ENGLAND'S royal family has had a new addition after the second in line to the throne Prince William's wife Kate gave birth to a baby girl in the early hours of the morning weighing eight pounds and three ounces. 

Although yet to be named, the new baby automatically becomes the fourth in line to the throne after her grandfather Prince Charles, his dad Prince William and her elder brother Prince George. Kensington Palace announced the birth shortly after 11am, some five hours after Kate was admitted to the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London. 

A palace spokesman said that Kate, whose official titled in the Duchess of Cambridge and her newborn daughter are both doing well. Leading members of the royal family, including the queen have been informed and are said to be delighted with the news. 

British Prime Minister David Cameron, was among the first to congratulate the couple. Writing on Twitter, he said: "Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby girl. I'm absolutely delighted for them." 

Kate is now expected to spend one night in Kensington Palace with her new daughter and Prince George before retreating to Anmer Hall in Norfolk with Prince William and her parents. Prince George, William and Kate's older son, was born at the same hospital in July 2013. 

Due a recent change in the law, the couple’s daughter cannot be superseded in her claim to the throne by any younger brother who may yet come along. This Succession to the Crown Act, passed in 2013, means that male heirs no longer precede their elder sisters in the line of succession.