Baby joy for Sophie and Prince Edward

Published on Thursday 20 December 2007 19:43

PRINCE Edward and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex left hospital yesterday with their newborn baby son.

Beaming and waving to wellwishers they left Frimley Park NHS hospital in Surrey, holding their new arrival wrapped in a white blanket.

The child, who weighed in at 6lbs 2oz , is a brother for four-year-old Lady Louise Windsor.

The couple have yet to name their son, who is likely to take the title Viscount Severn.

Edward wished everyone a happy Christmas after putting his newborn son into a baby seat in the back of a waiting chauffeur-driven car.

The Countess had been recovering in a private unit since Monday when she gave birth by Caesarean section to the couple's second child .

The family emerged from the hospital to cheers and applause from nurses watching from a window, and a small crowd that had gathered.

Wearing a grey jacket, the Countess hugged hospital staff and waved as she climbed in the back of a black Audi.

The couple returned to their home at nearby Bagshot Park and are expected to take their new arrival to Sandringham to spend Christmas with the rest of the Royal Family.