We Have A New Sixteenth Heir! By Rhea, year 9

In the early hours of this morning (17th January), Zara Phillips, the Queen's granddaughter, gave birth to a girl at NHS Gloucestershire Royal Hospital with her husband, Mike Tindall, the silver medalist former England rugby player, Mike Tindall, at her side. 

Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall in 2013

Although the baby's name hasn't been confirmed yet, Buckingham Palace announced that she is 7lbs and 12ozs.  The royal baby is sixteenth in line to the throne as she is the Queen's fourth great grandchild, but she bares no Royal title. 

Before the birth, Tindall told Australian Woman's Weekly: "I think we're both quite well-balanced and laid-back as a couple, so hopefully he or she will pick up on that." 

No doubt the royal baby will be part of the equestrian world from an early age, as Zara herself learnt to ride at the age of four. She will grow up at Princess Anne's Gatcombe Park estate near Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire, where Zara stables and trains her horses. The royal baby will also spend time with her second cousin, Prince George, as they are going to be playmates.

David Cameron's official spokesman said that he "passes on his many congratulations to the happy couple and to Her Majesty the Queen."

The baby girl will, for now, be known as Miss Tindall. Possible names include Charlotte, Victoria, Emma, Anne, Elizabeth, Catherine, Isobella, Grace, Sarah, Emily, Sophie, Phillipa, Zoe, Polly, Linda and some say that she may even be named Zara after her mother!



Vote which name you think she will be given and see if you get it right!