Carole and Michael Middleton, thrilled parents of the Duchess of Cambridge, arrived at the hospital this afternoon to admire their new grandson and the future King for the first time.
In a break from expected protocol, Kate and William asked the Middletons to visit them and their new child before any members of the royal family, including Prince Charles, who is on a royal visit to York.
The Middletons arrived in a black cab and were greeted by the hospital's lead clinician Jonathan Ramsay.
They reappeared on the hospital steps after less than half an hour, smiling proudly. Carole told the world's waiting press that the baby was 'absolutely beautiful' and 'all the memories were coming back'. When one photographer shouted out 'Is the baby ugly?', Carole replied 'absolutely not.'
The world's press continue to wait outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, Paddington for news of the royal prince's name and for the first glimpse of Kate and Prince William with their new baby boy.
A member of the royal household arrived carrying a car seat for the future king and fresh clothes for Kate and William earlier today.
The Duchess's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, who has been her stylist since last year, also entered the Lindo Wing via its private rear entrance this afternoon, adding to speculation that mother and child were soon to be discharged.
It's thought that the royal couple want to spend much of their first day with their new son - born at 4.24pm on July 22 2013 weighing 8lb 6oz - in the calm atmosphere of the hospital.