London, Jul 23 (IANS): Prince William has released a statement saying that he and his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, could not be happier following the birth of their son.

The Duke of Cambridge made his first comment after his wife gave birth to their first child, a boy.

"We could not be happier," he said in the statement, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

The Duchess of Cambridge, nee Kate Middleton, gave birth to a boy Monday evening at 4.24 p.m. The baby weighed 3.8 kg and was born in the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington, here.

The new royal heir will be third in line to the throne after his father and grandfather Prince Charles.

Prince William informed his father, Prince Charles, grandmother Queen Elizabeth and brother Prince Harry about his son's birth shortly before an official announcement was made to the public via the press release.

From British Prime Minister David Cameron to the US President Barack Obama, congratulations have poured in for the royal couple and the new prince from all around the world.

David Cameron said: "It is wonderful news from St. Mary's, Paddington, and I am sure that right across the country, and indeed right across the Commonwealth, people will be celebrating and wishing the royal couple well.

"It is an important moment in the life of our nation but, I suppose, above all it is a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who have got a brand new baby boy."

Obama also released a statement on behalf of himself and wife Michelle Obama.

"Michelle and I are so pleased to congratulate The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the joyous occasion of the birth of their first child. We wish them all the happiness and blessings parenthood brings," he said.