It was the news the nation had been waiting to hear – it’s a girl.

At 8.34am on Saturday, the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a new princess who weighed 8lbs 3oz (3.7kg). The little girl is fourth in line to the throne.

As well-wishers sent their congratulations to the royal couple, people in Medway were also waiting to hear about new additions to their families.

And just like the royal baby, little Harry Thomas, was a week late. He was born at Medway Maritime Hospital at 4.15pm, weighing 7lbs 6oz, a brother for three-and-half-year-old George and a second son for Sally and Ricky Thomas.

Mrs Thomas, 29, from Rainham, said: “I’m just glad he’s here now, it felt like the longest pregnancy ever.

“Your second birth is a different experience, so much more relaxed. I was in labour for just under four hours.”

All the babies born on Saturday will be getting a special silver penny to mark the occasion and Mrs Thomas said she will be putting Harry’s in his nursery.

Midwife Jade Williams, 25, and husband Gareth, 29, were also celebrating the birth of a second son, Finley, born at 2.57pm weighing 8lb 1oz.

Mrs Williams, who works at the hospital, said her elder son, Oliver, five, was ecstatic to have a brother. She added: “It’s really different when you’re on the other side, but the midwives have been brilliant, they’re just amazing.”

Mr Williams said: “It’s really exciting, everyone was saying they were due around the same time but we didn’t once think he would be born the same day.”

For first-time parents Gary and Gigi Jackson, baby George came a little sooner than expected.

Born two weeks early at 9.58pm and weighing 6lb, George arrived just days after the couple, aged 29 and 26 respectively, moved into their new home in Upnor.

Shanice and Steve Walcott from Chatham were also celebrating the birth of their first child and like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they had a girl. Olivia was born at 3.16am weighing 6lb 2oz.

Kirsty Barton, 27, from Sittingbourne, had baby Jack at 2.17pm weighing 8lb 11oz. She was delighted her son was born on the same day as the new royal.

“It’s really nice, everyone’s saying you’ve got your little prince and they’ve got their princess,” she said.

Deputy senior sister in the maternity unit Lisa Cotter said: “We’ve been really busy the last couple of weeks, but we always are – 5,000 babies are delivered a year but we love it.

“It’s great for midwifery that Kate’s had a nice normal delivery and had some really good midwives looking after her.”