To Monaco, a son and a daughter

There are two new royals in Europe this evening. Prince Jacques of Monaco and Princess Gabriela of Monaco were born this afternoon at the Medical Centre which bears their grandmother's name. Princess Charlene gave birth after a day of speculation and her son and daughter are now making headlines around the world.

Gabriela and Jacques' mum and dad

Gabriela Teresa Marie, Countess of Carlades was born at 5.04pm local time and Jacques Honore Rainier, Marquis de Baux arrived at 5.06pm. But although Gabriela was first, she takes second place in the line of succession as her baby brother becomes Hereditary Prince and heir to his country's throne. Princess Charlene is said to be doing well.

The official announcement of the birth of the Countess of Carlades and the Marquis de Baux on December 10th 2014

Canons fired and church bells rang as the newest royal babies on the continent made their debut. There will be an official presentation in the next few days. But for now the latest heir to the throne and his spare are settling into their palace as the youngest royals in Europe.

Royal Christmas Countdown: December 10th 2014

A Scandinavian Christmas tradition features on Royal Christmas Countdown today. Every year, as December grows darker and the days grow greyer and colder, the feast of St Lucia brings an opportunity to celebrate the return of light. The Feast of St Lucia allows children to take the lead in celebrations and traditionally involves the eldest daughter of the house wearing white with a headdress of candles as she wakes up the family and serves them saffron buns and coffee. The tradition is particularly strong in Sweden but in 1946 the future queen of Denmark took part. Margrethe, eldest daughter of Frederik IX and his wife, born Princess Ingrid of Sweden, dressed in the traditional costume as the tradition was taken to heart in her country.Now in Denmark St Lucia's Day is a chance to celebrate everything to do with children and to allow young people the focus on work helping other youngsters. The photo for today's countdown is of Queen Margrethe dressed as for the feast of St Lucia in 1946.

And that photo, along with all the others from Royal Christmas Countdown, can be seen on the special page - just click the link above.

Kate dazzles New York

The Duchess of Cambridge brought the curtain down on her visit to New York in spectacular style with an evening dress designed to dazzle and chosen for one of the biggest events on her American agenda. The duchess attended a dinner marking the 600th anniversary of the University of St Andrews - the place where she and the Duke of Cambridge met and fell in love. Dressed to impress, she watched on as William told guest at the meal that the university would always hold a special place in the Cambridges' hearts. It was a glittering end to a glittering tour which has seen Kate conquer NYC. And she ended with a flourish - by dazzling everyone.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at the St Andrews' University Dinner in New York on December 10th 2014

(photo @UKinNewYork Twitter)

The duchess attended a dinner marking the 600th anniversary of the University of St Andrews - the place where she and the Duke of Cambridge met and fell in love. Dressed to impress, she watched on as William told guest at the meal that the university would always hold a special place in the Cambridges' hearts. 

Here is a clip from The Duke of Cambridge's speech at the St Andrews Benefit. #600NYBenefit #RoyalVisitUSA @clarencehouse

A video posted by British Consulate General NY (@ukinnewyork) on Dec 12, 2014 at 5:33pm PST

It was a glittering end to a glittering tour which has seen Kate conquer NYC. And she ended with a flourish - by dazzling everyone.

Royal Christmas Countdown: December 9th 2014

Who's dreaming of a White Christmas? There's nothing like a hint of snow to get everyone in the festive spirit and some stunning photos from the Royal Collection on the Norwegian Royal Family's web page can get everyone feeling sparkly. They feature King Haakon VII at the start of his reign, playing in the snow at Bygdo Royal Farm in 1907 alongside his wife, Queen Maud, and son, Crown Prince Olav.

A White Christmas for a new Royal Family - Haakon, Maud and Olav in 1907

And this image, along with all the others from Royal Christmas Countdown, are available on the special page - just click the link above.

Royal Countdown to Christmas: December 8th 2014

We have all heard the story of how Prince Albert helped make the Christmas Tree a major part of the festive celebrations in Britain following his marriage to Queen Victoria. On December 8th, Royal Christmas Countdown is all about the Prince Consort who made Christmas and features a famous rendition of Victoria and her family around the tree.

A Christmas Past that fires imaginations - Victoria, Albert and their children with an early Christmas Tree

And all the images on this year's Royal Christmas Countdown can be seen on the special page - just click the link above.