambridge - the first Prince of Cambridge born for more than 190 years.
Weighing in at about 3.8 kilograms - 8 pounds and 6 ounces in imperial measures - the baby is the Queen's third great-grandchild and his arrival coincides with the 60th anniversary of her coronation.
His Royal Highness was born at about 4:30pm local time in St Mary's Hospital in London - the same hospital where Prince William was born just over 31 years ago.
The Prince, who was said to be present through the labour and birth, issued a statement following his son's arrival, stating "We could not be happier."
First-time grandfather Prince Charles also issued a memo to the throng of media crowded outside Buckingham Palace, read to the public by B-B-C reporters.
"Both I and my wife are over joyed at the arrival of my first grandchild, it is an incredibly special moment for both William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy."
Following tradition, a formal bulletin confirming that the Duchess of Cambridge had given birth to a baby boy has been posted on an easel at Buckingham Palace.
But the new parents chose to ignore several other traditions associated with the birthing of royal babies which include giving birth at home, and delivering in presence of government officials to ensure the authenticity of the heir.
Britain's Prime Minister, David Cameron, declared the birth an important moment in the life of the British nation.
"It's been a remarkable few years for our royal family. A royal wedding that captured people's hearts and the extraordinary and magnificent jubilee and now this royal birth. All from a family that has given this nation such incredible service, they can know that a proud nation is celebrating with a proud and happy couple tonight."
Governor-General Quentin Bryce sent her congratulations to the royal family on the birth of the new prince.
And Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has extended his regards to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
"I think all Australians, at the bottom of their hearts, wish the royal bub [baby] all the best and certainly wish the new parents all the best as well. This is a day of great joy. In fact when a new bub comes into the world, any old day, any part of the world it is frankly a time for rejoicing."
United States President Barack Obama also congratulated the new parents, while New Zealand's Prime Minister John Key has announced that major New Zealand landmarks will glow blue for 24 hours to celebrate the arrival of the baby boy.
Australians were among the thousands lining the streets outside Buckingham Palace after the Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to the hospital around 6am yesterday London time.
SBS correspondent Brett Mason spoke to royal baby tourist Lynda Jefferies.
"Oh it's so exciting you know, because after all we're part of the Commonwealth you know and we sing the praises of the Queen and when he's King it'll be the same."
But on the streets of Melbourne, enthusiasm for the royal baby fever was a little more muted.
"Totally and utterly missed it." // "Does that mean Harry isn't an heir any more?" // "It's just a baby really." // "I think they're really glad it's a boy." // Just over the moon... not really. It is what it is." // "To be honest I have no idea she was even pregnant honestly."
The gender of this royal baby has no consequence on its succession to the throne after laws were amended in April to ensure that males will no longer precede their elder sisters in the line of succession.
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