Queen goes horse riding at Windsor as Kate Middleton gives birth

Queen goes horse riding at Windsor as Kate Middleton gives birth

As the nation eagerly awaiting news of the royal birth this morning, the Queen occupied herself by going horse riding at Windsor Castle as her grandson's wife gave birth. 

Her Majesty was spotted taking a turn around the grounds on her beloved black Fell pony, Carltonlima Emma while she awaited news from the Lindo Wing.

The monarch, 92, was joined by Head Groom Terry Pendry, who is a frequent companion on her hacks.

The Queen donned one of her customary headscarves for the excursion, and kept the chill at bay in a beige mac. 

This afternoon it was announced that the Duchess had given birth to her third child - a boy weighing 8lbs 7oz at 11am and that mother and baby were doing well. 

Senior members of the royal family were said to be 'delighted with the news'. 

The baby is fifth in line to the throne, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's sixth great-grandchild and a younger brother for Prince George and Princess Charlotte. 

Kensington Palace announced that Kate was taken by car before 6am to the private Lindo wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington,London. 

The birth appears to have taken place without complications. The baby is fifth in line to the throne, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's sixth great-grandchild and a younger brother for Prince George and Princess Charlotte.

Prince William was present for the birth, and both Kate and the child were 'doing well', according to a palace spokesman.

Royal watchers had been expecting a swift delivery at the Lindo Wing, with the child sharing a birthday with William Shakespeare and Lady Gabriella Windsor, the daughter of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent

A palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 11.01am. The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. 

'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well. The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news.' 

The baby’s s*x was a surprise to William and Kate, who chose not to find out what they were having. The baby’s title is His Royal Highness and he is a Prince of Cambridge. 

Kensington Palace said the name of the baby would be announced in due course, and a formal notice of the birth would be posted on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. 

Celebrities and politicians have been sending their best wishes to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on social media.

Prime Minister Theresa May sent her 'warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy.' 'I wish them great happiness for the future,' she added.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan tweeted: 'On behalf of Londoners, I want to send our warmest congratulations to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy.' 

Former world heavyweight champion boxer, Frank Bruno MBE, and actress Mia Farrow were among the celebrity well wishers on social media, while comedian David Walliams quipped: 'Prince Harry just got demoted again.' 

Earlier, excitement was building outside St Mary's Hospital, where some fans had been camped out for 15 days hoping for a glimpse of the royal baby.

The timing of today's announcement that Kate had gone into labour, falling on St George's Day, added to the occasion for waiting royalists outside.

John Loughrey, 63, who is part of a group who have been camped outside the hospital, said: 'We are so pleased. We have been here for 15 days. 

'I'm so pleased it's St George's Day. St George himself would be very pleased if the baby's born today.'

Mr Loughrey, from Streatham, South London, said he plans to celebrate the birth with English flags and a portion of fish and chips. 

'It doesn't matter if it's a boy or a girl as long as it's a healthy baby and a healthy mother,' he said. 'It's very good for our country and of course Her Majesty the Queen.'

Another member of his group, 82-year-old Terry Hutt, also welcomed the news.

'It's fantastic to have another newborn baby,' said Mr Hutt, who turns 83 at the end of the month and was hoping to share his birthday with the new royal. 

'If they were born on my birthday, I would have got a birthday cake.'

Maria Scott, 46, from Newcastle, added: 'I think it's going to be a boy and I think it's going to be quick.'

The group were talking in front of their make-shift camp, including royal memorabilia and a Union Flag tent.

The Duchess is being cared for by consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston, who is the surgeon-gynaecologist to the household, and consultant gynaecologist Alan Farthing, the Queen's surgeon-gynaecologist - part of the trusted team who delivered George and Charlotte.

Highly-trained midwives were also on hand, while experts were waiting in the wings in case of an emergency.