Romeo and his mother left the private Portland Hospital in central London by the back entrance, leaving reporters and photographers flat-footed.

It is Victoria's second Caesarean

The wife of David Beckham gave birth by Caesarean section on Sunday.

The couple left the hospital in a black people carrier-style car, with blacked-out windows, preventing waiting photographers for taking shots of the new arrival.

The hospital's personnel services manager Chris Jones said: "They were fine and seemed very proud of the baby. They were all very happy, they went away very happily."

On Tuesday night David Beckham showed his delight at the latest addition to the family by wearing boots bearing the names of both his sons to captain Manchester United in a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

He may be back with his new son sooner than he expected, after it was revealed that injury will keep him out of England's friendly match against Portugal on Saturday.

Victoria - formerly Posh Spice - received some famous visitors at the Portland hospital, including Sir Elton John's partner David Furnish.

Mr Furnish described baby Romeo as "beautiful" after spending 45 minutes with them on Tuesday.

And he said of Romeo's mother: "She looks really great and beautiful and happy. She looks really radiant."

Actress and model Liz Hurley visited on Wednesday morning.

Other visitors

Delivered by Caesarean section at 0940 BST on Sunday, the new Beckham weighs 7lb 4oz and has been enjoying plenty of visitors.

Also visiting on Tuesday were the Beckhams' eldest son, three-year-old Brooklyn, and grandmother Sandra Beckham.

The pair were followed by Victoria's mother, Jackie, her son Christian, daughter Louise, and Louise's daughters Liberty and Tallulah.

Beckham says he loves the name

Announcing the birth to waiting reporters outside the hospital on Sunday, David Beckham said despite his nerves, it was "the most beautiful thing in the world".

The baby's name is already a major discussion topic across the UK, but the father could only explain the choice as "just a name we love".

He added: "Brooklyn's just in awe of him. Brooklyn came in when Romeo came out - he absolutely adores him."

Asked if three more children could make a Beckham five-a-side team, he said: "We'll work at that in a few months, maybe."