Black Country babies share same birthday as the new Royal

Everyone's eyes were firmly fixed on London's St Mary's Hospital on Monday but throughout the region, mothers were sharing Will and Kate's happiness and bringing their new bundles of joy into the world.

At Walsall Manor Hospital, one couple had cause for a double celebration – because of a surprise marriage proposal as well as the new arrival.

After spending 12 hours in labour, Hannah Whinnery was overwhelmed to give birth to Hayden in the delivery suite at Walsall Manor Hospital.

But as the baby boy, who weighed 5lbs 10oz, was handed back to her by midwives a few minutes later, she was stunned to discover he was wearing a vest with the words, Will You Marry My Daddy?

Her partner, Lee Swann, then produced a white gold and diamond engagement ring from his pocket and was delighted the reply was yes.

Mr Swann, a builder aged 27, of Coronation Road, Tipton, who has been with his fiancée for about 18 months after meeting when they both worked for BTC Activewear Ltd in Wednesbury.

Hayden was born at 10.01am on Monday – less than seven hours before Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton gave birth to a baby boy weighing 8lbs 6oz.

Miss Whinnery, aged 21, of Birchfield Way, Delves, Walsall, said: "I was very surprised. I was shocked when I read the words on his vest. I was really happy."

Another happy couple were Lisa and Victor Peters who welcomed baby Perran – weighing 7lb 8oz – was a little miracle, as 46-year-old Mr Peters was diagnosed with cancer six years ago and had been told he could no longer have children.

"He was meant to be born on August 3, but he came early," said 37-year-old Mrs Peters, of Hartill Street, Willenhall.

"He was a miracle baby, as my husband's got cancer and had been told he couldn't have children any more. He was a big surprise."

A total of 16 babies were born at Walsall Manor on Monday – 11 boys and five girls. One mother even gave birth to twins.

At Stafford Hospital, six babies – four boys and two girls were born on the same day as the future King.

Dawn Harris, 24, gave birth to Olivia after a five-hour labour at 9.27pm. It is the first child for Dawn and her partner David Ablewhite, 24. The Stafford pair said their daughter, who weighs 9lb 5oz, has her mother's nose but looks like her father's sister.

Gail Smith, 29, of Armitage, gave birth to son Joe at 6.41pm, weighing 6lb 13oz.

She found out she was expecting a baby on the same day the Duke and Duchess announced Kate was pregnant.

Families of babies born on Monday, July 22, will be able to apply for a commemorative silver penny from the Royal Mint.

Father David Paxton, 47, runs a bespoke furniture business in Rugeley and said: It will be fascinating to see how Joe's life develops in contrast to the royal baby."

West Bromwich couple Danielle Moseley and Craig Sprigg welcomed their own 'little prince' into the world just over three hours after the baby born-to-be-king.

Tiny Oscar Sprigg was one of 12 babies born in maternity units run by Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust on Monday. Danielle, aged 19, of Beeches Road, West Bromwich, said: "When I heard Kate had gone into labour on Monday morning, I had a feeling it would happen." Oscar weighed a healthy 6lb 4oz.

Oscar's dad Craig, aged 23, a storeman at the Carwood Motor Unit in Smethwick, said: "I'm sure Oscar will always feel special, knowing he was born on the same day as an heir to the throne."

In Wolverhampton Jorgie-May Nash was born just 15 minutes before the royal baby.

Mother Sarah Parton, aged 24 and from Coseley, said: "I was induced at 1pm and had Jorgie-May three hours later. The next thing I knew about it the nurses said the royal baby was only born 15 minutes after mine. It's crazy."