British Royal Family Welcomes New Baby

LONDON – Britain’s royal family welcomed the birth of its newest member Monday, the son of Prince Edward and his 42-year-old wife, Sophie, Buckingham Palace said Monday.

Edward, the youngest son of Queen Elizabeth II, and Sophie, who are the Earl and Countess of Wessex, were “absolutely thrilled,” the palace said in a statement. The baby is the eighth grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, Prince Philip.

Edward described his son as “small, cute and cuddly,” speaking to reporters at Frimley Park Hospital, outside London. He added they had yet to decide on a name.

The baby weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces and was delivered by Caesarean section.

The couple’s daughter, Lady Louise, was born in November 2003. The baby is expected to have the title Viscount Severn.