Bhutan's royal couple dubbed William and Kate of Himalayas announce birth of crown prince

Bhutan's royal couple, often dubbed the William and Kate of the Himalayas, have announced the birth of their baby, a crown prince. The newborn is the first child of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema.

The prince was born at the Lingkana Palace in Bhutan's capital Thimphu on 5 February. Both the mother and the baby are in "perfect health", the palace said, adding that the king was by the queen's side during the birth.

"Their majesties and members of the royal family are filled with profound joy on the birth of His Royal Highness," it said. "Their majesties expressed appreciation to the Bhutanese medical team for their service."

The royal birth was celebrated in a traditional manner with prayers and religious ceremonies. "We join the people of Bhutan in our heartfelt prayers for the wellbeing of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness, and in the expression of our joy on this momentous occasion," the royal family said.

Besides following sacred traditions, a sapling of a Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment and 108 other trees of sacred significance were planted across the Kingdom of Bhutan to mark the royal birth.

"His majesty commanded that the government should not spend valuable resources on grand celebrations but should commemorate the royal birth with initiatives that will have long-term benefits for the country and people," the palace added.

Wangchuck married Pema in 2011, the same year the Duke and the Duchess of Cambridge tied the knot. Prince William and Kate Middleton are likely to be the first foreign guests of the Himalayan royals following the royal birth when they pay an official visit to the Buddhist kingdom in March.