PRINCE Harry has described the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's baby, his baby niece, as "absolutely beautiful".
Harry, who is in Australia on attachment with the country's armed forces, said he could not wait to meet the as-yet-unnamed princess who was born on Saturday at 8.34am, weighing 8lbs 3oz.
Her parents William and Kate - who is known as the Countess of Strathearn in Scotland - also thanked well-wishers for the support they had received following the birth of the princess who is fourth in line to the throne.
The infant royal is likely to be baptised in the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace, London, like her brother, George before the royal family head north to Balmoral for their summer holiday.
A Kensington Palace spokesman said: "The Duke and Duchess are hugely grateful for the messages of congratulations they have received from people all over the world.
"It means a great deal to them that so many people have celebrated the arrival of their new daughter."
He added: "Additionally Prince Harry has said about his new niece: 'She is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to meet her'."
Prince Harry will not be able to meet his new niece until mid-May after he returns to Australia.
He flew Down Under on April 27 to spend time with Australian Army units in Perth and Sydney before he embarks on an official tour of New Zealand from May 9 to May 16.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall spent more than an hour with their new granddaughter.
The Duchess of Cambridge's parents, Michael and Carole Middleton, and her sister Pippa also met the princess.
Charles has made no secret of the fact he wanted his second grandchild to be a girl.
And the heir to the throne wasted no time in meeting his granddaughter, arriving behind the wheel of an Audi estate car with Camilla in the passenger seat beside him.
The royal couple joined Mrs Middleton and her daughter Pippa, and were soon followed by Michael Middleton.
The Cambridges' daughter will be affectionately known as the spare to the heir.
Around 10 hours after she was born the baby princess took part in her first photocall outside hospital, and delighted the world as she slept in the arms of her mother.
Gun salutes will be fired in Hyde Park and at the Tower of London on Monday afternoon to mark the birth.
William and Kate have yet to name their daughter and the wait has sparked a betting frenzy among royal fans trying to guess the moniker.
The favourite name among bookies has changed repeatedly in recent days with Alice and Charlotte among those fancied but Elizabeth and Olivia are also proving popular.
William Hill has seen six figures wagered on the royal baby's name since the princess was born and believes across the industry the figure could reach a million pounds by the end of today.
The betting firm's spokesman Rupert Adams said Alice was once again its favourite at 5/2, followed by Charlotte 3/1, Victoria 11/2, Olivia 6/1, Elizabeth 7/1 and Diana 9/1.
William and Kate are expected to leave Kensington Palace for their Norfolk bolt-hole Anmer Hall some time over the next 24 hours.
Their home is near the Queen's private Sandringham estate in Norfolk and they are likely to take the opportunity to show the monarch and Duke of Edinburgh their fifth great grandchild.
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