Baby fever caps image turnaround for UK royals

London (AP) - A crowd cheered, hundreds of cameras clicked and an image of familial perfection was beamed around the world.

Prince William, his wife Kate and their infant son, the Prince of Cambridge, emerged Tuesday from London's St. Mary's Hospital to start a new chapter in their lives - capping a remarkable turnaround for a monarchy that had ended the 20th century at a low point of popularity.

The outpouring of public and official enthusiasm - including artillery salutes, marching bands and landmarks illuminated blue for the royal baby boy - showed that Britain's royal family is back in its subjects' affections, especially now that it has an adorable infant heir, third in line to the throne, who could be king into the 22nd century.