The newest royal baby is only a few hours old but he is already being marked for greatness.

The Duchess of Cambridge has given birth to an eight pound, seven ounce son at London's St Mary's Hospital.

He's already made his first public appearance on the way home from hospital.

Royal commentator Phil Dampier told Mike Hosking he's likely to be a major figure in the new generation of royals.

"This young lad, this boy is actually going to have a very prominent role because with a slimmed down monarchy that Prince Charles probably wants in a few years time I think there's going to be a big role for him to play."

LISTEN ABOVE AS PHIL DAMPIER SPEAKS WITH MIKE HOSKING