A beaming Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have shown off their new prince to the world.

Less than seven hours after welcoming the latest addition to their family – a boy weighing 8lb 7oz – William and Kate briefly stepped outside St Mary’s Hospital carrying the newborn, waving to the world’s media and royal fans.

They then went back inside, re-emerging a few minutes later with the prince in a car seat. William fastened his son into the rear of a Land Rover Discovery before driving off.

Royal Baby
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge introduce the latest addition to their family to the world’s press outside the hospital (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Royal Baby
The new prince asleep for his first photocall (John Stillwell/PA)
William is all smiles as Kate gazes lovingly at her son (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
William is all smiles as Kate gazes lovingly at her son (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
The delighted couple acknowledge the cheers of royal fans as they emerge from the hopsital with the prince (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
The delighted couple acknowledge the cheers of royal fans as they emerge from the hospital with the prince (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
Royal Baby
Snug in his car seat, the prince is carried to the car ready for his journey home (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Royal Baby
Home time for the couple with their newborn (Dominic Lipinski)

Earlier, William brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte to St Mary’s Hospital to meet their new brother.

William brought Prince George and Princess Charlotte to meet their new sibling (Kirsty O'Connor/PA)
William clutches the hands of Prince George and Princess Charlotte as they get ready to be introduced to their new sibling (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)
Royal Baby
Charlotte confidently showed off her royal wave (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Royal Baby
George, head down, was a little more bashful…(Dominic Lipinski/PA)

News of the birth was announced in time-honoured fashion with a notice posted outside Buckingham Palace.

The notice formally announces the birth of a baby boy to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St Mary’s Hospital
The notice formally announces the birth of a son to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St Mary’s Hospital (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Royal Baby
A town crier announces the royal birth outside the hospital (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Royal Baby
Royal fans celebrate news of the birth outside the Lindo Wing (Kirsty O’Connor/PA)