Britain's Prince Charles is "overjoyed" by the birth of his first grandchild.

The Prince of Wales' daughter-in-law Duchess Catherine gave birth to a boy - her first child with Prince William - earlier today, and the doting grandfather and his wife Duchess Camilla are ecstatic to welcome the latest addition to the royal family.

In an official statement, he said: "Both my wife and I are overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild. It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy.

"Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone's life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future."

The royal newborn - who will be third in line to the throne after his grandfather and father - came into the world at 16:24pm BST today (22.07.13) and weighed 8lbs, 6oz, according to Clarence House.

Both mother and baby are doing well and will remain in hospital overnight in the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London.

Prince William, 31, was by his wife's side for the birth and informed his father, grandmother Queen Elizabeth and brother Prince Harry of the news before it was made public via an official press release.

Related:

Prince William 'couldn't be happier' at baby birth

Prince William's wife Kate gives birth to baby boy

Britain on royal baby watch in countdown to arrival