Updated 7.40pm

Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have proudly shown their baby princess to the world - just hours after she was born.

William and Kate could not contain their happiness as they left hospital holding their daughter, who is fourth in line to the throne.

After waiting days outside the private maternity unit, media from across the globe and royal fans were treated to the sight of the Cambridges posing for the first time with their newborn child.

The baby - whose name has yet to be announced - was born at 8.34am weighing 8lbs 3oz, less than three hours after the couple arrived at the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in London.

Kate cradled her daughter in her right arm and the baby, wrapped in shawl and wearing a bonnet, appeared fast asleep.

The Duchess smile broadly as did the Duke who had his arm around his wife and they both waved to the media and the crowds.

Kate looked relaxed and in good health despite giving birth only around 10 hours before, and wore a yellow and white floral print Jenny Packham dress.

After spending a few minutes posing for pictures they walked back inside the Lindo Wing and soon returned with their daughter in a baby seat.

William carried her and the couple held hands as they walked down the Lindo Wing steps.

After the Duke placed his baby on the back seat of a Range Rover and Kate, also in a rear seat, reached over to strap her in, he drove his family away.

William had earlier brought older brother Prince George to the Lindo Wing to meet his new baby sister.

The toddler prince waved to the crowds when he first arrived with his father but he left for home before his parents, through a back entrance.

Proud father William spoke of his joy following the birth telling the waiting press he was "very happy'' when he first left to pick up George from Kensington Palace.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca congratulated the royal couple.
"Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their new baby girl," she said in a tweet.

Kate missed coming to Malta in September for the Independence 50th anniversary celebrations because of the pregnancy.

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