BRITAIN: Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah, were celebrating the birth of a son yesterday. Last year, the couple lost their daughter Jennifer, who died shortly after she was born prematurely.
Mr and Mrs Brown were reported to have wept tears of joy at the safe arrival of their son, who has yet to be named, at Edinburgh's New Royal Infirmary. Mother and baby were said to be "fine".
Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair was among those who expressed delight at the news. "This is wonderful news. Cherie and I are absolutely delighted. I have passed our very best wishes to Gordon and Sarah. We are delighted that mother and baby are doing so well," said Mr Blair.
The couple's reaction to the birth was disclosed in a statement outside the hospital given by the woman who delivered their son.
Dr Rhona Hughes, consultant obstetrician at the New Royal Infirmary, said the baby weighed in at 8lb 1oz. "Sarah and Gordon are absolutely delighted. It was a very emotional moment and they both wept tears of joy."
Mr Brown (52) and his 38-year-old wife married in 2000. They announced the pregnancy in April this year. After news of the birth was announced just after 2.30p.m., messages of congratulation were quick to arrive from friends, and political colleagues and foes.
The couple's first child was born seven weeks early on December 28, 2001, weighing just 2lb 4oz. Her condition deteriorated and she died on January 7th, 2002.