Bucklebury celebrates Royal daughter

After weeks of waiting the Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to a baby girl and the village of Bucklebury is getting into a celebratory mood.

Catherine Duchess of Cambridge who is from the area was admitted to St Marys Hospital, London yesterday morning (Saturday) and gave birth to a 8lbs 3oz girl at 8.34am according to royal officials.

The baby has been named by the couple - Kate and Prince William, as Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.

The girl is the fourth in line to the throne after their grandfather Prince Charles, dad Prince William and brother Prince George.

In a statement Kensington Palace said the baby was "safely delivered."

It read: “The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.

“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry and members of both families have been informed and are delighted with the news.

“Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.”

There was no pink bunting lining the rural roads as Newbury Weekly News visited the Berkshire village yesterday afternoon (Saturday) but there was plenty of cheer from its residents.

One local resident Chris Willett who has lived in the area for the last thirteen years said: "It's obviously great news. It's excellent that they now have one of each.

"This is a lovely area and there was a flurry of activity here when Prince George was born.

"We will probably raise a glass as we are also celebrating the in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary tomorrow."

Another Newbury resident - Mrs Broad - who was visiting Bucklebury said: "It is absolutely fantastic news. I might raise a glass or two tonight to celebrate."

The local pubs were also getting the party underway.

Landlord of The Old Boot Inn in Stanford Dingley - where Kate and William both frequent, John Haley attended the Royal Wedding in 2011 and threw a party on Friday for both his 60th birthday and to usher in the second baby.

He said today: "It's great news. Everybody is really buzzing now.

"I'm so happy it's a girl. Kate had a boy the first time so everyone is very happy for her and for the family."

Gary Bush, landlord of Bucklebury pub The Cottage Inn who threw a huge party for the newborn's brother George last time round put up bunting and banners to congratulate the couple and erected a large sign outside wishing the family well.

Mr Bush added: "We are over the moon that it's a girl. We are really happy and it's just lovely for Kate."

Conservative candidate for Newbury Richard Benyon who attended the Royal Wedding in 2011 and whose wife Zoe designed Kate's earrings said of the news: "Along with everybody else in the country I am delighted for Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge and I am also thrilled for the Middleton family here in West Berkshire to have another grand child.

"There's lots of smiles in Newbury today and lots of comments and like everybody else I am thrilled."

Chairwoman of Bucklebury Parish Council Wynne Frankum said she, too, was "delighted" with the news.

She said: "I think it's excellent and I'm sure everybody will be delighted with the news. I think the pubs will probably crack open the odd bottle to celebrate."

How are you celebrating the birth? Get in touch via: william.walker@newburynews.co.uk and let us know

Royal baby photo courtesy of JasonPix