Doctors say Sophie Wessex will have to wait a few more days before being reunited with her baby daughter, who was born one month prematurely on Saturday night.
The Countess is still recovering at Frimley Park hospital in Surrey while her daughter is under observation at the neo-natal unit of St George's Hospital in Tooting. Until such time as they can be together, Sophie is taking comfort from a photograph of herself and her new baby taken just after the delivery.
Proud new dad Prince Edward has meanwhile been describing his delight at first clapping eyes on the infant. "It was a completely thrilling moment, quite difficult to describe," he said. "Obviously she is very small but she is cute and cuddly – but I would say that, wouldn't I, because I am her father."
The royal couple have yet to settle on a name for their new arrival, and they have decided to wait until they can all be together before making a choice. That is likely to be on Thursday or Friday, when the Countess is expected to be discharged.
Their new baby will be kept in hospital for up to three weeks as doctors monitor her breathing, temperature and feeding. She may have to be fed by tube for a period and kept in an incubator.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
