Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Relive the moment Princess Diana and Prince Charles left hospital with Prince William

Share this:

Princess Diana and Prince Charles stood on the steps of The Lindo Wing just 21 hours after the 20-year-old Princess gave birth to Prince William.

Safely cradling his newborn son in his arms, proud father Charles emerged first to loud cheers from the waiting crowds. The Prince of Wales, who sported a smart suit for the momentous occasion, then passed the then unnamed Prince William to Diana, who beamed as she showed him off to the waiting photographers.

Dressed in a loose green polkadot dress by Catherine Walker, Diana gave the waiting media the first glimpse of Britain's future King. The couple then got into a car and took their new arrival to Kensington Palace before Prince Charles left his wife and son to take part in a polo match.

Prince William

31 years on Prince William will now stand at the doors of The Lindo Wing with his child, who will one day be King.

It is thought that William and Kate will also take their son to Kensington Palace, where the youngster will grow up, although new laws concerning car seats for babies will mean negotiating transport may be more difficult than it was for Charles and Diana.

As in 1982, news of the royal baby's birth sparked a host of celebrations. Not even the drizzle that day – 21 June, 1982 – could dampen what the media described as a "carnival atmosphere".

Similarly on Monday, when the world learnt that Kate had given birth to a baby boy at 4:24 in the afternoon, fountains in the British capital were turned blue, towers around the world lit up, and announcements were made on city monuments to honour the birth of a new Prince.

More Royalty

See more