Gun salutes greet royal birth in Denmark

Gun salutes greet royal birth in Denmark
COPENHAGEN, Denmark - The Danish Crown Princess Mary has given birth to a baby boy at the Copenhagen University Hospital on Saturday. Mary is Crown Prince Frederik's Australian wife and their son is now the second in line to the Danish throne.

The couple has not yet announced the name of the baby, but according to Danish tradition, he could be named Christian since Danish royal tradition decrees that all kings should either be named Frederik or Christian. The event was marked by a 21-gun salute that boomed through Copenhagen at midday as soon as the birth was announced.

Frederik, 37,was at his wife's side during the birth and cut the umbilical cord of the baby, "It was totally overwhelming -- you cannot prepare mentally for what will be going through your mind when you can hold your firstborn son for the first time," the Prince said. "You can't act like a superman at time like this."

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The Australian Prime Minister John Howard extended his congratulations to the Royal couple and said, "We congratulate Frederik and Mary on the safe arrival of their child. The Government will be sending a first edition of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, an appropriate Australian gift for this wonderful event." Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen also conveyed his wishes to the royal couple.

Crown Prince Frederick had met Mary Donaldson, in a bar called the Slip Inn during the Sydney Olympics. After a prolonged courtship the two had married in May last year. At the Inn though, they celebrated in typical Aussie style by offering free beer for an hour. They were joined by the Danish consulate staff for the celebrations.