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Piers Morgan Live

Landing Gear of Southwest Jet Collapses; Royal Baby Arrives

Aired July 22, 2013 - 21:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN ANCHOR: All right. And this is PIERS MORGAN LIVE, I'm Chris Cuomo, in tonight for Piers. The big news, of course, it's a boy. All eyes on the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital where at 4:24 p.m. local time, the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to a baby boy.

Take a look at the front page of "The Sun." As you can see the nation celebrating with all the pomp and pageantry you would expect for a baby who is third in line to the throne.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TONY APPLETON, ROYAL CRIER: God save the queen.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CUOMO: I don't even know that that man is related to the pomp and pageantry, but that's how excited people were because the first child of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine, weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Such a big baby, everybody was so happy for their good health.

A little bit more sound there for you of the occasion.

And a lot of those people standing around are Americans. That's how big the fascination is. Now of course we don't know the baby's name yet, but his father has said he, quote, "could not be happier."

We're going to go to live in London in just a moment, give you all the detail. But there is other news to talk to you about tonight.

First, breaking news, in fact, at least 10 people hurt when the landing gear on a Southwest jet collapsed at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

Joining me now on the phone, one of the passengers of the plane, Frank Ferramosca. He was there. Also Dominique Player. We believe another passenger.

Do I have Frank? Can you hear me?

FRANK FERRAMOSCA, PASSENGER ON SOUTHWEST FLIGHT: Yes. Yes.

CUOMO: Do I have Dominique? Can you hear me? DOMINIQUE PLAYER, PASSENGER ON SOUTHWEST FLIGHT: Yes.

CUOMO: Beautiful. I have both of you.

Frank, I'll start with you. But both of you, tell me first, are you OK?

FERRAMOSCA: Yes. Completely unharmed, yes.

CUOMO: OK. So you're unharmed, that's great news. Did you have any warning that something was wrong with the plane?

FERRAMOSCA: The flight was a little rocky from the start but nobody thought really anything of it. The weather. As I'm replaying the scene back over my head, I guess been paranoid but we were told multiples times, more often than usual, make sure our seatbelt were buckled and that we make sure that we check our neighbors were buckled.

Other than that, we were in the back of the plane, I thought (INAUDIBLE), and we landed first, no problem and then all of a sudden, a huge bang, and we had no idea that anything was coming.

CUOMO: So no announcement from the cockpit that you remember, Frank?

FERRAMOSCA: No.

CUOMO: Dominique, do you remember any announcement other than to check your seatbelts?

PLAYER: Yes, but, you know, it kind of struck us as a little odd, because they did also say to check your neighbor's seatbelts as well.

CUOMO: Right.

PLAYER: So, you know, I -- it did sound a little bit strange. But at the same time I trusted that everything was OK.

CUOMO: All right. So let's take it as events unfolded. So now the back wheels hit, the front is supposed to hit, something's wrong. What does it feel like in the plane, Dominique?

PLAYER: Well, it was incredibly shocking. Nobody I don't think expected the landing to be so abrupt and forceful. And when we hit, it felt like we were still traveling at a really high rate of speed. And so I think everybody was pretty terrified at that moment.

CUOMO: What was the result inside the cockpit? Did the masks come down? Did any of the seats move? What happened?

PLAYER: Well, none of the masks dropped, but, you know, we were -- it was very -- yes, I mean, we were very shaken. It was almost like, as if you're getting rear ended or, you know, you rear end another automobile, I guess. It's kind of like the feeling that it felt like.

You know, the motion with, you know, hitting something so -- you know, while you're traveling so quickly was very jarring. And people, you know, were really in a panic at that point. And so, you know, it was really terrifying, but I could tell that the plane was slowing down, and it's basically screeching to a halt. So --

(CROSSTALK)

CUOMO: Screeching to a halt. How long do you think it took you, Dominique, to stop?

PLAYER: I mean, it felt like forever to be honest with you because it does seemed like we were traveling so fast. I would say probably in reality, it was probably no more than like 35, 45 seconds? But --

(CROSSTALK)

CUOMO: That's a long time in that kind of urgency.

PLAYER: It just seemed like -- we were, you know, coming to a stop.

CUOMO: Frank, were you two in different parts of the plane? Frank says he was in the back with a friend. Dominique, where were you?

PLAYER: We were probably seven or eight rows down, just in front of the wing.

CUOMO: OK. So you were in different parts of the plane. Now in terms of seeing people injured, because we're being told at least 10 were hurt, were they near you, Dominique? Did you see people injured there?

PLAYER: I didn't see anybody injured. You know, but I will say that, you know, after we finally came to a stop, the plane started to fill up with fumes, really strong fumes, and it was getting smoky, and people were starting to cough. So I'm wondering if maybe that might be some of the injuries, like respiratory? I don't know. But I didn't see anybody.

CUOMO: What was the word from the crew, Dominique? When they finally gave you word, what did they say and what happened?

PLAYER: Well, you know, immediately people were trying to jump out of their seatbelts and get off. And flight attendants came on the intercom and said, no, sorry, you cannot get off, we're nowhere near the terminal, you must be seated. So everybody kind of, you know, sat back down again.

It seemed like quite a while had passed, several minutes where, you know, the fumes started getting stronger and people were starting to panic a little bit more.

(CROSSTALK)

CUOMO: And then, Frank, you wound up going off a slide, right?

PLAYER: I looked outside and like I see that the emergency vehicles were surrounding the plane and they were, you know, hosing it down, and then at that point people really started kind of getting irritated and asking, you know, for the --

CUOMO: Right.

PLAYER: -- crew to open the doors, get some fresh air, and it was probably several minutes after that that they let us out.

CUOMO: Now when you say, let us out -- let me bring Frank back.

Frank, are you still there?

FERRAMOSCA: Yes. Yes.

CUOMO: You wound up not exiting the normal way, right? How did you get off the plane?

FERRAMOSCA: Yes. I was about five rows from the back, and thinking that the slide was literally a couple of feet from us. So one by one the crew actually did a great job of keeping people, you know, organized single file. One person it would have taken to start going crazy and pushing the line of people down. But the -- the cops were there, and the ambulance immediately at the bottom of the slide.

And, you know, at this point I can smell something burning. There's a lot of people in here in one exit. So you just kind of close your eyes and fold your arms tight and slide right down and then we were escorted by the police across the runway there. With that point it was all the fire trucks and everything, and running for your life, you don't know if that thing is going to explode or whatnot.

CUOMO: All right. And we know that you're still there, right, because they're asking you questions about what happened. So you haven't been able to get home yet. But do all your loved ones know that you're OK, Frank and Dominique?

FERRAMOSCA: Yes, yes.

PLAYER: Yes, yes.

CUOMO: OK. Well, that's what's most important, you don't want to worry anybody.

PLAYER: For sure.

CUOMO: Look, thank God you got out of there OK. As we know, these situations could be much worse, and we're still trying to figure out how this happened and why. But thank you to both of you for giving us a feel for what it was like inside the plane.

PLAYER: Thank you.

CUOMO: All right. Our thanks to Frank and Dominique. Luckily, they're saying they didn't see people injured but we're hearing at least 10 have been as details come in, as to why this crash happened and what's going on now, we'll give them to you.

But right now, we're going to turn to the news that the world has been waiting for, the birth of the royal baby.

Joining me now, CNN royal correspondent Max Foster outside St. Mary's Hospital in London.

I'm surprised they haven't named that place after you at this point, Max. What is the mood like there now? All day obviously people have been lined up waiting for this, you got word. What's the atmosphere tonight?

MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, we've been talking about it, haven't we? Over a week from this position and suddenly all unfolded very quickly, this slight change of plans. But actually, sort of mid-afternoon here, the baby was born after something like 12 hours of labor, so a credit to Kate for going through that.

Then we have about a four-hour gap before the announcement was made. And Kate and William said that they wanted to spend some time with the baby on their own before they revealed this news to the world. And I can tell you that William was there throughout the labor. It's only those two, no other family members here at all. They went through it together. And he's actually staying overnight with his new family as well.

We do expect I think tomorrow to be the day when they get discharged. Simply because all the signs are that everything went really well, really smoothly. And there is still this plan for William to say a few words in the morning before the family appear on the doorstep and head home.

CUOMO: And Max, it's your expectation that everything will happen a little bit more quickly than usual. Right? The combination of more media access and this particular royal couple wanting to do it their own way?

FOSTER: Yes. I mean, I think tomorrow morning will be the moment that they know they have to go through. They're not going to be comfortable in front of the cameras, I have to say. It will be hugely intimidating. It's like a wall of media facing them. And a new mom is going to be very concerned about her baby. I think they're going to do that moment, though, on the doorstep if she's fit and well. It wasn't a C-section, it was a natural labor.

So I think you're going to see them on the doorstep and then a few weeks time, we're going to see a photo shoot. But they're a very private couple already, Chris, and I just think they're going to get more and more protective because of this baby until they feel completely comfortable as parents.

CUOMO: Well, you can't fault them for that. Max Foster, your coverage has been excellent as has been your stamina. It is good that this moment has come. It's good. I can see the relief on your face, probably second only to William's.

We'll be back to you. It's good to have you, though, Max. Thanks for being there.

I want to bring in CNN's chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour and our royal commentator extraordinaire, Victoria Arbiter.

I feel like I've been with you all day.

Christiane, it's great to see you out there. Let me ask you. As you know, we'll put up a full screen of President Obama's acknowledgement of the bay. This is a big deal. You know. There's proof of it all over from the masses to the people in charge.

"Michelle and I are so pleased to congratulate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on the joyous occasion of the birth of their first child. We wish them all the happiness and blessings parenthood brings." You see there obviously.

Christiane, from an international political perspective, what is the significance of this little boy.

CHRISTIANE AMANPOUR, CNN CHIEF INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, OK, when it comes to the United States, of course, we've got this fantastic special relationship that all sides talk about all the time. Usually in matters of war and peace, and national security. And it turns out births of royal babies and royal weddings and things.

Look, this is a fantastic event for Britain and for the world, because it's what Britain is all about. This royal family, the House of Windsor, signifies what Britain's all about, and what brings so many people here to visit and on occasions like this, such patriotism amongst its own people.

CUOMO: And you feel it here in the U.S. as well. We know that all these royal events have become worldwide.

I want to pose a little bit of a provocative question to you and have Victoria weigh in as well. The Queen, 87 years old, the second longest serving British monarch right now. If she gets two more years, right, she'll wind up passing Queen Victoria.

Do you think -- Christiane, I'll start with you on this -- that there could be a plan here that the Queen once she passes the record, so to speak, pulls a Pope Benedict, and decides to resign, retire and allow one of the heirs to come? For Charles to come? What do you think?

AMANPOUR: Well, who would have expected a Pope to retire? But I don't think anybody expects this Queen to do that. I think one can't underestimate the trauma that the abdication of her uncle, Edward VIII, really sort of had the trauma that it had on England way back in the 30s.

And there seems to be no sign at all that the Queen is ready to do that or would even consider it. Because I think if anything that describes the Queen, it's duty and public service. And I think from everything that people talk about her and everything that she said to biographers and others, you know, this is her duty, her job, her life.

And listen, this is the first time since Queen Victoria that there has been three living heirs all at once. But I don't think it means by any stretch of the imagination that the Queen is going to step aside for Prince Charles or William or this new baby, who's yet to be named.

CUOMO: OK. Respect her tenacity but let's use the fact that you introduced here to push the analysis a little bit. Since 1894 no reigning monarch has had three direct heirs to the throne. I know that because you told me.

VICTORIA ARBITER, CNN ROYAL COMMENTATOR: Yes.

(LAUGHTER)

CUOMO: So that fact, Victoria, do you think that changes the equation here and maybe opens a possibility for somewhat of a sunset?

ARBITER: No, all I think it does is show the queen that her 61 years of service and duty have been worth every second. Like any institution the monarchy has had its ups and some major downs. And at the moment it's on a serious upswing. It is so popular again and the Queen is really getting to enjoy this resurgence. And so I think when she gets to meet her great grandson, her first great grandson it's going to be really quite a poignant moment for her because she can see that Charles III comes next, then William V.

This baby is potentially the first monarch of the 22nd century. And so God willing, this is going to be a monarchy that is safe for generations to come. And that's what's important to her.

CUOMO: Do you think there's a recognition, though, of how much energy William, especially with his marriage to Kate and now this little boy whatever his name will be, has given to the resurgence of popularity of the monarchy that might figure into who they want up front?

ARBITER: Absolutely. I mean, they recognize the fact that William and Kate are largely responsible but that's also because William and Kate are young, they're glamorous, they're exciting. They have a fairy tale ending that Diana didn't have. William and Kate are going to be older at some point and then suddenly the new young royals are going to be exciting.

What The Queen has popularity on a global scale. She's had of the commonwealth. That's 54 nations. She's the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states, the which are realms. She's incredibly popular in all of those countries. So I think for her to step aside, that would really throw a spatter in the works, especially because Charles' popularity is always a little hit or miss. CUOMO: Spanner in the works. Very good. Not as good, maybe, some say as pulling a Benedict, which someone else offered up as an expression tonight.

Christiane, before I let you go, the idea of Diana's influence, she would have been a grandmother. Amazing because our image of her is frozen in time as her being so young. But is there a feel there in this event of Diana's presence, her significance with Williams?

AMANPOUR: You know, I think everybody in the back of their minds always thinks about that. They did when William and Kate got married, they're bound to think that right now. And of course, the family themselves. Obviously William himself is going to think that. It's human nature. Of course that's going to happen.

I think, though, everyone will tell you it was Princess Diana who normalized these childhood of royal children, whether it was where she sent them to school, how she took them out and about in public and to have ordinary events. And I think it's probably amazing and maybe even a tribute to her that under her son, Prince William and would have been daughter-in-law Kate, that a new law has been passed in this country, that the heir to the throne would have been a girl if that girl had been born today. It is no longer just a boy who will be heir to the British throne. And that's a big change.

CUOMO: Right, and a recent change at that, obviously, the influence of what she did. Christiane, thank you very much for now. Victoria as well. And certainly, what we see with William and Catherine making their own way, somewhat of his mother's influence as well. Always wanted her sons to be very independent.

All right. we're going to leave the baby right now and go to break. But still ahead, George Zimmerman, lifesaver? Very provocative question. His attorney will join me exclusively and discuss something that recently happened: a new 911 call in George Zimmerman's life. We'll tell you about it next.

Also coming up next, Kate and Prince William, a very modern couple. We've been talking about that. So, how will they raise their son? I'll ask a woman who knows what life is like behind the palace walls. Katie Nichol is live with us in London. We'll get to her in just a second. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVID CAMERON, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER: It's wonderful news from St. Mary's Paddington. I'm sure right across the country and indeed across the commonwealth, people will be celebrating and wishing the royal couple well.

It is an important moment in the life of our nation, but I suppose above all it's a wonderful moment for a warm and loving couple who got a brand new baby boy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

CUOMO: Eight pounds, six ounces. Welcome back to PIERS MORGAN LIVE. Piers of course got word early, and we understand that he is with the royal couple helping them to figure out how to name the baby.

No, he's on vacation. That's why I'm here. I'm Chris Cuomo.

Here's what we know. Prince William, Kate and their new son are all safely tucked away at St. Mary's hospital tonight. But what happens tomorrow and the day after that? How will this young royal couple raise their new baby? For some answers, joining me now, CNN royal commentator Katie Nichol. She's also royal correspondent for "The Mail" on Sunday and author of "William And Harry: Behind The Palace Walls."

First of all, Katie, thank you so much for staying up. It's after 2:00 in the morning there. Appreciate it. Appreciate the stamina of being here with us.

KATIE NICHOL, CNN ROYAL COMMENTATOR: You're welcome.

CUOMO: The first question go goes to the significance of this event. William, with the marriage and now the baby, has done so much to restore luster and bring attention back to the royalty. What do you think this will mean going-forward in terms of how much focus will be on this new family?

NICHOL: Well, I think longevity and stability and continuity. Those are the words that spring to mind for me. And I think that's what makes our British family, royal family, rather, so unique. And this is a continuation of what Victoria was saying in her report before, and I thought she was absolutely right. There's no question of the queen abdicating. That's just not going to happen. But she will be looking at her family, at her dynasty. And this little boy, this little prince, HRH, is a continuation of that. And he will be the one that will lead us into the 22nd century.

CUOMO: Now, you got to watch as William grew up from a very close proximity, and you understand the influence of his mother and how he lives it out now in his own independence. What do you think that will mean in terms of the decisions he and his wife will make and how they raise their little boy?

NICHOL: Well, I think that Diana paved the way in many ways because she went against the grain so much, she was so determined to do things differently. She knew that life as a prince was going to be a very privileged life. But she wanted the boys, William and Harry, to see it wasn't how everybody lived. And I think William and Harry both recognized that. They're grateful to their mother. And their father. We shouldn't forget about Charles and the influence that he had.

In many ways, they had a very hands-on mom and dad at home. It wasn't the happiest of family because it was tarred by a broken marriage. But I think William will be looking at his own childhood, and Kate will be looking at her own childhood. And you have two very different backgrounds coming together, and it's going to be a very, very interesting mix.

CUOMO: And they're already living differently, right? I mean, he picked the quiet place of Anglesey. He's fought back against the media. They seem to be doing things a little differently here. This could very well be a different lifestyle because of that early influence, is that what you're saying?

NICHOL: Yes, I think it's exactly right. The barriers have already been not necessarily broken down, but certainly pushed. Those parameters have been tested. I mean, who would have thought William would have been able to spend 10 years courting a girlfriend, living with a girlfriend? This was a privilege - and I say that word quite deliberately -- that Charles never got to enjoy. And it's meant that William has married the girl that he's absolutely sure of. And just as importantly is absolutely sure that wants to be married into the royal family. So it's a firm foundation there.

And I wouldn't be surprised at all if these two have discussed strategies, exactly how they plan and how much access they're going to give us, the media, to this child. Because that's they're next biggest obstacle. We will see an official photo. We will see them tomorrow on the steps of the Lindo Wing. But where do we go from there? Are we going to see them pushing a pram around Kensington Palace? Are those photographs going to be published? There is a whole can of worms to be opened up now, and I think we're in for very interesting times.

CUOMO: Two quick things, Katie. First, do you think Prince Harry is breathing a sigh of relief that there's someone new to focus on? Not so much because of the succession, but that media spotlight may free him up a little bit?

NICHOL: Well, I think probably -- and Prince Harry will be absolutely delighted this evening with the news he's an uncle. He's probably first shoo-in for godfather. But yes, you're right. It does take the spotlight off of him a little bit. He's very busy flying Apache helicopters. There's talk of him going back on the front line. And one wonders whether this is just the distraction he might need to very quietly pop off to Afghanistan at some point soon.

CUOMO: All right, Katie, I'm going to let you go. But give me your take, what's the name going to be?

NICHOL: Ooh, I think my money's on George and Arthur somewhere in there. And probably Phillip as a sort of recognition of the Duke of Edinburgh.

CUOMO: No Bruno? No Barack? You haven't heard any of that out there? No? Nothing?

NICHOL: No, I don't think we're going to be hearing Bruno or Barack. But Philip --

CUOMO: I'm going to lose a lot of money on this.

NICHOL: Louis possibly. Royal names, Chris.

CUOMO: Louis is good. Piers? You hear any Piers? Piers? No, nothing?

NICHOL: Well, I think he's discussing it with them at the moment, actually.

CUOMO: Right. I'm waiting for him to call in. It's getting a little rude, to be honest. It is his show. He should call in by now.

Katie, thank you very much. I appreciate it.

We're going to take a quick break. When we come back, a true royal insider. She's Prince Charles' goddaughter and actually in the line of succession herself. And she just got knocked down a spot because of this new child. But I'm sure she's not upset. India Hicks, there she is joining me live. Stay tuned for that straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CUOMO: Here we are, all things royal with a new baby boy to William and Kate. If there's one person who knows what it's like to have life inside the royal family, India Hicks does.

She is Prince Charles's cousin and goddaughter, even one of Princess Diana's bridesmaids. And just a few hours ago, Stewart (ph) takes (ph) a dark turn. She was 678th in line of succession to the throne, now 679 but being a good sport about it and joining us via Skype.

Also here, we have royal commentator, Victoria Arbiter.

Thank you to you, both.

India, I'll start with you. Thank you very much for joining us. Appreciate it. I'm sure you meet this news with great satisfaction, but a little bit, just a pinch of, boy, I wish it were a girl.

Is there a little bit of that in you?

INDIA HICKS, PRINCE CHARLES' COUSIN: Yes, there is, Chris. I think it would have been so exciting to have lived through history in the making. It really would have been.

And I think that we can look back and see that we've had some very extraordinary queens on our British throne. And I would have loved to have seen another.

So yes, it is with a tiny bit of sadness.

CUOMO: And just to bring everybody up to speed, that's because by Queen Elizabeth's doing, there is a rule that's being passed around. Victoria was just explaining to me that they need all the realms to sign off.

But basically, it would say that a girl heir has the same rights of succession as a boy heir, which wasn't the rule heretofore. So that would have been -- will (ph) exciting about this little girl, yes?

HICKS: That's right. And I think also, you know, it's interesting to see that other royal families have already adopted this. And in fact, in England, we're rather behind.

I think we're a very, very traditional country. So it takes us a long time to make these changes. So it's very exciting to see that we are moving forward with that.

CUOMO: Now, you know William well. You know the influence that his mother had. And so you have a good idea and feel for what decisions he'll make as a parent.

How do you think he will choose to raise his little boy?

HICKS: Chris, I -- I know his father well. I know William much less. He's a different generation to me. My life is very different. I live on a small island far away from England now.

But I happen to be very blessed to be inside that family and to have had (ph) some extraordinary times. And I think what we can see is the extraordinary good job that his father has done in raising William.

A single parent is a very difficult position, as we all know and especially with the tragedy that they had to be confronted with. I think William is going to have taken a lot of that on board.

And I think the very unique combination that we see with Kate and William, having had just as Katie said, those years together before becoming a family, will stand in a good stead. I think we're going to see a very united front.

And I think Kate has had some experience now with that extraordinary current (ph) interest of press, which can be so damaging for a family who are really thrust into the limelight. Remember, of course, for William, he was born into that position.

It's a very difficult position to have been born into.

CUOMO: And yet, he has learned, Victoria -- let me bring you in, Victoria Arbiter -- he has learned to do it with a light touch. And he chose or was chosen by Kate as somebody also who has a good idea of finesse in dealing with the public versus the private.

They draw their lines. And so what do you think that means for what they'll want for this little boy? Do you think this will be a kid that will be thrust out there as look at the new royal or more of an accommodation of private and public?

ARBITER: Since William and Kate got married, we've seen William be incredibly protective of Kate. When there -- there was that awful topless photo debacle, he absolutely just cowered (ph) around Kate to protect her.

And he couldn't bear that had happened having witnessed what happened to his mother as a result of an overzealous press. So I think now, William is going to be like papa (ph) bear (ph).

He's going to do everything he can to protect that child and make sure that it doesn't have to deal with a huge invasion of privacy. Having said that, since Diana's untimely death, photographers have taken a large step back.

And there has been an enormous amount of respect that I never would have thought would last this long. The bigger problem now is members of the public with camera phones and the international press, the internet that doesn't have the same guidelines as the British press. So I hope everybody will maintain this -- this right to privacy to a degree.

Yes, babies do sell newspapers. But William is only going to become more closed off, the more he's chased.

CUOMO: And that will then mean that they'll have to make certain decisions like those they've made already -- living in Anglesey, in Wales, very quiet tight community, has its own kind of barrier protection just from the citizenry there. You're saying that was intentional.

They're making moves where they get to have their own lives.

ARBITER: Absolutely. I mean, they were in Anglesey because that's where William was based for his RAF (ph) search and rescue. But it was really conducive to the type of lifestyle they like to live.

Yes, Kate was photographed shopping a couple of times. But there's only so many photographs of Kate shopping, that the magazines are going to buy.

So it really afforded them a lifestyle where the locals respected them and left them alone. In London, it's much harder to do that because of course, you have tourists and members of the public that I'm not meaning to cross any lines.

They're just so excited to see them out and about. So I think they are going to retreat to the countryside. We've seen just in the last month, Kate has not been seen in public for weeks.

You don't want them to feel like they're under house arrest. But at the same time, they've been able to lead their lives without having the intrusion of the press.

CUOMO: Hopefully, the media has the same consideration that you're outlining now. Victoria Arbiter, thank you very much.

India Hicks, thank you to you as well. We've spent a lot of quality together at the wedding. I want you to know, you're still number 678 in my heart, India. I want you to know that.

I don't care about the rules of succession. I'm in America. Now, thank you to both of you for being here with us. We're going to take a break right now.

When we come back, George Zimmerman rescuer -- his attorney joins me exclusively to explain about something that recently happened in his life. There is, Mr. Mark O'Mara. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

OPERATOR: Do they -- does the person need medical attention?

CALLER: I don't know, they're getting him out of the car right now. They've got kids and everything in the car.

CALLER: I don't know if it's on fire or -- or -- there's other people that are helping the people.

(END VIDEO CLIP) CUOMO: That is a 911 call with a female's voice and also the voice of George Zimmerman. And you have not heard this call before. It has nothing to do with Trayvon Martin.

George Zimmerman's voice not in the call, but the man and woman talking about an incident involving George Zimmerman. This isn't about Trayvon Martin again. I repeat that.

Four days after the acquittal, George Zimmerman happened on an accident scene, we are told, people in an overturned SUV, it happened Wednesday evening in Sanford, the same community where Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman.

Zimmerman did not see the crash. But we had assumed he'd be staying out of the public eye, if he was in Sanford at all. And it turns out he was there and wound up assisting at the scene and talked to deputies.

This, again, just days after news of the acquittal. Joining me now exclusively here on "Piers Morgan Live" to discuss the situation, Mr. Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara.

Mark, thank you very much for joining us.

(CROSSTALK)

CUOMO: Anything I said so far is wrong. The 911 call is about the incident. George was not on the call. But he was at the scene of the crash, did assist.

And this in the same area where everything else happened, true?

MARK O'MARA, GEORGE ZIMMERMAN'S ATTORNEY: Yes, very strange. I mean, this is quintessential George. This is the person who I knew him to be when I found out about his past before February 12, just a guy who always involved in the community, always willing to, you know, lend a helping hand.

And here we go, four days after the event, something that I could not have planned but turned out to be just pure George.

CUOMO: Now, is it true that you saw George soon after this incident. And he did not mention it to you? Is that true?

O'MARA: We had conversations over the last few days. And yes, he came by but did not mention this at all. Again, to him, this is who he is, and who he's always been.

So it's not unusual, I guess, for him. I was surprised -- I'm not sure that I would have, you know, gone out and gotten in public like he did four days after the acquittal.

But he certainly did.

CUOMO: Well, that's an interesting point that you raise, Mark. What is his plan? Do -- do you believe he is safe there in Sanford? O'MARA: Well, that was only a few days after he was trying to make some plans and decided what to do. Of course, he was sort of surprised, if you would, at -- at the blowback to the verdict.

He thought that finally, America had gotten a chance to hear all of the facts about the case and to hear the whole trial, that would understand what really happened that night, and that it was truly self-defense.

And to hear a lot of the anger that has come since the verdict has surprised him. So he has taken some time away, and just going to sort of relax and stay out of the public eye.

CUOMO: And I'm not trying to be provocative. I mean, you -- you have said, and we've heard through the family that there have been meaningful threats against his safety, yes?

O'MARA: Yes, there have been. Actually, there was an increase in them since the verdict came back. Again, sort of a surprise, in which (ph) chagrinned by it.

But I understand that there's a lot of emotions wrapped around the case. And they still seem to be focused on George rather than on the issues they should be.

CUOMO: Well, let's talk about that distinction in your mind between what they should be on and what they are on. What is your take on the outrage that's there specifically -- not outrage, but reaction.

President Obama in his comments -- what have you thought about all this?

O'MARA: Well, you know, if you look at just the sound bite, I think it was -- it was inappropriate to suggest to suggest that 35 years ago, he could have -- Trayvon could have been him or whatever. But if you look at the complete context of what the President said, I think what he was acknowledging was that we still do have some issues of a race and the way there is a divide between the country still.

And it's a conversation that we need to have. And you may recall, Chris, and we talked a couple of weeks ago, when I've talked to Piers in the past, I've done for 30 years, criminal defense, where I represented young black males in the system.

And they -- there is an issue that needs to be addressed. My frustration has always been that we're using the George Zimmerman case as the focus point for that, when this was not a racial event. George was more probably (ph) of a non-racist than most people.

Yet, they've decided to focus on George for their hatred, when actually, the anger is probably placed on the system, I mean, nothing to do with George.

CUOMO: Well, just address what you know already, which is what the basis of dissatisfaction is with the verdict, which is that a young black man doing nothing wrong winds up dead. And there is no responsibility under the law.

It seems just wrong. And you acknowledge that but you have an explanation, which is?

O'MARA: The reality is, is that what George did was not just legally correct, but was appropriate for the situation that he was in. It's very easy to Monday morning quarterback and say, well, if only he didn't get out of the car.

Well, maybe, he didn't follow precisely the directions of law enforcement. But the realities that came out at trial was that there were two people involved, now, one was 17.

Seventeen is still old enough to have a responsibility for your actions. And Trayvon Martin decided for whatever reason, the four minutes to move and to leave, decided to come back.

And we know from the testimony of Ms. Jeantel (ph) that he reengaged the argument in the very least. We also know that George did not lend a blow and that he was struck many times in the face and that it's a concrete.

And though, whenever I say this, it looks like I'm just trashing, if you will, a -- a 17-year-old who has passed. We -- I don't know why we feel the need to ignore the factual reality that happened that night.

If people accepted that factual reality, they could not and would not be as upset with George. If we then want to talk about the fact that maybe Trayvon and many other black males are looked at in a certain way within the criminal justice system, did -- did Sanford look at it a different way?

Did the system look at it a different way? That's a conversation we could have. But nobody can look at the facts that came out at that trial and say, this was 100 percent George's responsibility because the reality is, it just wasn't.

CUOMO: So under the law, at least, let me let you go, but with one quick question. I know you don't believe that the federal charges, that investigation will come to anything, where George Zimmerman is involved. But do you think that this case is a legitimate starting- off point for discussions about concealed weapon laws and stand-your- ground?

O'MARA: Well, again, this is not a stand-your-ground case, never was. So I don't know that the facts of this could apply to stand-your- ground.

But now that we're talking about stand-your-ground and -- and weapons laws and the way the system may be skewed, I think it's great to have those conversations. Even if George Zimmerman's case may not have been the appropriate case for the starting point, because of the facts, the -- the conversations can still be had.

You know, we may look at the stand-your-ground law and say, should it be polished in such a way where people still accept the responsibility, try and retreat, to try and move out of an area of danger rather than just know that you don't need to?

Certainly something we should look at.

CUOMO: Mark O'Mara, thank you very much. Appreciate it. You'd be surprised how many people think the verdict did hinge on stand-your- ground.

So it's always important to hear your take on that. Thank you for joining "Piers Morgan Live" tonight.

O'MARA: Great, Chris.

CUOMO: All right, we're going to take a quick break. Coming up, we're going to go back to London for the very latest on Prince William, Kate and their royal baby born today. See you in a second.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CUOMO: Welcome back, everybody, to "Piers Morgan Live." I want to go back to the CNN's Max Foster in London where the nation is still celebrating the birth today of Prince William and Kate's baby.

So Max, what comes next? What are our big moments tomorrow?

MAX FOSTER, CNN ROYAL CORRESPONDENT: Well, hopefully, the family is getting some rest tonight, their first night -- night with a new baby of course. In the morning, there will be some medical checks.

If they're clear, then Kate and her baby may well be discharged. If that's the case, we'll see them on the doorstep for an iconic moment, the first image, the first sighting of this future king of England.

And possibly, Chris, if you were Prince (ph) William, that's the plan. We'll see how he feels but certainly a moment in British history coming up on Tuesday probably. It could be longer.

We're expecting Tuesday because the labor went so well.

CUOMO: What about the name?

FOSTER: Name -- who knows. It's only their secret. We'll probably find out tomorrow if they have decided on it. That's the impression I've been given.

If they haven't decided, it may take a few days. But I think it'll be tomorrow as well.

CUOMO: All right, if -- if it's in keeping with the standard so far, maybe it will come a little bit more quickly because it seems that these two do things their own way. Take a look behind you, Max.

You may be seeing Piers Morgan. We heard word that he may be in there helping them with the naming. So if you see him, say hello and see if he can get any advance on this -- should have called into his own show to be fair.

FOSTER: King Piers, imagine.

CUOMO: That would be beautiful. Max Foster, thank you so much. That's why I'll be speaking to you in the morning for sure.

All right, another story I want to talk to you about tonight, Pope Francis. He's in Brazil tonight. This was a big trip, his first overseas trip.

He's the first pope from South America. He's going back home to South America, landed in Rio de Janeiro for the start of the church's World Youth Day.

This trip had already been planned. But they're (ph) going (ph) to being (ph) his now when Benedict stepped aside obviously.

Joining me now, CNN international correspondent -- well, I call you that but really, you're not, right -- Fr. Edward Beck. You're really not a correspondent. You're really a priest and an expert, though, aren't you?

FATHER EDWARD BECK, CNN CONTRIBUTOR: That's right, of course.

CUOMO: Now, when we're looking at video of this...

BECK: Yes.

CUOMO: ...it's great to have you as always. It got very intense very quickly. Sure, it was adoring. But you've been saying all along that Pope Francis wants to bring down the walls, right?

He wants to engage with people. And you saw what happened out there today, right?

BECK: Yes, I did. But look, if this is a man who wants to be a man of the people, a man of the poor, he cannot live this rarefied, separate existence. Since he was elected, he has tried to break down those barriers.

He did not move into the Apostolic Palace. He is not driving in the papal limousine. He is saying mass the same mark (ph) every morning with the common folk.

So how does he now go to Brazil and get in an armored vehicle where he can't touch anybody, they can't touch him. It goes against the image, the paradigm shift this man is trying to make.

CUOMO: But he's down there in like a Hyundai in the back of his little hatchback. And there was only one lane. People were mobbing him, able to just sort (ph) of reach inside.

There was word of a homemade explosive that they had to discharge. I mean, even though I get the intentions, they're beautiful and arguably saintly.

BECK: Right.

CUOMO: But should he be in charge of security when it only takes one bad person?

BECK: Well, first of all, he is not in charge of his security. He makes some request and they try to...

CUOMO: Well, they seem to be listening. I mean, look at the picture. They're attacked. I don't know what it is, whatever the car is. Look how small it is.

And look at all the people reaching into the pope.

BECK: I agree with you but I think that's a better picture than having him removed (ph) from everybody.

CUOMO: Granted you can say that's dangerous. And it is. And you have to use prudence. But this is a man who wants to be able to touch people and have people touch him.

This is who he is. He's -- he's been willing to take those risks right now. And I think that we'll see what happens. But I think it's a good idea for him to do so.

CUOMO: Thank you very much. I know that the challenge for the pope down there is to reinvigorate this population. He's going home in a way, but Brazil, the largest Catholic population in the world.

Thank you very much for being here with us, Father Beck.

BECK: My pleasure.

CUOMO: I wish I had more time.

BECK: Me, too.

CUOMO: Probably some kind of sin. You can take care of that with me afterwards. But it's better to thank you. I feel much better now.

Thank you, Father Edward Beck and everybody who helped us covering the royals and the George Zimmerman story tonight and thank you for being with me here on "Piers Morgan Live."

We're going to be right back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CUOMO: OK, everybody. That's it for us tonight. Tomorrow, Morgan Spurlock sits in for Mr. Piers Morgan. His special guest is Glenn Greenwald, the journalist who broke the NSA liquor (ph) story.

And on Friday, the hilarious Matthew Perry. He sits down with, let's say, special friend, Lisa Kudrow. And he turns serious as welll addressing his own long battles with addiction.

Matthew Perry, guest hosting Friday. Put that on the calendar. Up next, you're going to get a double dose of the NEW DAY crew here, Kate Bolduan (ph) with her CNN special "Will & Kate plus One." That's going to be on right now as soon as I get off.

And I will see you tomorrow morning as always on NEW DAY. Thank you so much for being with us. Have a very good night. Enjoy Kate's special. It's really good.