Kate is radiant in red as she introduces her new Prince to the world

The world has a new Prince!  Just before 6 PM (BST) the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stepped out of the Lindo Wing to show off their new bundle of joy.

Within 12 hours of being admitted to hospital, Kate emerged from St Mary's Hospital looking radiant while holding her precious baby boy.   The Duchess opted to wear a bespoke red Jenny Packham shift dress finished with a white lace Peter Pan collar.

Here's a look at the back of the dress.

You may recall that the Duchess wore bespoke pieces from Jenny Packham for her previous Lindo Wing exits.  In 2013 she wore a cornflower blue polka dot frock following the birth of Prince George and in 2015 she wore a yellow floral pattered shift dress when she left the hospital with Princess Charlotte.

Today's colour combination of red and white could be a nod to Saint George's Day which is today and symbolized by the red and white St. George's Cross (Flag of England). Or as some have suggested the look could be a nod to Princess Diana following the birth of her second son Prince Harry.

Today Kate wore her praline Gianvito Rossi 'Gianvito 85' suede pumps which have a pointed-toe and modest heel height.

She finished the look with the Queen's diamond stud and pearl drop earrings.

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Here's how this historic day unfolded:

At 8:22am (BST), Kensington Palace broke the news that the Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to St Mary's Hospital earlier this morning in the early stages of labour.

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was admitted to St. Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, London earlier this morning in the early stages of labour.

The Duchess travelled by car from Kensington Palace to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital with The Duke of Cambridge.

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 23, 2018

At 1:22 (BST) Kensington Palace announced the safe arrival of a baby boy! Kensington Palace waited over 2 hours to Tweet the news:

Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 1101hrs.

The baby weighs 8lbs 7oz.

The Duke of Cambridge was present for the birth.

Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well.

— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 23, 2018

As is customary for a royal birth, a Town Crier also made the announcement that the Duchess Of Cambridge had given birth to a baby boy.

Fans outside the front of the Lindo Wing could not contain their excitement!

As is tradition, a framed notice of the birth also went on display on a ceremonial easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

At 4 pm, The Duke of Cambridge left the Lindo Wing to return home to Kensington Palace to pick up Prince George and Prince Charlotte.

Prince William arrives at St Mary's Hospital with Prince George and Princess Charlotte to meet their new brother #RoyalBaby pic.twitter.com/QdOauQZ12J

— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 23, 2018

After meeting their little brother, the royal siblings returned to Kensington Palace. Then at about 6:00 PM the proud parents stepped out of the Lindo Wing to greet the press and show off their new little Prince to the world.

The prince is here! The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge appear on the steps of St Mary's Hospital with their third child #RoyalBaby pic.twitter.com/KfeypuiZ3G

— Sky News (@SkyNews) April 23, 2018

After a brief acknowledgment of the gathered press and fans they moved back inside to prepare for their departure. Finally, the royal couple and their new baby boy leave the hospital.

My goodness, just look at those cheeks!