Over the moon

June 21, 1982

"The Princess of Wales was safely delivered of a son at 9:03 p.m. today. Her Royal Highness and her child are doing well."

The Princess's father Earl Spencer told reporters late that night that "Diana is doing very well, and so is the baby."  He added that his son-in-law, the Prince of Wales was at his wife's side throughout the 13 hour labor.  "I've spoken with Charles, and he's absolutely over the moon."

It was after midnight when the beaming new father emerged from the hospital.   He said his wife was doing well, but "a bit tired."   The baby, he said, "was lucky enough" to not look like him.

The infant prince weighed seven pounds one and a half ounces at birth. The birth took place in the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital, Paddington.

When he was asked about the names, the Prince of Wales said: "We've thought of one or two.  There's a bit of an argument about it, but we'll find one eventually."

The Prince and Princess took their son home the next day.  Still no name, but Charles told reporters: "I'm not going to let you know now, even if I have"

London bookmakers believed the new prince would be named George, as the Prince of Wales admired King George III.

The baby's name was announced on June 28.  The New York Times's headline said it all "A New Conqueror is named William."    HRH Prince William Arthur Philip Louis of Wales.   The names of the godparents were also announced that day: King Constantine II of the Hellenes;  Princess Alexandra, Lord Romsey (now Lord Brabourne); Sir Laurens van der Post; the Duchess of Westminster; and Lady Susan Hussey.

Prince William was baptised on August 4, 1982 by the Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie at Buckingham Palace.   The ceremony took place on Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother's 82nd birthday.