23/07/2013 18:31
Kate, William thank hospital for ‘tremendous care’
Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate on Tuesday thanked staff at the hospital where their baby son was born, as the world waited for a name and hopefully a glimpse of the future king, according to AFP.
Palace officials said mother, father and the new third in line to the throne were "doing well", while the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge praised the "tremendous care" they received at St Mary's Hospital in London.
The family were expected to leave the hospital either on Tuesday evening or on Wednesday -- at which point the international media will likely get the eagerly awaited first picture of the child.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, the couple praised the staff at the hospital's private Lindo Wing, where William was born to the late Princess Diana in 1982.
"We would like to thank the staff at the Lindo Wing and the whole hospital for the tremendous care the three of us have received," Kate and William said.
"We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone -- staff, patients and visitors -- for their understanding during this time."
Hordes of international journalists had been camped outside the hospital for weeks waiting for the baby, testament to the enduring appeal of the British monarchy and particularly the glamorous William and Kate.
Well-wishers gathered there on Tuesday hoping to see the new prince, although royal officials said they did not expect the couple and their baby to leave before 6pm (1700 GMT) -- and they could even stay another night.