Meghan Markle baby news – when is the royal baby due and when did she and Prince Harry meet?
ROYAL watchers are waiting in anticipation for the birth of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first child who is due to arrive any day now.
But when is the Duchess of Sussex actually due to give birth? Here are the latest updates on the royal pregnancy.
When will Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have their first baby?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are getting closer to welcoming their first child.
Meghan's due date was April 28, The Sun on Sunday revealed.
Reports suggest the Duchess could be one week overdue.
Meghan desperately wanted a “normal, natural birth” in the comfort of her home at Frogmore Cottage.
But now faces the prospect of induced labour and a hospital birth, reported.
Kensington Palace has previously denied rumours that the Duchess has already given birth and is keeping it secret.
On May 2, bookies suspended all bets on Meghan already having given birth to the royal baby as Brits flock to have a flutter.
Paddy Power claimed the flurry of bets placed on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex already having welcomed a baby girl overnight suggested "someone knows something".
Doria Ragland, Meghan's mum, arrived in the UK on April 26 in sign that her daughter was about to give birth.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle referred to their child as "Baby Sussex" for the first time on April 15, sending royal fans into "meltdown", according to reports.
The couple used the term while thanking well-wishers on their official Instagram page for donating to charities for children and parents, instead of sending them gifts.
The soon-to-be parents wrote: "On behalf of The Duke and Duchess (and Baby Sussex), we thank you so much."
This comment prompted one royal fan to respond: "I think this is a great way to communicate. And mentioning Baby Sussex is the cherry on top!"
On a trip to Birkenhead, Meghan confirmed that she does not know the royal baby's gender as she and Harry want it to be a surprise.
The 37-year-old revealed she was six months' pregnant as she met locals in the Merseyside town during her and Prince Harry's first joint engagement of 2019 on January 14.
The Duchess is reportedly "nesting" in her new home, Frogmore Cottage, surrounded by scented candles as she awaits the birth.
Buckingham Palace announced that Meghan and Harry will keep the birth of their first-born private until they have had an opportunity to celebrate as a family.
In a statement, the palace said: "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very grateful for the goodwill they have received from people throughout the United Kingdom and around the world as they prepare to welcome their baby.
"Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private.
"The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family."
"We saw your little foot or hand!" wrote the fan account.
"You're a very active little one!"
Londoner Ryan Hatrick, whose home is heaving with royal paraphernalia, including royal-themed mugs, and has named his labrador "Windsor" told news agency Reuters that amid "depressing news... the royals have given us something to look forward to".
Royal commentator Claudia Joseph said: "People are always interested in the news and the fact that Harry and Meghan are going to have a baby... will be of passing interest to most people.
"But of course there are royal watchers who are fascinated and other people who just shrug their shoulders in the pub."
When did Harry and Meghan get married?
The couple tied the knot on May 19, 2018, after a smitten Harry popped the question in London in 2017.
The wedding took place at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle and was attended by A-list stars and was watched around the world.
Prince William was the best man, and here is the full list of bridesmaids and page boys.
In March 2019, the Queen announced that she had agreed to the creation of a new household for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, following their marriage in May.
The statement added that "the household, which will be created with the support of the Queen and the Prince of Wales, will be established in the spring.
How did Harry and Meghan meet?
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle first met after being introduced by mutual pals, but only announced they were together in November 2016.
The pair were then spotted hand-in-hand for the first time while out on a date in London.
At the time, friends said actress Meghan had “virtually moved in” to Harry’s cottage at Kensington Palace with the couple having been “inseparable” for weeks.
On May 6, 2017, Meghan made her first public appearance as a royal girlfriend when she proudly watched Prince Harry playing polo in Berkshire.
Then in September of that year, the pair were pictured together in Toronto as they attended the Invictus Games with Meghan's mum Doria.
When did Prince William and Kate Middleton have their first child?
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced they were expecting their first child in December 2012, a year and eight months after they were married at Westminster Abbey.
The announcement had come earlier than is traditional as Catherine was admitted to hospital with hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy).
Prince George was born on July 22, 2013.
Their second child Princess Charlotte was born on May 2, 2015.
The Duke and Duchess' youngest tot, Prince Louis, was born on St George's Day - April 23.
Is Meghan planning on returning to Suits?
Before she was the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was better known as Rachel Zane, the paralegal turned hot-shot lawyer on US drama, Suits.
With news that the telly series was being axed, Hollywood was abuzz with rumours the royal might make a final return to the show for its swansong.
However, Meghan did not return for a final sojourn.
Instead, she she has stayed entirely focused on her new role, which involves extensive charity work and looking after her new family in the UK.
Meghan remains close friends with many of the Suits cast.
The former actress featured in seven series, starting with the debut in 2011 and departing in April 2018, shortly before her wedding to Prince Harry.