REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON - It's a boy! Prince William's wife, Kate, has given birth to a prince who is now third in line to the British throne.

The child was born Monday afternoon, after many Britons woke up to the news that Kate, also known as the Duchess of Cambridge, had gone into labor with the couple's first child. 

The royal birth announcement said the boy was born at 4:24 p.m. weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces. William was present for the birth, the statement said. The announcement did not include a name for the future monarch, though one is expected to be revealed in the coming days.

"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight," it said. William also issued a brief statement, saying "we could not be happier."

Cries of joy erupted from the waiting crowd amassed near Buckingham Palace as the news came through, and hundreds of onlookers — some of whom had camped outside for hours — crushed against the palace's fences to catch a glimpse of the bulletin formally announcing the birth placed outside the palace's forecourt.

"It's a crazy atmosphere, everyone is getting very excited," said Andrew Aitchison, 47, outside the palace. "It's great to be part of history, to say we were here and saw it all happen."

It could be some time before the baby's name is made public. When William was born, a week passed before his name was announced. Charles's name remained a mystery for an entire month.

The royal birth at central London's St. Mary's Hospital recalled that of the baby's father, William, in 1982, at the same hospital. Many remember the moment when he was carried out in his mother Princess Diana's arms with proud father Prince Charles at their side. William and Kate's son is expected to follow Charles and William to the throne.

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