Prince William and his wife, Kate Middleton, have shown their newborn baby boy to the world.

Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, carried the future monarch outside St. Mary's Hospital in central London Tuesday so he could be photographed by the waiting press.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge show their new-born baby boy to the world's media, on the steps outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London on July 23, 2013. (Photo: AFP)

Kate Middleton held the child wrapped in a white blanket, with only the top of his head visible. (Photo:Reuters)

"It's very special," said William, who emerged from St. Mary's Hospital with his wife a day after the birth of their newborn son. Catherine held the child, wrapped in a white blanket, as the couple waved to well-wishers outside.

"We are still working on a name, so we will have that as soon as we can," William told reporters, adding that he could not be happier. "He's got her looks, thankfully."

Kate, wearing a pale blue dress with white polka dots, said they were both feeling "very emotional".

The couple left the hospital Tuesday evening with William carrying the boy out in a car seat and installing him in the back of a black SUV for the trip to Kensington Palace.

The baby boy was born at 4:24 p.m. Monday, weighing 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Prince William remained at Kate's side throughout the labor, and the baby was born naturally, not via a cesarean section, a Kensington Palace source said.

A name has not yet been announced for the child, who is third in line to the British throne. George and James, both traditional royal names, were favored choices with British bookmakers.

Prince Charles came to the hospital for a brief visit with his first grandchild Tuesday evening, accompanied by his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. He told reporters it was "marvelous."

Catherine's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, visited earlier, with Carole Middleton telling reporters the royal baby is "absolutely beautiful."

William and Catherine thanked hospital staff "for the tremendous care the three of us have received" in a statement issued via Kensington Palace.

"We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone -- staff, patients and visitors -- for their understanding during this time," they said.

Multigun salutes were also staged Tuesday afternoon to welcome the new royal heir. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery in Green Park released 41 rounds, while the Honorable Artillery Company at the Tower of London fired 62 rounds.

The fountains at Trafalgar Square were dyed blue, the BT Tower, a London landmark, flashed the words "It's a boy," and the London Eye was illuminated in patriotic red, white and blue.

The British monarch is also head of state in 15 Commonwealth countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Belize and Jamaica.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper offered his country's congratulations on the birth of a future king.

"The arrival of the newest member of the Royal Family, a future Sovereign of Canada, is a highly anticipated moment for Canadians given the special and warm relationship that we share with our Royal Family," he said in a statement.

Barack and Michelle Obama also gave their best wishes.

"The child enters the world at a time of promise and opportunity for our two nations," the president and first lady said in a statement. "Given the special relationship between us, the American people are pleased to join with the people of the United Kingdom as they celebrate the birth of the young prince."