Royal baby: UK and world reaction

People in the UK and around the world react to the news that the Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby boy, who is now third in line to the British throne.

Prime Minister David Cameron

"It is wonderful news from St Mary's Paddington, and I am sure right across the country and right across the Commonwealth people will be celebrating and wishing the royal couple well. It is an important moment in the life of our nation, but I suppose above all it is an important moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy.

"It has been a remarkable few years for our Royal Family. A Royal wedding that captured peoples' hearts. That extraordinary and magnificent jubilee and now this royal birth, all from a a family that have given this nation so much incredible service. And they can know that a proud nation is celebrating with a very proud and happy couple tonight."

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg

"Miriam and I want to congratulate The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their son. This is wonderful news which will make the whole country smile.

"The arrival of a first child is a very special time and we send our very best wishes to The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - and indeed to all couples who have become proud parents on this very special day."

Labour leader Ed Miliband

"Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I wish them and their son all happiness and good health."

Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond

"I am sure that people across Scotland will be absolutely thrilled to hear the news of the birth of a baby boy to the royal couple and will want to join me in wishing the proud parents many congratulations."

Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones

"On behalf of the people of Wales, I would like to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy.

"The couple already have established and strong links with Wales, choosing Anglesey to start their married life, and they will always have a very warm welcome home here as a family.

"I would like to wish the Duke and Duchess all the very best as they enter their journey into parenthood."

The crew of HMS Kent mark the birth of the prince

London Mayor Boris Johnson

"Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their new arrival."

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby

"I am delighted to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the arrival of their baby boy.

"Along with millions here and around the world, I share in their joy at this special time. May God bless this family with love, health and happiness in their shared life ahead."

Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks

"Mazal Tov to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their son. We wish them blessings, good health, and joy in becoming parents."

Archbishop of York

Today we give thanks and praise to Almighty God for the arrival of the Royal baby boy. I send my warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and also my prayers for them at this wonderful time.

"It is marvellous that we share in the joy and hope of a new born child, which is a great gift of our loving creator God. Katonda Yebazibwe: God be praised."

Archbishop Vincent Nichols, Catholic Archbishop of Westminster

"The birth of the new Prince will be a source of joy not only for the Royal Family but for the peoples of the United Kingdom and beyond. I assure Their Royal Highnesses of the prayers and best wishes of the Catholic Church in England and Wales for their new family.

"May Our Lord Jesus Christ bless and protect them, and may the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph intercede for them."

Farooq Murad, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB)

We send our warmest congratulations to the happy couple with the birth of their son. May they reap all the happiness and joy that comes with parenthood.

Graham Smith, chief executive of Republic campaign group

"The arrival of a new baby is always a cause for celebration - Kate and William will be thrilled. But we should remember that their son hasn't chosen to be royal - he has a right to grow up without constant interference and intrusion. The media, and all those who say they support the Royal Family, should remember that over the coming months and years.

"Meanwhile this is an opportunity for the rest of us to consider whether this circus is the best way to run things. The monarchy is a political institution and a royal birth raises lots of serious questions about Britain and our democratic values.

Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

"I think all Australians at the bottom of their hearts wish the royal bub all the best, and certainly wish the new parents all the best as well. This is a day of great joy.

"To Prince Charles and Camilla, they have the delight of being grandparents, all I can say is, this is probably one of the best experiences of your life. And I'm sure they're going to have a wonderful time with the royal baby. And her Majesty the Queen and to the Duke of Edinburgh, the special delight of a great-grandchild. So, on behalf of all Australians, we wish the family all the best at this wonderful time of celebration."

Canada's parliament buildings were lit blue to celebrate the prince's arrival

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper

"The arrival of the newest member of the Royal Family, a future sovereign of Canada, is a highly-anticipated moment for Canadians given the special and warm relationship that we share with our Royal Family. This new beginning reminds us of the remarkable and enduring relationship our country has enjoyed with generations of the Royal Family."

US President Barack Obama

"Michelle and I are so pleased to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the joyous occasion of the birth of their first child.

"We wish them all the happiness and blessings parenthood brings. The child enters the world at a time of promise and opportunity for our two nations.

"Given the special relationship between us, the American people are pleased to join with the people of the United Kingdom as they celebrate the birth of the young prince."

French President Francois Hollande

"The happy news of the birth has delighted the French people.

"I and Valerie Trierweiler [Mr Hollande's partner] wish to offer our most heartfelt congratulations, as well as our warmest wishes for joy and happiness for your new family.

"The Prince will one day be called on to reign and to follow in the footsteps of his ancestors, who - since the Entente Cordiale - have contributed to developing excellent ties between our two countries."

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key

"The birth has been well-publicised over here and there's been a high level of anticipation and excitement, and I think there's just genuine fondness towards William and Kate.

"William has a special part both in the hearts and minds of New Zealanders, he came over here after the Christchurch earthquake and the Pike River mine disaster and represented the Queen at the opening of the Supreme Court over here and spent quite some time as well. So he is much-loved in New Zealand and I think people are genuinely very happy for the couple."

Russian president's press service

"Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on the birth of her great-grandson. He wished the newborn baby, the Duchess of Cambridge and all members of the Royal Family good health."

Israeli President Shimon Peres

"On behalf of the people of the State of Israel, I wish to express our tremendous joy at the birth of your child - a royal baby, born in the most democratic country on earth.

From Jerusalem, we pray for his health, his future, and his peace. May he live to a hundred and twenty years, and I know the whole Jewish nation joins me in wishing the entire royal family a hearty Mazal Tov."

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Abbas Araqchi

"I congratulate Her Majesty, the Queen of England, and also the Crown Prince on the birth. This is a source of happiness."