Royal baby: Prince Charles & Middletons arrive at St Mary's

The royal grandparents have just arrived and left the Lindo Wing of St Mary's hospital where Duchess Catherine and Prince William have stayed since the birth of their brand new baby boy, the first Prince of Cambridge.

Carole and Michael Middleton arrived at the Lindo Wing - which is surrounded my massive crowds waiting to catch their first glimpse of the royal tot - at around 1:34am this morning (3pm London time).

Prince Charles and wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, were rushed to London by helicopter after two-days carrying out official duties in Yorkshire, arriving shortly after at 2:30am (5:30pm London time).

Carole and Michael Middleton at Lindo Wing this afternoon after visiting new mum daughter Duchess Kate. Source: Getty

Carole and Michael Middleton at Lindo Wing this afternoon after visiting new mum daughter Duchess Kate. Source: Getty

To media camped out near the steps of the Lindo Wing, Prince Charles asked:

"Have you been there long?'"

After leaving the wing about 10 minutes later, he then hinted at the royal couple's imminent departure, saying his grandson is 'marvellous' and then said 'You'll see in a minute'.

Earlier, equally proud grandparent Carole Middleton described the new royal baby as 'absolutely beautiful', with both Middleton parents agreeing Will and Kate are coping 'fabulously'.

"They are both doing really well, and we are so thrilled," said Carole after spending about an hour and half in side with her new grandson.

On what it was like to cuddle her new grandson for the first time, Carole said:

"Amazing, It's all coming back."

The couple are expecting to appear on the steps of St Mary's hospital very soon, taking question before leaving for Kensington Palace.

Charles charms the eager crowd. Source: Getty

The first Prince of Cambridge was born at 4:24pm Monday July 22, weighing 8lb 6oz.

"We could not be happier," said father Prince William shortly after the birth of his first son.

First-time granddad Prince Charles said he and wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, were 'overjoyed' on hearing the news of their little royal heir.

"Both my wife and I are overjoyed at the arrival of my first grandchild," he said earlier today.

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"It is an incredibly special moment for William and Catherine and we are so thrilled for them on the birth of their baby boy.

"Grandparenthood is a unique moment in anyone’s life, as countless kind people have told me in recent months, so I am enormously proud and happy to be a grandfather for the first time and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing the baby in the near future."

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The first Prince of Cambridge is third in line for the throne after dad Wills and granddad Charles, bumping uncle Prince Harry to fourth place, and shuffling the rest of the royal family tree one position along the line of accession.

For rolling updates on the royal baby, stay tuned to our Facebook page and twitter accounts @newideamagazine and @Niroyalbaby.