THE birth of a royal baby was welcomed in Gwent and across Wales last night.

Throngs of well-wishers at Buckingham Palace screamed with excitement after Kensington Palace announced that the Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a son.

The baby weighed 8lbs 6oz and was born at 4.24pm.

The palace said the The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families were delighted with the news.

At Buckingham Palace a man shouted: "It's a boy,’’ prompting crowds to erupt into spontaneous cheering, ahead of the easel being placed in the forecourt.

There were three cheers of "hip hip hooray,’’ as the crowd outside the palace gates swelled to more than 10 deep.

First minister Carwyn Jones led Welsh well-wishers, congratulating the royal couple.

Mr Jones said: “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.”

Matthew Evans, Conservative group leader at Newport council, said he was delighted: "It's fantastic news and a tonic for the whole country.

"I've always believed the monarch is a treasured institute and one that is admired around the world.

"I hope the little boy goes on to live a long and happy life."

Majid Rahman, councillor for Victoria ward in Newport, added: "It's great that the Duchess gave birth safely. It leads us into a new era for the Royal family."

John Griffiths, AM for Newport East and culture minister, congratulated the couple for the birth.

He said: "It's always a joyous occasion whenever anyone gives birth or any couple have a new arrival. On a human level its a great for them."

Paul Flynn, MP for Newport West and an avowed republican, wished the couple well.

"Any baby is a good thing. We hope everything goes well," he said.

The Prime Minister said the "whole country will celebrate" the birth of the royal baby as news of the child's arrival spread across the globe.

David Cameron offered his congratulations on Twitter where the worlds of showbiz, politics and sport appeared to share in the Duke and Duchess's delight.

He wrote: "I'm delighted for the Duke and Duchess now their son has been born.

"The whole country will celebrate. They'll make wonderful parents." 

Archbishop of Canterbury the Most Rev Justin Welby was one of the first to speak of his joy on Twitter.

"Delighted for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they welcome their baby boy. May God bless them all with love, health and happiness," he said.

Labour Leader Ed Miliband added: "Many congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I wish them and their son all happiness and good health."

Andrew RT Davies, leader of the Tory opposition in the Welsh Assembly, said: “This is wonderful news, and on behalf of the Welsh Conservatives, I would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Duke and Duchess.

“We wish them well with their new arrival and I am sure they will make a loving and caring family.

“I know the rest of the nation – along with the Royal Family – will be equally happy for them at this joyous time.”