Anglican Archbishop Sends Congratulations on Royal Birth

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Tuesday, July 23, 2013

The head of the 85-million member worldwide Anglican Communion has officially sent his congratulations to the royal family over its most recent addition. The Most Rev. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, sent out the message Monday after news of the birth was released by Buckingham Palace.

"I am delighted to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the arrival of their baby boy," said Welby. "Along with millions here and around the world, I share in their joy at this special time. May God bless this family with love, health and happiness in their shared life ahead."

Throughout the weekend, the world was anxiously awaiting the news of the pending arrival of the child of Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. On social media, the phase #royalbaby trended across the world on Twitter while news organizations streamed live footage from the Palace waiting for the results.

On Monday, Kate gave birth to a son, the news of which were first posted on an easel outside the Palace for public view. The baby boy, whose name has not yet been released, will be third in line for the throne and shall have the title of His Royal Highness Prince (the name) of Cambridge.

From Downing Street, Prime Minister David Cameron stated that the news was "an important moment in the life of our nation…"

"It's been a remarkable few years for our Royal family - the Royal Wedding captured people's hearts, the extraordinary and magnificent Jubilee and now this Royal birth," said Cameron. "All to a family that has given this nation so much incredible service and they can know that a proud nation is celebrating with them a very proud, happy couple tonight."

Welby's words of congratulations were not the first time the established religion of the United Kingdom offered words on the royal pregnancy.

Back in December, news of the royal couple expecting a child led to the Church of England releasing an official prayer by the Anglican Communion member church.

"God our creator, we thank you for the wonder of new life and for the mystery of human love. We pray for William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge as they prepare to receive the gift of their child," reads the prayer. "We thank you that we are known to you by name and loved by you from all eternity, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen," read the prayer.