Royal baby: Bishop of Chichester congratulates Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

The Bishop of Chichester Rt Reverend Dr Martin Warner

The Right Reverend Dr Martin Warner sent his message today (May 2) on behalf of the diocese of Chichester.

“On behalf of the diocese of Chichester I offer our congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their daughter; may she always be aware of God’s love for her,” said Dr Warner.

The new baby was born at 8.34am weighing 8lbs 3oz and William was at his wife’s side during the delivery.

Kate was a number of days overdue and had been taken to the Lindo wing of St Mary’s Hospital at 6am from her nearby home Kensington Palace.

Kensington Palace said in a statement: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a daughter at 8.34am. The baby weighs 8lbs 3oz.

“The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth. Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”

Dr Warner added: “This is a moment of celebration for any family, a point at which we are reminded of the mystery of life as God’s gift to us.

“We assure the Duke and Duchess of our prayers for their happiness in family life and all that the future will demand of them.”

The Duchess of Cambridge’s daughter is fourth in line to the throne, the Queen’s fifth great-grandchild and a spare to the heir - and Prince George’s sister.

The Prince of Wales will be overjoyed as he made no secret he wanted his second grandchild to be a girl.

Before the birth William and Kate said they did not know the sex of their baby, so the arrival of a daughter will be a surprise to them.

An easel is placed in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London to announce the birth of a baby girl. Steve Parsons/PA Wire EMN-150205-131624001

Kate’s daughter was delivered far quicker then her first child - with the baby being born less than three hours after she was admitted to hospital at 6am in the early stages of labour.

George took more than 10 hours to be born but it appears his sister might have taken less then half that time.

The Duchess is being looked after by consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston, who is the surgeon-gynaecologist to the household.

He was joined in the delivery room by Alan Farthing, the Queen’s surgeon-gynaecologist.