Royal Baby Photo: Public May Have First Glimpse of New Prince on Steps of St Mary's Hospital

The long wait ended on Monday with the Kensington Palace announcing the arrival of the new prince but fans and journalists camping outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital will hang on till they have a glimpse of the baby boy.

Kate Middleton, 31, gave birth to a baby boy, who is third-in-line to the British throne, on Monday amid speculations that the royal couple was expecting a girl.

The world may have the first glimpse of the new born on one of these days, as the royal couple is expected to keep the tradition of giving the public the first sight of the baby when they leave St Mary's Hospital.

"All we will probably see is a glimpse of the top of the baby's head but they will stick to this tradition," Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, told Reuters.

"After that we won't see them for some time. Having a baby is a very private moment and they are a private couple so the next time we see the baby will be the official photo and that could be weeks."

Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed a baby boy at 04.24 p.m GMT on Monday and Kensington Palace announced the birth of the new heir at 08:30 pm GMT.

"Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4.24 p.m.," the palace announced in a statement. "The baby weighs 8 lbs. 6 oz. The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth."

"The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news," said the statement. "Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well and will remain in hospital overnight."