THE royal birth is a milestone for the nation as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby, a future king who will take the monarchy well into the 21st century.

For William and Kate their son will bring them much personal joy and set the seal on a love story that began when they met as university students more than 10 years ago.

It also marks the beginning of the next chapter in the Duke’s life as he enters fatherhood and begins to prepare for his future role as the head of state.

William’s family unit will be the leading force for the monarchy in the years to come.

In centuries past royal births were important moments for the monarchy and the nation as they were seen as assuring stability and continuity for the ruling family.

Although Britain’s head of state knows the line of succession is secure with many members of her family alive and in good health, the birth is still a significant event.

And the birth could be a boost for morale in the country in the midst of the economic downturn.

Christopher Warwick, a royal writer and commentator, stressed the significance of the baby was in the personal joy it would bring to the Royal Family rather than helping to ensure the House of Windsor survived.

He said: “It’s important to have a proper line of succession, but the importance of the Cambridges’ baby is its personal importance to William and Kate because it’s their first child and its importance to Charles, as it’s his first grandchild.

“The whole line of succession today is far more secure. If you go back to the Wars of the Roses and before there was no definite line of succession. Henry VII came to rule as the result of winning a battle which was the start of the Tudor dynasty.

“If William and Kate hadn’t been able to have children the throne would have gone to Harry. There will always be an heir to the throne, there will always be someone ready, that’s the beauty of a firm line of succession.”