THE Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are the proud parents of a baby boy.
In keeping with tradition, the name of the newest member of the Royal Family will be announced in the coming days after the Queen has been told.
- Meghan Markle went into labour early this morning.
- She gave birth to a baby boy weighing 7lbs 3oz at 5.26am
- Beaming Prince Harry told the world "the little thing is to die for"
- Mum and new baby at Frogmore Cottage with Harry and gran Doria
- For the latest on the royal birth, read our live blog
Confirmation of Meghan and Prince Harry’s first child came from Kensington Palace today.
Earlier it was announced that the 37-year-old Duchess had gone into labour and Harry, 34, was beside her during the birth.
The Sussex baby was born at 5.26am this morning and weighs 7lbs 3oz.
Prince Harry earlier today gushed about his new addition, saying the "little thing is absolutely to-die-for".
'OVER THE MOON'
The baby's sex was a surprise for the delighted couple, who chose not to find out what they were having.
A beaming Harry said: "It's been the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined.
"How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension. But we're both absolutely thrilled.
"We're both absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support from everybody out there, it's been amazing, so we just wanted to share this with everybody."
News of where Meghan was due to give birth had been kept secret in the run up to the announcement.
The Duke of Sussex, who was present for the birth, added: "I'm so incredibly proud of my wife.
"And as every father and parent would say, your baby is absolutely amazing.
"But this little thing is absolutely to-die-for so I'm absolutely over the moon."
The couple broke with Royal tradition and shunned the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London where the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to her three children.
BABY WINDSOR
The newest addition to the Windsor family is the first cousin of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, and a fourth grandchild for the Prince of Wales.
Meghan, 37, has been staying close to home with her mum, Doria Ragland, by her side at Frogmore Cottage for more than a week. Sources close to the family said Ms Ragland wanted to be by her daughter's side for the event.
The former actress reportedly didn’t want the pressure of looking picture perfect after Kate Middleton looked immaculate as she emerged just hours after Prince Louis’ birth.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex - as they became known - announced their pregnancy on October 15 at the start of a tour Down Under.
BEAUTIFUL BABY
When six months' pregnant, Meghan revealed to delighted fans on a trip to Birkenhead that she is due to give birth in April 2019.
She only went on a maternity leave a few weeks ago, following a busy engagement schedule.
The former ‘Suits’ star dashed off to New York City for a luxurious baby shower hosted by her pals Serena Williams and Amal Clooney at a £57,000-a-night hotel.
Friend Abigail Spencer was pictured walking into the Mark Hotel with gifts wrapped in blue tissue paper – in what appeared to be a hint at the baby's gender.
ROYAL ROMANCE
Meghan and Prince Harry’s whirlwind romance gripped the nation in late 2016.
After numerous reports they had been dating, in November of that year Harry confirmed their relationship in a statement.
Then on November 27, 2017 it was announced by the Prince of Wales that the happy couple were engaged.
The couple tied the knot in a wedding on May 19, 2018 at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in front of their celebrity guests and other royals.
MOST READ IN NEWS
Harry had sought and received the blessing of Meghan's parents – Doria Ragland and Thomas Markle and designed the ring himself using two stones from Princess Diana's jewellery collection.
Harry and Meghan's son is The Queen's eighth Great-Grandchild and is seventh in line to the throne, behind Prince Harry.
Her Majesty’s other great-grandchildren are William and Kate's three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, Peter Phillips has two children, Savannah and Isla and Zara Tindall has Mia and Lena.
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