CONGRATULATIONS have been sent to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their first child, George Alexander Louis, on Monday.

The Archbishop of Cantebury wrote: "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."

The Archbishop of York lapsed into his first language, Luganda: "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."

The arrival of the new baby, third in line to the throne, was greeted by the ringing of bells throughout the country. Members of the Church Times staff were in front of Buckingham Palace when the details of the birth were mounted on an easel.

Speaking to reporters before they left St Mary's hospital with the new prince on Tuesday evening, Prince William said: "He's got a good pair of lungs on him, that's for sure.

"He's a big boy, he's quite heavy. We are still working on a name so we will have that as soon as we can." The Duchess said: "It's such a special time. I think any parent will know what this feeling feels like." Earlier in the afternoon, the family were visited by the Duchess's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. 

Other religious leaders to comment included the Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Revd Vincent Nichols. He sent congratulations on behalf of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales: "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."

And the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Richard Clarke, wrote: "I wish to join my sincere good wishes to those of many in the Church of Ireland and beyond to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the news of the birth of their first child. . .

"I take this opportunity to wish the Duke and Duchess well as they assume the enormous privilege and responsibility of parenthood, and I pray that they will be blessed by God in cherishing their son and encouraging him in faith, and in the ways of truth and of love. We pray also for all other children born at this time, and that their parents, too, may know the joys of parenthood in the months and years ahead."

The Prime Minister said: "I'm sure that, right across the country, and, indeed, 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, and I suppose, above all, it is a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy."

And the US President, Barack Obama, sent congratulations to the couple that mentioned the "special relationship": "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."