Camerons return home with baby Florence

Florence Rose Endellion Cameron met the media for the first – but almost certainly not the last – time yesterday and promptly fell asleep.

The Prime Minister stood with his wife Samantha, who cradled their Florence on the steps of No 10.

Asked how many nappies he had changed, Mr Cameron joked: "Hundreds."

Another journalist asked: "Has Nick Clegg changed any nappies yet?" Mr Cameron replied: "That's next."

The baby was wearing a white shawl crocheted by a member of the public who sent it in to congratulate the couple on the birth.

Asked if the baby was keeping them awake, she smiled and replied: "Yes."

Mr Cameron bent to kiss the baby on the head and she opened her eyes briefly.

Florence was born at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro last Tuesday, weighing 6lb 1oz. She was not expected until this month, but caught the family by surprise while they were on holiday.

Her middle name, Endellion, refers to the village of St Endellion on the north Cornish coast, near where the Camerons were staying. The Camerons are also parents to Nancy, six, and Arthur Elwen, four.

The Prime Minister said in a statement: "Samantha and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kindness and generosity since the birth of baby Florence. We have been really, really touched by all the people who have offered their warm congratulations, and by the many cards, gifts and flowers that we have received."

Jane Fraser-Cross, 74, who knitted the shawl said she was "absolutely thrilled" the Camerons liked her gift.

Asked how it felt for her handiwork to grace the Prime Minister's new baby, she said: "I'm so elated. I'm absolutely thrilled because I admire David Cameron and after all the sadness they went through a few months ago... I feel honoured."

She said she was looking forward to telling her grandchildren that the young baby was wearing the shawl, which she posted last Friday.