Britain’s royal baby: Queen Elizabeth II pays a visit

LONDON -- Queen Elizabeth II checked out the latest upstart angling for her job on a half-hour visit Wednesday to see the infant son born to Prince William and his wife, Catherine, earlier this week.

The British monarch is said to be “thrilled” over the birth of the as-yet-unnamed baby, who stands third in line to the throne after his grandfather Prince Charles, the heir apparent, and his father. The newborn is the 87-year-old queen’s third great-grandchild and first great-grandson.

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She stopped by Wednesday morning to see the baby at Kensington Palace, the royal digs in central London that William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, are moving into following extensive renovation work to the structure. The palace was the former home of William’s mother, Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in 1997.

The 2-day-old baby has now received royal visits from Elizabeth; Charles and his wife, Camilla; and Prince Harry, William’s younger brother, whom the infant has elbowed aside as third in line for the crown. Harry is now fourth.

PHOTOS: Royal baby

Later Wednesday, William and Catherine left Kensington Palace for the countryside home of the baby’s maternal grandparents, Michael and Carole Middleton.

Royal watchers are eagerly awaiting announcement of the name of the child who will one day reign over Britain and 15 other countries that recognize the British monarch as head of state. George remains the favorite choice at the bookmakers.

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