The birthdate of the future king is likely to be shared by around 167 New Zealand babies, Statistics New Zealand said today.

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, after many Britons woke up to the news that Kate, also known as the Duchess of Cambridge, had gone into labor.

Prince William and Kate Middleton have welcomed their first child, a baby boy, along with the rest of the world.

See how the royal birth was announced in London today.

"I just wanted to photograph the commotion and convoy of cars ... To take a picture of her would have been overstepping the mark."

With a grand arrival that is attracting global interest, the new heir to the British throne is destined to a lifetime in the public eye.

Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was in labour in a London hospital early today, due to give birth to the world's most famous baby.

Supporters of the monarchy were last night preparing to bathe New Zealand in pink or blue to celebrate the royal baby's birth.

Bookies are having a banner day as thousands of Britons place bets on the name of the child that will be born to Prince William and his wife, Kate.

Stay up to date with the latest royal news and share your comments in the NZ Herald online live blog.

World media remain on alert for the birth of the royal baby this weekend.

The Duchess of Cambridge could give throngs of waiting media the slip by giving birth in Reading instead of Paddington, it has emerged.

Britain is becoming impatient for the arrival of the Duchess of Cambridge's baby, and the Queen is no different, it seems.

The Duchess of Cornwall has given the strongest hint yet that a new royal baby is imminent, telling well-wishers to expect a bundle of joy by the "end of the week".

Prince William has reportedly left his RAF base and headed to London where wife Kate Middleton is due to give birth this weekend.

Wolfgang Joop thinks the Duchess of Cambridge dresses like a "dolled-up air hostess".