ROYAL baby number two has arrived and it's a girl.

The Duchess of Cambridge gave birth at 8.34am this morning, Kensington Palace has announced.

The news was officially made public by Twitter and mother and baby returned home this evening.

The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have all been informed of the new arrival, who is fourth in line to the throne.

She was born weighing 8lbs 3oz during the swift labour and proud father, The Duke of Cambridge, was by Kate’s side at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, where she was admitted at 6am.

People have been celebrating the news all over the country with crowds gathering, cheering and holding banners outside the hospital waiting for the first glimpse of the new princess. 

Just before 4.30pm Prince George arrived at the hospital, where he was born in July 2013, to meet his new sister and gave a wave to onlookers with Prince William who was beaming ear to ear.

In Wiltshire the birth is also being met with delight.

Trowbridge Town Crier Trevor Heeks has been spreading the good news around the town, and announced it in front of crowds gathering in Fore Street for the Lion’s May Day celebration.

He said: “Between dances I got up on stage and made the announcement, everyone applauded and I asked everyone for three cheers and we followed with the National Anthem. It was absolutely brilliant.

“A lot of people hadn’t heard the news, so it was lovely to make the announcement to them as Town Crier.”

Mr Heeks added: “I am really pleased for the Duke and Duchess they have a pigeon pair. Being a true Englishman I am really looking forward to having a prince and princess.”

Melksham Mayor Terri Welch is also delighted with the news, she said: “I think that’s excellent they have a pair. I’m pleased that the mother and baby are doing well and she seems to have had a relatively short labour.”

No name has yet been revealed for the princess but Alice has been one of the bookies favourites. Bradford on Avon’s Mayor, John Potter is hoping the royal couple choose that name, as his mother was called Alice.

“I’m sure the people of Bradford will be thrilled,” Mr Potter added. “It’s a huge international thing, she is one of the most famous babies in the world right now.”

And at Seend Beer Festival today, ale lovers wet the royal baby's head and raised a glass in celebration.

Just before 5.30pm Kensington Palace tweeted: "Their Royal Highnesses would like to thank all staff at the hospital for the care and treatment they have all received.

"They would also like to thank everyone for their warm wishes."

  • Know any Wiltshire babies born today? Email us at wtimes@newswilts.co.uk