Sophie, Countess of Wessex
The Countess of Wessex feels "ridiculously happy" for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge following the birth of their son.
Sophie - the wife of Prince Edward - admits she hasn't been able to wipe the smile from her face since learning the royal couple welcomed a baby boy - the third-in-line to the British throne - into the world at 4.24pm on Monday (22.07.13) at the private Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London.
Speaking at the Swiss Cottage Sports Centre in London today (23.07.13) - where she was meeting members of the British Wheelchair Basketball team - she said: "It's a wonderful event. Everybody's absolutely thrilled as you can imagine. I feel ridiculously happy for them.
"I never expected to feel quite this happy but I've had a big smile on my face ever since the news broke."
Sophie - who has two children, Lady Louise, nine, and five-year-old James, Viscount Severn, with Edward, Earl of Wessex - hasn't spoken to Prince William and Duchess Catherine yet but she has sent a number of messages to congratulate them on the birth of their son and is looking forward to meeting her great-nephew.
She revealed: "I've sent messages but I'm hoping in the next couple of days to catch up with them.
"I think they'll probably just want to be together at the moment.
"Having had babies myself I know that you really want to close down the hatches and just be together with your immediate family in the first few days and weeks.
"I hope to be able to see the baby sometime soon but no plans yet."
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