The Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby girl, Kensington Palace has confirmed.
The princess was born at 8.34am this morning weighing 8lbs 3oz, with the Duke of Cambridge present for her birth.
Kensington Palace announced the birth shortly after 11am, some five hours after Kate was admitted to the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington.
The Duchess and her newborn daughter are both 'doing well', a palace spokesman said.
The announcement came by way of a statement released by Kensington Palace shortly after 11am. It was then posted on the palace's official Twitter page two minutes later.
'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8.34am,' it said.
'The baby weighs 8lbs 3oz. 'The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.
'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.
'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.'
At around 12.30 a framed certificate signed by Kate's medical team was placed on an easel outside Buckingham Palace with the same words.
The baby's name is not yet known but Alice and Charlotte are the most popular among bookmakers.
The Prime Minister was among the first to congratulate the couple, writing on Twitter: 'Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby girl.
'I'm absolutely delighted for them.'
He was followed by Nick Clegg who said: 'Congratulations to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their new baby. Miriam & I wish them all the best as their family grows.'
Labour leader Ed Miliband also offered his congratulations, writing on Twitter: 'Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess on the birth of their daughter. Wishing them lots of joy and happiness - and hopefully some sleep!'
Kate was admitted to the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital at 6am on Saturday morning, giving birth two-and-a-half hours later.
The announcement was not made to the media until shortly after 11am once the couple's close friends and family had been informed.
Kate is expected to spend one night in Kensington Palace with her new daughter and Prince George before retreating to Anmer Hall in Norfolk with Prince William and her parents.
When news of the baby's birth was announced, chants of 'Princess! Princess!' could be heard outside the Lindo Wing.
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