The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge proudly showed the world their baby son before taking him home last night.

William and Kate began their new lives as parents, cradling their baby prince and posing for pictures on the steps of the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London.

The duchess held her son first and the couple looked relaxed and smiled broadly as the world’s media captured the moment.

William joked: “He’s got a good pair of lungs on him, that’s for sure. He’s a big boy, he’s quite heavy. We are still working on a name so we will have that as soon as we can.”

The duchess said: “It’s very emotional, it’s such a special time. I think any parent will know what this feeling feels like.” Prince William later drove them home to Kensington Palace.