* Kate gives birth to third child * New baby is fifth-in-line to the British throne * Prince George and Princess Charlotte meet their new bother * Name of new royal yet to be announced
Kate, wife of Britain's Prince William, returned to the Kensington Palace on Monday after giving birth to a healthy baby boy.
The baby, now fifth in line to the throne, was born at 1001 GMT and weighed 8 lbs 7oz (3.8 kg). William was present for the birth at St Mary's Hospital in west London where their other two children, George and Charlotte, were also born.
William later brought the elder children to meet their new brother as well-wishers cheered outside the hospital. They will later travel home to Kensington Palace.
"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well," Kensington Palace had said. "Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge will be leaving St. Mary's Hospital this evening."
Later, Kate and Prince William, with the new baby boy cradled in his mum's hands, came out to greet the press and fans standing outside the hospital. Duchess of Cambridge was wearing a red dress with white lacey Peter Pan collar. The couple waved and smiled at the crowd before heading to Kensington Palace.
"Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank all staff at the hospital for the care and treatment they have received. They would also like to thank everyone for their warm wishes," tweeted Kensington Palace.
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, the baby's grandfather, and other members of the royal family and Kate's family have been informed and "are delighted with the news", it added.
When William brought his children to see their brother, Princess Charlotte, 2, turned and waved at hundreds of assembled journalists and well-wishers. George, 4, did not wave.
The name of the new royal will be announced in due course, the Palace said. Bookmakers have made Albert, Arthur, Jack and Fred the favourite names for a boy.
The baby is the queen's sixth great-grandchild and is behind his grandfather and heir Prince Charles, father William, and siblings George and Charlotte in line to the throne.
A 2013 change to the law means that for the first time in British history, a new prince will not supplant his older sister in the order of succession. Previously younger males would take precedence over older female siblings.
William's younger brother Harry, who marries US actress Meghan Markle next month, falls to sixth on the list.
The official announcement of the birth was made by placing a notice on an easel in the forecourt of the queen's London home, Buckingham Palace, a tradition that has been in place since it became the sovereign's official residence in 1837.
"My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy," Prime Minister Theresa May said. "I wish them great happiness for the future."
(With Agencies Inputs)
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