The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have shown off their new baby son outside St Mary’s Hospital in London.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday April 23, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Baby. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA WireThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their newborn son outside the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday April 23, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Baby. Photo credit should read: John Stillwell/PA Wire

The new arrival was less than seven hours old as he was shown to the world’s media while in the arms of his mother,the Duchess of Cambridge.

Minutes after the brief photocall, the royal couple headed home to Kensington Palace, with William emerging from the hospital carrying his son in a car seat, and holding Kate’s hand.

The duke said they were “very happy” and “very delighted” and joked, holding up three fingers, that he now had “thrice the worry now”.

He added: “We didn’t keep you waiting too long this time.”

East Anglian Daily Times: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London with their newborn son. Picture: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA WIREThe Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London with their newborn son. Picture: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/PA WIRE

When asked whether they had decided on a name, the duke added: “You’ll find out soon enough.”

The new baby was born at 11.01am this morning only hours after the royal couple were driven to the Lindo Wing.

Kensington Palace confirmed at 8.24am this morning that the Duchess was in the early stages of labour as the world’s media as well as royal well wishers waited patiently outside for news of the birth.

Kensington Palace announced the baby’s arrival in a statement shortly after 1pm and said the Queen, the royals and Kate’s family were thrilled at the news.

“The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news,” the palace said.