Proud new parents Crown Prince Tupouto'a and Princess Sinaitakala are celebrating the birth of their first son, reportedly named Prince Taufa'ahau Manumataongo, who surprised the family with an early arrival today, May 10, in Auckland, New Zealand.

Speaking to Matangi Tonga by telephone this morning from Auckland Hospital Maternity Unit, an attendant said that both mother and baby were healthy, but she could not release any details of the birth. It was understood that the Lord Chamberlain in Tonga would make a press release.

Crown Prince Tupouto'a who had been up all night and attended the birth could not be contacted by telephone.

It is understood from other family members that Princess Sinaitakala went into the maternity unit at 7:00pm on May 9, and was attended by the new baby's maternal grandmother Princess 'Ofeina, as well as Princess Taone, and Luolua Lasike a sister of Queen Nanasipau'u.

During the pregnancy the royal couple have been staying in Auckland at a family home "Tufumahina" in Mt Albert, and it is understood that they were expecting the birth a little later this month. A baby shower planned for the family today in Auckland has been postponed.

Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala, first in line to the Tongan throne, and Hon. Sinaitakala Tu'imatamoana 'i Fanakavakilangi
 Fakafanua were married in Tonga on July 12, 2012. They are both great-grandchildren of the late Queen Salote Tupou III.

The birth of the boy, who is second in line to the Tongan throne, was welcomed by many Tongans around the world who chattered online through social media soon after the birth.

The Lord Chamberlain's Office in Tonga at midday today said they could not comment on or confirm the birth.