AS the long awaited Royal Baby was welcomed into the world, a little Princess was also making an appearance in Basildon.

Natia Kavelavli 26, welcomed her new baby at Basildon Hospital at 4.24pm on Monday - the exact time our future King was delivered.

And in tribute Natia and her husband Damian Kilcoin, also 26, decided they could only name their new baby Kate, who weighed 7lbs,  after Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge who delivered the third heir to the throne.

Echo:

Natia, originally from Georgia, who now lives in Oakland Close, Langdon Hills, said: “We always wanted to call her Kate but it seemed like such a coincidence that we couldn’t really not. The Royal Baby was expected at the middle of July and I was due at the end of the month, so we never even expected it to be the same day. We were just excited they were going to be born the same month.

“I have always been interested in the Royal Family and have been following them a lot especially since William and Kate announced they were having a baby. It’s unbelievable we gave birth at the exact same minute. It’s one of the biggest things a parent could experience.”

It was even more extraordinary that the babies made an appearance at the same time as Basildon Kate was delivered by caesarean section, but only after the operation was delayed when an emergency birth was rushed into the hospital.

Natia and Damian, who already have a 15 month-old son called Luka, did not understand the significance of their daughters delivery time until four hours later as Prince William and the Duchess had delayed the announcement of the birth until 8.30pm to enjoy quality time together.

A total of 17 babies were born at Basildon Hospital on Monday as the worlds eyes were focused on St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, West London, where the Duches gave birth.

As the timing of little Kate’s arrival was so special Clare Panniker, chief executive of Basildon Hospital, visited the maternity ward to deliver flowers and congratulate her proud parents.

Natia added: “It’s lovely to share such a special moment with Prince William and Kate. Our Kate is our very own Royal Baby in our eyes. I can’t wait to tell her all about it when she’s older.”