Royal baby BORN: Meghan Markle gives birth to baby BOY - Duke and Duchess 'delighted'
MEGHAN MARKLE has given birth to her first royal baby - a boy. The exciting news has been confirmed by Kensington Palace.
Meghan Markle baby: Prince Harry announces birth of son
Meghan and Prince Harry welcomed a baby boy into the world yesterday, weighing in at 7lbs 3oz. Prince Harry was by his wife’s side when their royal baby was delivered. The Queen, along with Meghan Markle’s mother Doria Ragland, Prince Charles and Camilla have been told of the news.
Prince Harry confirmed the news with an emotional statement in Windsor, gushing his new son was "to die for".
He said: "We’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support...still thinking about names. The baby is a little bit overdue but that’s the next bit.
“We will probably see you in two days as planned to everyone can see the baby. I’m so incredibly proud of my wife.
“Every baby is amazing but this little thing is absolutely to die for. I’m over the moon!”
Meghan Markle baby: When will we next see Duchess of Sussex? Royal maternity leave explained
An easel was placed outside Buckingham Palace to announce the royal baby news.
It will remain there for 24 hours.
The practice of posting a bulletin outside the Palace announcing a royal birth has gone on for at least as long as Buckingham Palace has been the Sovereign's official residence - since 1837.
The newest arrival is the royal couple’s first child and they will be seventh in line to the throne.
Meghan Markle baby: Astrology insight into royal baby personality
The couple's Instagram - SussexRoyal - also posted of their baby joy.
The post read: "We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz.
"The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives.
"More details will be shared in the forthcoming days."
Royal baby horoscope: What's in store for baby Sussex this year?
They are the Queen and Prince Philip’s eighth great-grandchild.
And now royal fans across the world will await the iconic moment Meghan and Harry introduce their bundle of joy to the world, expected to take place in a couple of days as confirmed by Prince Harry himself.
Kensington Palace said they would like the “the opportunity to celebrate privately” first.
However royal fans are hopeful they will catch a first glimpse of the royal baby on the couple’s recently opened Sussex Royal Instagram account.
Will Meghan Markle's and Prince Harry's baby be christened? Royals' religious backgrounds
Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the arrival of their baby boy. Wishing you all the best at this happy time.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) May 6, 2019
Congratulations to Meghan and Harry on the birth of their baby. I hope they're all doing well. #royalbaby
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) May 6, 2019
The new royal baby has been welcomed into the world by a flurry of stars and politicians.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: “Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the arrival of their baby boy. Wishing you all the best at this happy time.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn also said: “Congratulations to Meghan and Harry on the birth of their baby. I hope they're all doing well. #royalbaby.”
The royal family Twitter account also revealed Doria Ragland, Meghan’s mother, is “overjoyed” at the arrival of the tot.
The account Tweeted: “The Duchess’s mother, Doria Ragland, who is overjoyed by the arrival of her first grandchild, is with Their Royal Highnesses at Frogmore Cottage.
Her Royal Highness and the baby are both doing well.”
They also said the child was born early this morning at 5.26am.
The account added: “Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex was safely delivered of a son at 0526hrs. The baby weighs 7lbs 3oz and The Duke of Sussex was present for the birth.”
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex was safely delivered of a son at 0526hrs.
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 6, 2019
The baby weighs 7lbs 3oz and The Duke of Sussex was present for the birth.
Read the full announcement here: https://t.co/RCUFjQG8pe
The BT Tower in London also has a very special message, welcoming the new baby’s arrival.
It read: “It’s a baby boy.”
A teddy bear was also featured on the message.
The little boy’s name is yet to be announced, though bookies Ladbrokes have revealed Arthur is the new favourite with 5/1 odds.
Royal baby net worth: Astonishing fortune that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's child has already
A spokesman said: "All attention now turns to the name following confirmation of the birth of Baby Sussex, and as things stand it's Arthur at the head of the betting."
The couple are also expected to announce who the little boy’s godparents will be.
It is predicted they will choose from Meghan’s best pals, such as Jessica Mulroney, Misha Nonoo and Serena Williams.
The Clooneys are also favourites to scoop the honour.
Meghan Markle baby: What will XXX's life be like? A look at stunning home amid 655-acre land
Congratulations - a baby boy! pic.twitter.com/fO6UnGDALB
— BT Tower (@bttowerlondon) May 6, 2019
Thomas Markle Snr, Meghan's estranged father, told The Sun he is sure his new grandson “will grow up to serve the crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity and honour.”
The Duke and Duchess confirmed they were expecting their third child on October 15 as the couple arrived in Sydney for the start of their 16-day tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Meghan’s final royal duty before going on maternity leave was at the the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey on March 14.