Baby born to Danish royal couple

A delighted Crown Prince indicates the size of his baby

Denmark's Crown Prince Frederik and his Australian-born wife, Crown Princess Mary have had a baby boy.

The child, tipped to be called Christian in line with royal tradition, becomes second in line to the throne.

Prince Frederik, who married Mary in May last year, spoke of his "tremendous delight" at becoming a father.

A 21-gun salute boomed through Copenhagen at midday to mark the birth. Bonfires will later be lit along beaches and fjords.

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen has offered his congratulations to the royal couple, as has the Australian Prime Minister John Howard.

Crown Prince Frederik met his future wife, estate agent Mary Donaldson, in a bar during the Sydney Olympics in 2000.

Their newly-born son is likely to be named Christian, in keeping with Danish royal tradition that decrees all kings are either named Christian or Frederik.

Crown Prince Frederik said: "It is impossible to describe that feeling for me and my wife, who is doing fine."

He joked that he had assisted the birth by cutting the umbilical cord.

"I was of great help if I can say it myself," he said.

The baby was born at 0157 on Saturday (2357 GMT Friday) at the Copenhagen University Hospital and weighed 3.5kg (7lbs 11oz), the royal palace said.

The Danish royal family traces its roots back to Gorm the Old, a Viking king who died in 958.