Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and Britain's Prince Harry leave after attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March. AP
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and Britain's Prince Harry leave after attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March. AP
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and Britain's Prince Harry leave after attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March. AP
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and Britain's Prince Harry leave after attending the Commonwealth Service at Westminster Abbey in March. AP

Meghan Markle gives birth to baby boy


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Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has given birth to a baby boy with Prince Harry by her side.

The official Instagram account for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex carried the happy news.

The new royal was born in the early hours of Monday, May 6, weighing 7lbs 3oz.

The Duke and Duchess say they are "overjoyed".

Mother and baby are doing well, Buckingham Palace confirmed, adding that more details will be released in due course.

News first broke that the Duchess had gone into labour on Monday.

"The Duchess went into labour in the early hours of this morning," a Royal Communications circular read. "The Duke of Sussex was by her Royal Highness's side. An announcement will be made soon."

Prince Harry was pictured looking overjoyed following the birth of his first child, and added the couple were still thinking of a name for their new arrival.

"It's been the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined," he told waiting reporters outside his Windsor home. "How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension. I'm so incredibly proud of my wife."

The baby is the seventh-in-line to the British throne, behind Prince Charles, Prince William, William’s three children and Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex.

A notice of birth was placed on display on a ceremonial easel outside Buckingham Palace.

Breaking with tradition, the Duke and Duchess said earlier in April that they would keep the birth private until they had "celebrated as a family".

The Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Diana and Princess Anne had all of their children at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, central London, posing outside for photographs hours after giving birth.

But reports circulating before the birth suggested that Meghan chose a maternity wing at a hospital closer to her home in Frogmore Cottage in the county of Berkshire, south of London.

  • Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Carolina Herrera, leave the residence of Mohammed VI of Morocco on February 25, 2019. AP
    Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Carolina Herrera, leave the residence of Mohammed VI of Morocco on February 25, 2019. AP
  • Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a J Crew jacket and Rag & Bone jeans, arrive at the Moroccan Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports in Rabat on February 25, 2019. AFP
    Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a J Crew jacket and Rag & Bone jeans, arrive at the Moroccan Royal Federation of Equestrian Sports in Rabat on February 25, 2019. AFP
  • Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Loyd/Ford and Babaton, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas near Rabat on February 25, 2019. AFP
    Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Loyd/Ford and Babaton, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas near Rabat on February 25, 2019. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Dior, and Prince Harry at a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Morocco at the British Residence in Rabat, Morocco, on February 24, 2019. EPA
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Dior, and Prince Harry at a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Morocco at the British Residence in Rabat, Morocco, on February 24, 2019. EPA
  • Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in an Alice + Olivia blazer, visit the Education For All boarding house in Asni Town in Morocco, on February 24, 2019. AP
    Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in an Alice + Olivia blazer, visit the Education For All boarding house in Asni Town in Morocco, on February 24, 2019. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Givenchy, arrives at Casablanca Airport in Morocco on February 23, 2019. EPA
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Givenchy, arrives at Casablanca Airport in Morocco on February 23, 2019. EPA
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, exits The Mark Hotel following her baby shower in New York on February 20, 2019. Reuters
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, exits The Mark Hotel following her baby shower in New York on February 20, 2019. Reuters
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a vintage Courreges coat, exits a hotel in New York on February 19, 2019. Reuters
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in a vintage Courreges coat, exits a hotel in New York on February 19, 2019. Reuters
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Calvin Klein dress and Amanda Wakeley coat at a gala performance of 'The Wider Earth' at the Natural History Museum in London on February 12, 2019. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Calvin Klein dress and Amanda Wakeley coat at a gala performance of 'The Wider Earth' at the Natural History Museum in London on February 12, 2019. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Oscar de la Renta to visit boxing charity Empire Fighting Chance on February 1, 2019 in Bristol, England. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Oscar de la Renta to visit boxing charity Empire Fighting Chance on February 1, 2019 in Bristol, England. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy at the City University of London, on January 31, 2019. EPA
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy at the City University of London, on January 31, 2019. EPA
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Brandon Maxwell for a visit to the National Theatre. her first since becoming its patron, in London on January 30, 2019. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Brandon Maxwell for a visit to the National Theatre. her first since becoming its patron, in London on January 30, 2019. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Roland Mouret gown and Stuart Weitzman heels to the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's 'Totem' at the Royal Albert Hall in London on January 16, 2019. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Roland Mouret gown and Stuart Weitzman heels to the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's 'Totem' at the Royal Albert Hall in London on January 16, 2019. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a H&M maternity knit dress, Emporio Armani coat and Paul Andrew heels to animal welfare charity Mayhew in London on January 16, 2019. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a H&M maternity knit dress, Emporio Armani coat and Paul Andrew heels to animal welfare charity Mayhew in London on January 16, 2019. AFP
  • Megan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Sentaler coat, Babaton dress, Gabriela Hearst bag and Stuart Weitzman shoes at Birkenhead Town Hall on January 14, 2019. Getty
    Megan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Sentaler coat, Babaton dress, Gabriela Hearst bag and Stuart Weitzman shoes at Birkenhead Town Hall on January 14, 2019. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears an Oscar de la Renta coat, Hatch dress and Gianvito Rossi heels visit the Smart Works charity in Londo on January 10, 2019. / AFP / Ben STANSALL
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears an Oscar de la Renta coat, Hatch dress and Gianvito Rossi heels visit the Smart Works charity in Londo on January 10, 2019. / AFP / Ben STANSALL
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Victoria Beckham outfit to attend the Christmas Day Church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 10, 2018. EPA
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Victoria Beckham outfit to attend the Christmas Day Church service in Sandringham, Norfolk, on December 10, 2018. EPA
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Soia & Kyo coat, Brock Collection dress and Aquazzura heels to visit the Royal Variety Charity's residential nursing and care home in Twickenham on 18 December, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Soia & Kyo coat, Brock Collection dress and Aquazzura heels to visit the Royal Variety Charity's residential nursing and care home in Twickenham on 18 December, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy at The Fashion Awards on December 10, 2018 in London. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy at The Fashion Awards on December 10, 2018 in London. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Club Monaco dress to the Hubb Community Kitchen in London on November 21, 2018. Reuters
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Club Monaco dress to the Hubb Community Kitchen in London on November 21, 2018. Reuters
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Safiyaa to The Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium on November 19, 2018 in London. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Safiyaa to The Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium on November 19, 2018 in London. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a belt two-piece suit and Aquazzura heels to the Centenary Of The Armistice Service at Westminster Abbey on November 11, 2018 in London. WireImage
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a belt two-piece suit and Aquazzura heels to the Centenary Of The Armistice Service at Westminster Abbey on November 11, 2018 in London. WireImage
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears Givenchy to the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at The Cenotaph on November 11, 2018 in London. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears Givenchy to the annual Remembrance Sunday Service at The Cenotaph on November 11, 2018 in London. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Stella McCartney coat and Manolo Blahnik shoes to the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on November 10, 2018 in London. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Stella McCartney coat and Manolo Blahnik shoes to the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on November 10, 2018 in London. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a men's Oslo jacket and Outland Denim jeans in Rotorua, New Zealand, on October 31, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a men's Oslo jacket and Outland Denim jeans in Rotorua, New Zealand, on October 31, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy and Manolo Blahnik heels in Rotorua, New Zealand on October 21, 2018. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy and Manolo Blahnik heels in Rotorua, New Zealand on October 21, 2018. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Stella McCartney and a traditional korowai at the Te Papaiouru Marae on October 31, 2018 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Stella McCartney and a traditional korowai at the Te Papaiouru Marae on October 31, 2018 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Antonio Berardi and Aquazzura heels at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland, New Zealand, on October 30, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Antonio Berardi and Aquazzura heels at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland, New Zealand, on October 30, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Brandon Maxwell dress, Burberry coat and Stuart Weitzman heels to meet the public in Auckland's Viaduct on October 30, 2018 in New Zealand. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Brandon Maxwell dress, Burberry coat and Stuart Weitzman heels to meet the public in Auckland's Viaduct on October 30, 2018 in New Zealand. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Karen Walker blazer, J Crew jeans, and Muck Boots at The North Shore Riding Club in Auckland on October 30, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Karen Walker blazer, J Crew jeans, and Muck Boots at The North Shore Riding Club in Auckland on October 30, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Maggie Marilyn dress and Manolo Blahnik heels during a visit to Courtney Creative on October 29, 2018 in Wellington, New Zealand. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Maggie Marilyn dress and Manolo Blahnik heels during a visit to Courtney Creative on October 29, 2018 in Wellington, New Zealand. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Seasalt jacket, Outland Denim jeans and Stella McCartney trainers at Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand on October 29, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Seasalt jacket, Outland Denim jeans and Stella McCartney trainers at Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand on October 29, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Club Monaco jacket, Outland Denim jeans and Stuart Weitzman boots outside the Maranui Cafe in Wellington, New Zealand on October 29, 2018. Reuters
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Club Monaco jacket, Outland Denim jeans and Stuart Weitzman boots outside the Maranui Cafe in Wellington, New Zealand on October 29, 2018. Reuters
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Gabriela Hearst dress and Stuart Weitzman heels at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 28, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Gabriela Hearst dress and Stuart Weitzman heels at Government House in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 28, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Karen Walker coat and Asos dress at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 28, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Karen Walker coat and Asos dress at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, New Zealand, on October 28, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Hugo Boss dress and Aquazzura heels in Sydney on October 28, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Hugo Boss dress and Aquazzura heels in Sydney on October 28, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Antonio Berardi and Aquazzura heels at the Invictus Games in Sydney, on October 27, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Antonio Berardi and Aquazzura heels at the Invictus Games in Sydney, on October 27, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Scanlan Theodore jacket, Outland Denim jeans and Sarah Flint shoe at The Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia, on October 27, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Scanlan Theodore jacket, Outland Denim jeans and Sarah Flint shoe at The Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia, on October 27, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Oscar de la Renta at the Australian Geographic Society Gala Awards event in Sydney, Australia, on October 26, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Oscar de la Renta at the Australian Geographic Society Gala Awards event in Sydney, Australia, on October 26, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Veronica Beard to Tupou College in Tonga, on October 26, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Veronica Beard to Tupou College in Tonga, on October 26, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Martin Grant at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre on October 26, 2018 in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Martin Grant at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre on October 26, 2018 in Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Theia and Aquazzura heels to a state dinner in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on October 25, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Theia and Aquazzura heels to a state dinner in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on October 25, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Self-Portrait and Manolo Blahnik heels at Fua'amotu airport in Tonga on October 25, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Self-Portrait and Manolo Blahnik heels at Fua'amotu airport in Tonga on October 25, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Jason Wu and Manolo Blahnik in Nadi, Fiji, on October 25, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Jason Wu and Manolo Blahnik in Nadi, Fiji, on October 25, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Figue dress and Castaner wedges at the University of the South Pacific in Suva on October 24, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Figue dress and Castaner wedges at the University of the South Pacific in Suva on October 24, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Safiyaa to an official dinner in Suva, Fiji, on October 23, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Safiyaa to an official dinner in Suva, Fiji, on October 23, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Zimmerman and Tabitha Simmons shoes to an official welcome ceremony at Albert Park as they arrive in Suva, Fiji, on October 23, 2018. Reuters
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Zimmerman and Tabitha Simmons shoes to an official welcome ceremony at Albert Park as they arrive in Suva, Fiji, on October 23, 2018. Reuters
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Reformation dress and Sarah Flint sandals on Fraser Island, Australia, on October 22, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wears a Reformation dress and Sarah Flint sandals on Fraser Island, Australia, on October 22, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Veja trainers and Outland Denim jeans to sail across Sydney Harbour on October 21, 2018 in Australia. WireImage
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Veja trainers and Outland Denim jeans to sail across Sydney Harbour on October 21, 2018 in Australia. WireImage
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a L'Agence blazer and Wolford sweater in Sydney on October 21, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a L'Agence blazer and Wolford sweater in Sydney on October 21, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears an Altuzarra blazer, Mother jeans and Tabitha Simmons shoes at the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia, on October 20, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears an Altuzarra blazer, Mother jeans and Tabitha Simmons shoes at the Invictus Games in Sydney, Australia, on October 20, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Emilia Wickstead at an ANZAC Memorial at Hyde Park in Sydney on October 20, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Emilia Wickstead at an ANZAC Memorial at Hyde Park in Sydney on October 20, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Roksanda and Stuart Weitzman heels at Kirribilli House in Sydney on October 19, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Roksanda and Stuart Weitzman heels at Kirribilli House in Sydney on October 19, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Martin Grant at Bondi Beach in Sydney on October 19, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Martin Grant at Bondi Beach in Sydney on October 19, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Club Monaco dress and Martin Grant coat in Melbourne on October 18, 2018. Reuters
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Club Monaco dress and Martin Grant coat in Melbourne on October 18, 2018. Reuters
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Dion Lee dress at Government House in Melbourne, Australia, on October 18, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Dion Lee dress at Government House in Melbourne, Australia, on October 18, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Serena Williams blazer, Maison Kitsune shirt and Outland Denim jeans during a visit to the Dubbo College Senior Campus in Australia on October 17, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Serena Williams blazer, Maison Kitsune shirt and Outland Denim jeans during a visit to the Dubbo College Senior Campus in Australia on October 17, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Brandon Maxwell in Sydney, Australia, on October 16, 2018. AP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Brandon Maxwell in Sydney, Australia, on October 16, 2018. AP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Karen Gee dress, Martin Grant trench and Stuart Weitzman heels at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, on October 16, 2018. Reuters
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Karen Gee dress, Martin Grant trench and Stuart Weitzman heels at the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, on October 16, 2018. Reuters
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy to the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on October 12, 2018. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy to the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on October 12, 2018. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears an & Other Stories shirt and Hugo Boss to the Joff Youth Centre in Peacehaven, Sussex on October 3, 2018. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears an & Other Stories shirt and Hugo Boss to the Joff Youth Centre in Peacehaven, Sussex on October 3, 2018. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy to open 'Oceania' at the Royal Academy of Arts on September 25, 2018 in London. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy to open 'Oceania' at the Royal Academy of Arts on September 25, 2018 in London. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears an Oscar de la Renta top, Altuzarra trousers and Aquazzura heels to the Coach Core Awards held at Loughborough University on September 24, 2018. WireImage
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears an Oscar de la Renta top, Altuzarra trousers and Aquazzura heels to the Coach Core Awards held at Loughborough University on September 24, 2018. WireImage
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy for a picture taken in September 2018 to commemorate prince Charles's 70th birthday. Clarence House via Getty Images
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Givenchy for a picture taken in September 2018 to commemorate prince Charles's 70th birthday. Clarence House via Getty Images
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Smythe coat, Misha Nonoo skirt and Sarah Flint heels to launch a cookbook with recipes from a group of women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire at Kensington Palace on September 20, 2018 in London. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears a Smythe coat, Misha Nonoo skirt and Sarah Flint heels to launch a cookbook with recipes from a group of women affected by the Grenfell Tower fire at Kensington Palace on September 20, 2018 in London. Getty
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Jason Wu and Aquazzura heels at 100 Days to Peace in London on September 6, 2018. AFP
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wears Jason Wu and Aquazzura heels at 100 Days to Peace in London on September 6, 2018. AFP
  • Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wear an Altuzarra blazer at the WellChild awards in London on September 4, 2018. Getty
    Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, wear an Altuzarra blazer at the WellChild awards in London on September 4, 2018. Getty

Queen Elizabeth II is thought to have been the first person to be informed when the baby was born and to discover the gender.

The British monarch also has the power of veto over the Sussexes' choice of baby name, although it is unlikely she would ask the couple to change the name.

Alexander and Philip, the name of Harry’s grandfather, are the favourites for a baby boy.

Meghan, 37, announced in October last year that she was expecting her first child with Harry in spring 2019.

Although the Sussexes did not confirm an exact due date, the Duchess let slip at an event earlier this year that she was expecting to give birth in April.

Sussex Royal launches online 

Before welcoming their new arrival, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially launched the Sussex Royal Instagram page. The account got over 300,000 followers in its first hour.

"Welcome to our official Instagram," Harry and Meghan wrote. "We look forward to sharing the work that drives us, the causes we support, important announcements, and the opportunity to shine a light on key issues. We thank you for your support, and welcome you to @sussexroyal."

The caption accompanied a gallery of 10 images, beginning with one of their joint monogram, followed by a series of images from their 11 months of marriage. Some of the photos were previously unseen images of the couple.

The shared photos include, sailing in Sydney Harbour, Meghan embracing women at the launch of the Hubb Community Kitchen charity cookbook and Harry on a wildlife reserve in Malawi.

Run-up to the birth 

Meghan made her last public appearance in March when she visited New Zealand's High Commission in London to pay tribute to the victims of the Christchurch terror attack.

Earlier that month she spoke at a panel event to mark International Women's Day where she said she hoped her unborn baby would be a feminist.

Meghan celebrated the impending birth with a lavish baby shower in New York, which is believed to have been thrown by her close friends Amal Clooney and Serena Williams.

The former actress, who became famous for starring in Netflix legal drama Suits, married Harry in May last year at a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

The couple met after being set up on a blind date by a “mutual friend”, believed to be Bahrain-born fashion designer Misha Nonoo.