Time is GMT + 8 hours
Posted: 20 February 2005 2244hrs

Victoria gave birth to son No.3

SPAIN: Victoria Beckham has given birth to her third son. The baby
was born in Madrid, shortly after husband David played finished
playing in a match in the capital for Real Madrid. David said: "He's
gorgeous, healthy and his mum is very good so we're a very happy
family. He's got Victoria's lips and nose. He is beautiful. He is in
there with his brothers now and he is very happy." David said the
couple had been advised to have the baby delivered a week early but
mother and baby were "really well".

The couple announced Victoria's third pregnancy in August last year,
saying they were "delighted'' at the "fantastic news''. The latest
addition to the Beckham family is being named "Cruz", spokesman Simon
Oliveira later announced. A statement released today said: "David and
Victoria Beckham are delighted to announce the birth of their baby
boy Cruz Beckham, born today at 10.40am (Spanish time) at the
Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid. The baby's weight is 3 kilos,
200 grams. (Just over 7lbs). Both mother and baby are well and the
family would like to thank Dr Vidal, Dr Gillard and all the medical
team for their help and support."

Dr Vidal Pelaez, head of the obstetrics and gynaecology department at
the Ruber International Hospital said: "At 10.40am today Victoria
Beckham had a caesarean, which had been planned, giving birth to a
boy. Medical intervention lasted 30 minutes with no complications
whatsoever. Mother and child are in perfect health."

The baby was initially said to be due in early March but recent
reports had claimed the 30-year-old former Spice Girl would have a
caesarean on Friday next week. The couple celebrated the birth of
their first son Brooklyn – named after the place where he was
conceived in March 1999. In September 2002, Victoria gave birth to
their second son Romeo at the private Portland Hospital in London.

News of her latest pregnancy came after allegations that Beckham had
an affair. In April last year, the footballer was forced to make an
on-the record denial of claims of an affair with 26-year old personal
assistant Rebecca Loos. Beckham branded the allegations "ludicrous"
in a statement issued soon afterwards.

Victoria had a string of solo hits after the Spice Girls split, most
recently reaching number three in the UK with This Groove/Let Your
Head Go in January 2004. But in November, she reportedly said she was
abandoning her music career to concentrate on fashion designing and
motherhood. - SGA

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