The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have issued a
statement thanking the hospital where their baby boy was born for the
"tremendous care" they received.
The Royal couple said: "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."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 added: "Mother, son and father are all doing well this morning."
The new parents have also pledged support for a charity supporting St Mary's Hospital in London in celebration of their first born's birth. They are backing Imperial College Healthcare Charity, which raises money for research and studies designed to improve services to St Mary's and four other hospitals constituting Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust.
The Royal baby boy, whose name has not yet been revealed, was born at 4.24pm on Monday, weighing 8lb 6oz (3.798kg).
Prince William was at his wife's bedside at the private Lindo Wing during her labour.
The Duchess spent the night in hospital, as did her husband. She and William could leave the hospital with the future king in their arms later today.
Sky News Royal Correspondent Paul Harrison said: "We understand that the Duke and Duchess will depart either later this evening, not before 6pm, or tomorrow morning."
Crowds are gathered outside the hospital in anticipation. The world's media are also waiting with cameras at the ready to snap the first pictures of the Royal heir.
Excitement was fuelled when Kate's hairdresser reportedly arrived at just after 10am, indicating their departure could be imminent - although Royal officials denied such reports.
It is understood the new family of three will go back home to Kensington Palace.
But it is not yet known how the Royals will negotiate putting their newborn into a car seat, as required by law.
No such legislation existed when Prince Charles and Princess Diana left the hospital in 1982 after the birth of Prince William.
Meanwhile, various celebrations are being held today to mark the special occasion, including gun salutes across London.