While Monday saw the world on tenterhooks for news of the royal birth, Warminster couple Joanne and Steven Benford were celebrating early, following the birth of their own little prince.
Mrs Benford, 35, was rushed to Frome Birthing Centre in the early hours of Monday morning, where she gave birth to baby Sonnie David, weighing 7lb 7oz, only hours before the Royal baby was born in London.
She said: “I was eight days late, and the running joke with my friends was I was waiting for the royal baby to go first. I didn’t even know Kate was in hospital until one of the midwives told me after I’d had him.”
Mrs Benford went into labour at 6.30am, and arrived at the hospital only 14 minutes before Sonnie was born at 7.09am, in contrast to the lengthy wait endured by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for baby George Alexander Louis.
She said: “I did compare my pregnancy with Kate’s as I followed it in the news, measuring it against mine.”
The royal birth has been welcomed across the county.
Addressing Wiltshire Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, council leader Jane Scott said: “On behalf of Wiltshire Council, I would like to extend congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of their baby boy and future king. We will be writing with our congratulations and warmest wishes.”
The Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton, who oversees visits by members of the royal family and visitors and represents the Queen at various events, said: “I’m delighted to hear the lovely news, and along with everyone in the county of Wiltshire, send them our congratulations and warmest wishes at this happy time.”
The Right Rev Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, said: “I am delighted to hear of the safe arrival of the Prince of Cambridge.
“Congratulations and every good wish to his parents.”
In Bratton the birth will be marked with a 21-gun salute on the recreation ground on Saturday, organised by village crier Ray Davis.
He said: “We wanted to do something a bit different. Anyone is welcome to come down and watch at 1.30pm.”
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