Prince Charles jokes about Royal Baby birth saying he’s collecting a ‘rather large number’ of grandchildren

PRINCE Charles joked he was collecting a "rather large number" of grandchildren as he celebrated the arrival of Baby Sussex.

The proud Prince of Wales, 70, made the comments on a tour of Germany as he chatted to well-wishers about Harry and Meghan's newborn.

Baby Sussex, who is yet to be named, arrived at 5.26am yesterday weighing 7lb 30z.

The baby boy is currently with mum Meghan, dad Prince Harry and grandma Doria Ragland at home in Frogmore Cottage.

Charles was already beaming and in very high spirits along with the Duchess of Cornwall, as they arrived on German soil earlier today.

The Prince of Wales spoke publicly about his new grandson, saying he was absolutely “delighted”.

Charles, 70, and Camilla, 71, were greeted by hundreds of well-wishers on the first day of their Brexit charm offensive tour of Germany.

During an official meeting with the German president, Charles was given a teddy bear wearing blue clothes for Baby Sussex.

The prince beamed as President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said: “First of all, let me congratulate you.”

On a walkabout in Berlin, where Camilla was handed a onesie and a balloon with the words, "It's a boy" across it, Charles said: “We couldn’t be more delighted at the news and we’re looking forward to meeting the baby when we return.”

They ended their afternoon engagements with a visit to Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, where hundreds gathered to pass on their congratulations.

Replying to one comment of "Congratulations on the new grandchild", Charles said: "Thank you, I'm collecting a rather large number of them."

Asked if he had seen the baby yet, Charles said: "Not yet. How many grandchildren have you got? None yet? Just you wait."

Charles now boasts four grandchildren, with Baby Sussex joining his cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis of Cambridge.

DELIGHTED GRANDPARENTS

The Prince had already expressed his delight following the announcement of the birth, as it was thought he might miss out.

Charles reportedly believes this German tour is of great importance, but with a close bond to his daughter in law Meghan, he was reportedly reluctant to miss the birth.

His comments follow a heartwarming message from his son Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Last night, the pair said they were delighted and couldn't wait to see the "latest addition to the family".

The Duke of Cambridge, 36, said he was “absolutely thrilled” about the birth of Baby Sussex and was looking forward to seeing his new nephew.

His wife Kate, 37, also told of her delight at a spring baby — before warning Meghan about the “daunting” days ahead.

Asked how he felt during a tour of the Cutty Sark in South East London yesterday, William replied: “Obviously thrilled, absolutely thrilled.

“And obviously looking forward to seeing them in the next few days when things have quietened down.

“I’m very pleased and glad to welcome my own brother into the sleep deprivation society that is parenting.”

Baby Sussex, who has yet to be named, was born at a private hospital at 5.26am on Monday, weighing 7lb 3oz.

Asked if he had any pearls of wisdom for Harry, 34, dad-of-three William laughed and said: “Plenty of advice, plenty of advice.

“But no, I wish him all the best and I hope the next few days they can settle down and enjoy having a newborn in their family and the joys that come with that.”

Kate, dressed in a chic Breton striped top and £150 LK Bennett trousers added: “It’s such a special time, obviously with Louis and Charlotte just having had their birthdays it’s such a great time of year to have a baby. Spring is in the air.”

Kate said she and William have not yet had the chance to see Harry and Meghan’s newborn — and had no clues about his name.

She said: “As William said, we’re looking forward to meeting him and finding out what his name’s going to be so it’s really exciting for both of them and we wish them all the best.

“These next few weeks are always a bit daunting the first time round.”

CHARM OFFENSIVE

Over the next four days, Charles and Camilla will travel to Berlin, Leipzig and Munich to highlight the UK and Germany's shared history and culture.

To mark their arrival in the capital, there was a Guard of Honour from the country's Federal Defence Forces.

The couple have met Chancellor Angela Merkel at the Federal Chancellory before attending a meeting her in private study.

They will then travel to Schloss Bellevue where they will be welcomed by the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

After a private meeting with the president, Charles and Camilla will visit and walk through Brandenburg Gate with the Mayor of Berlin, Michael Muller.

Mr Muller will give the couple a brief history of the gate, as well as explaining its importance to the city.

The prince and the duchess will then take the opportunity to meet members of the public outside the famous landmark.

For their final engagement of the day, the couple will attend the Queen's Birthday Party at the British Ambassador's residence.

Charles will deliver a speech at the annual event in which he will emphasise the importance of an enduring relationship between the UK and Germany despite their relations currently being in "transition".

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