A Royal relation has spoken of her delight at the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first baby.

Countess Mountbatten of Burma Patricia Knatchbull, the cousin of Prince Philip and godmother to Prince Charles, heard the news about Prince William and Kate Middleton's baby on Tuesday evening.

"I think, like everybody else, I’m absolutely delighted," said the 89-year-old peeress, who lives in the village of Mersham near Ashford.

"Everyone is ever so pleased - it's very happy news."

The countess, who is known locally as Lady Brabourne, was also a former lady-in-waiting to the Queen and is her third cousin.

“A new baby is always a happy event,” she added.

“I don’t think anybody can be anything other than very pleased.”

The new prince was born at St Mary's Hospital in London at 4.24pm on Monday, weighing 8lb 6oz.

The baby, who is third in line to the throne, was brought outside to meet the press and public at 7.15pm on Tuesday evening.

Although the baby's name has not been announced, the bookies' favourites include James and George, although the Royal couple insisted no decision had been made.

Speaking outside the hospital Prince William said: “We are still working on a name so we will have that as soon as we can.”