The Duke and Duchess greet the world with their brand new baby girl. Photo / Getty Images
The Duke and Duchess greet the world with their brand new baby girl. Photo / Getty Images
The unsung heroines of the Royal birth were midwives Arona Ahmed and her boss, Jacqui Dunkley-Bent, Professor of midwifery at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, who together delivered the Princess.
According to hospital insiders, the professor, 51, had struck up a close rapport with the Duchess of Cambridge when she delivered Prince George two years ago at St Mary's Hospital, West London.
Mrs Ahmed, 44, had missed out on that occasion because her shift ended before the birth and she was replaced by another midwife.
But yesterday, Mrs Ahmed helped at the princess's birth, while the team of suited male surgeons, led by Mr Guy Thorpe-Beeston, Surgeon Gynaecologist to the Royal Household, looked on.
The Duke and Duchess greet the world with their brand new baby girl. Photo / Getty Images
Kate had a meticulous birth plan. She had opted to be seen first by the midwives, and as a source said: "What the duchess wants, the duchess gets."
So while the male doctors waited in a nearby room, it was the red-uniformed midwives - the colour denotes their seniority - who monitored Kate as her contractions progressed and supported Prince William.
Both women are experienced, unflappable and have the full confidence of the obstetricians.
It is understood a team of three midwives has been on standby for more than a month to cover three shifts over a 24-hour period should Kate have been admitted early.
The royal princess seemed oblivious to all the attention. Photo / Getty Images
By establishing a specific team for the Royal birth, Kate and William ensured that the care of other patients, NHS or private, was not affected or disrupted.
Given the speed of Kate's delivery - just 154 minutes after being admitted to the hospital - it is likely she was in labour at home for some hours before feeling the need to be with her medical team.
The royal couple and their new addition will remain at Kensington Palace for a few days, before moving to their new home in Norfolk to rest.
The country estate at Anmer Hall is a stone's throw away from the Queen's country retreat of Sandringham.
It is believed the young family will split their time between Anmer Hall and Kensington Palace as they take time out to be with their new arrival.
Prince William is understood to be taking a few weeks off to be with his wife and two children.
The midwives and doctors involved in the delivery of the princess can expect a little "thank you" party from Kate and William.
A few months after Prince George's birth, medical staff were invited to Kate and William's home at Kensington Palace for an informal get-together, which included a bouncing Prince George. Kate and William provided Marks & Spencer nibbles and happily topped up glasses for their guests.
-Mail Online, with additional reporting from NZME.
