New addition to royal family is welcomed across Midlands

Meanwhile, a union flag has been raised at Dudley Castle this morning to mark the royal birth.

Dudley Zoo, which encompasses the castle grounds, made the gesture to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Chief executive at the zoo, Peter Suddock, said: "It's fantastic news; we are delighted for William and Kate and send our very best wishes to the new family."

The 11th century castle has seen visits by both Queen Elizabeth I on August 11, 1575 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on June 24, 1994.

The union flag has also been raised above the Civic Centre in Stafford to mark the arrival of the royal baby.

And tonight it will be proposed that Stafford Borough Council sends a letter of congratulation to William and Kate.

Leader Mike Heenan said: "I am absolutely delighted for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. I am so pleased everything has gone well and I am sure all the members of the borough council wish them very much happiness on their new arrival.

"We are overjoyed with the news and wish them well."

Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said: "I think it's great news for the country. It gives us something else to focus on. I am a Royal Family supporter. We should protect our monarchy without a doubt."

Walsall North MP David Winnick said: "I wish the baby and mother well, as I wish all mothers who gave birth yesterday well."

The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Rev Dr John Inge, today announced his delight at the news of the birth.

He said: "I was delighted to hear about the birth of a son for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

"This is good news not only for the couple and the Royal Family, but for the whole nation and the Commonwealth.

"The young prince and his parents will be very much in my prayers. May God bless them all very richly now and in the future."

The Church of England has also issued a prayer for the new baby boy.

Sandwell Council leader, Councillor Darren Cooper said: "We welcome a future king into the world. It does mean that potentially there won't be a queen now for the next 200 years so it looks like we will have successive monarchs who will be men.

"People in Sandwell that I have spoken to seem quite happy about it and I think what it has done is given everybody a lift.

"In this doom and gloom it does give everyone a lift when a royal baby is born."

Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant said: "I welcome our future king and look forward to hearing what his name will be. The Palace have told me it's unlikely to be Wayne."

He added: "I heartily congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge."

Leader of Cannock Chase District Council George Adamson said: "It's a very exciting time for the royal couple and for the people who have been looking forward to this moment. I'm delighted for them."

Stourbridge MP Margot James took to Twitter to announce her reaction to the birth.

Last night, she said: "Congratulations to the royal couple on the birth of their baby boy, I hope they get a bit of family time together out of the spotlight."

Councillor Patrick Harley, leader of the Conservative group on Dudley Council, said: "I think it's really nice news, what with the media showing pictures of the queues outside Buckingham Palace and the happiness across the country – I think its creates a real feel-good factor which everyone can share."

Fundraiser 'Blind Dave' Heeley from West Bromwich, said: "It is great, it seems that the little one and mother are fine and I'm just pleased that everybody is healthy and happy. It is fantastic. The little lad has popped along and created a piece of history and it is great that we are part of that."

Black Country war hero and fundraiser Karl Hinett, 26, from Dudley, said on Twitter: "Congrats to the Duchess of Cambridge! #RoyalBaby."

Pregnant Wolves Wag Danielle O'Hara also took to Twitter. She said: "I kind of hope Kate & Wills don't call the baby George cos that's what my boys wanna call ur baby lol xx".