Royal baby news: Gun salutes at Hyde Park and Tower of London mark birth of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's newborn

Martin Coulter24 April 2018

Gun salutes have been fired in London to mark the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's baby boy.

The Union flag was hoisted at the Tower of London and in Hyde Park to commemorate the arrival of Prince William and Kate Middleton's newborn son.

The couple introduced the latest royal to crowds on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington yesterday evening.

A basic salute typically consists of 21 rounds - fired at 10 second intervals - but Tuesday's demonstration used 41 rounds because it took place in a Royal Park.

Gun salute marks the birth of Royal baby 24-04-2018

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The 8lb, 7oz (3.8kg) Royal baby was born on Monday morning. He is fifth in line to the throne and is younger brother to four-year-old Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who turns three next week.

Prince Charles told reporters it was a "great joy" to be a grandfather again, as the couple settled their child in at Kensington Palace.

London Landmarks light up for arrival of the Royal Baby - In pictures

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He said: "It is a great joy to have another grandchild, the only trouble is I don't know how I am going to keep up with them."

As well as the events at the Tower of London and Hyde Park, officials rang the bell at Westminster Abbey.

Speculation mounted on Tuesday over the name the Duke and Duchess will choose for their third child.

Arthur remains the favourite name for the Royal Baby with most bookmakers slashing odds to 2/1 late on Monday and into Tuesday, followed closely by James and Albert.

But bookmakers have also been taking bets on some unlikely names for Kate and William's new baby son including Thor, Leroy and Tyrone.

Odds for the fictional Avengers superhero Thor were at 250/1 with William Hill, while the odds on Leroy was at 500/1 on Betfair.

Additional reporting by the Associated Press

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