America Welcomes Royal Birth

The Queen's Press Secretary Ailsa Anderson, with Badar Azim, a footman, places an official document to announce the birth of a baby boy, at 4.24pm to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at St Mary's Hospital, in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace in London Monday July 22, 2013. The child is now third in line to the British throne. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

Hours after the birth of Britain’s newest royal, President Barack Obama says the new British prince has been born “at a time of promise and opportunity” between the U.K. and the United States.

The statement issued by the president and first lady Michelle Obama wishes The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge “all the happiness and blessings parenthood brings.”

“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,” said the message.

Other dignitaries also extended their congratulations to the Royal household. Canada’s Governor General, the Queen’s official representative in Canada, quickly replied to the birth announcement issued from the Twitter account of Clarence House, the royal couple’s official residence: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge was safely delivered of a son at 4:24 p.m.” read the tweet, to which Gov. Gen. David Johnston replied: “Wonderful news!”