After the exciting news that they were expecting their first child was announced during the couple’s first international royal tour together last year, the world over has been waiting with bated breath for baby Sussex to arrive – and today the wait is finally over!
At 5.26am (London Time) on May 6th 2019 (4.26pm May 6th New Zealand time), weighing 7lbs 3oz (3.2kg), Duchess Meghan has given birth to a little boy, with Prince Harry by her side – their first child together.
The royal couple have welcomed their first child, a boy! (Image: Getty)
The incredibly exciting news was announced in the afternoon on the same day (UK time) via the couple’s official Instagram account @sussexroyal.
“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 caption begins on the post.
“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.”
In a brief broadcast after the news was announced, a beaming Prince Harry spoke from Windsor about his child’s birth and how proud he was of his wife Meghan.
“I’m very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy earlier this morning, a very healthy boy,” the Prince said.
“Mother and baby are doing incredibly well. 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 and so grateful to all the love and support from everybody out there.
“It’s been amazing, so we just wanted to share this with everybody,” Prince Harry shared.
Any ideas of baby names? “Still thinking about names”, Harry replied. But he says he and Meghan will be introducing the baby to the world in two days time.
We can’t wait!
Watch the video of Prince Harry during his brief broadcast, above.
News that Meghan was in labour was first announced earlier this morning London time, in a statement which read: “The Duchess of Sussex went into labour in the early hours of this morning.”
“The Duke of Sussex was by Her Royal Highnesses’ side.
“An announcement will be made soon.”
As per tradition, a notice was displayed on an easel outside Buckingham Palace, which will sit there for 24 hours, before being removed.
While the Palace have not confirmed where Meghan, 37, gave birth, there had been much talk that the Duchess had hoped for a home birth in the instance that all things go to plan, however with reports that Meghan was past her due date and the higher risks associated, it was thought she may have had to go to hospital after all.
Either way she would have had the support of her mother, Doria Ragland, who is said to be “overjoyed” by arrival of her first grandchild and who has been staying with her and Harry at their new home at Frogmore Cottage, after arriving in the UK from the US in late April.
Prince Harry was also in attendance for the birth.
While many had originally thought Meghan would follow in the footsteps of her sister-in-law Duchess Catherine – who gave birth to all three of her children with Prince William at the privately owned Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington – since Meghan and Harry’s recent move out of central London to Frogmore Cottage at Windsor, it seemed a lot less likely, especially with talks she hoped for a homebirth.
And while Kate had introduced all three of her newborns to the public just hours after their birth, posing on the steps outside the hospital, Harry and Meghan made it incredibly clear that they wanted to keep the birth of their first child more private, releasing a statement in April to say so.
“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,” the statement from Buckingham Palace begins.
“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,” the statement concludes.
The Duchess chose to give birth with Prince Harry and her mother Doria by her side. (Image: Getty)
Prince Harry and Meghan’s whirlwind romance began in 2016 when they were reportedly set up on a blind date and sparks flew instantly, with Harry inviting the former actress on a trip to Africa just weeks after meeting.
Just over a year later the happy couple announced their engagement to the world in November 2017 and six months later tied the knot in a breathtaking ceremony at St George’s chapel at Windsor.
It was during their first international royal tour together in Australasia in October 2018 that the loved up couple announced they were expecting their first child, much to the excitement of royal fans.
“Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019,” the statement read.
“Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public.”
During their royal visit in Sydney, Prince Harry told the crowd at the Invictus Games that he was so proud to be able to introduce his wife to them adding, “We have been so happy to be able to celebrate the personal joy of our newest addition with you all.”
Prince Harry has also talked about his desire for children many times over the years, admitting in an interview with ABC that he’s wanted kids since he was very young.
While he hasn’t spoken about how many he wanted, he has joked that he thinks five children would “too many”.
There’s no denying Prince Harry will be an amazing father. (Image: Getty)
The Duchess of Sussex hasn’t shied away from a long list of royal engagements throughout her pregnancy, also taking some time out to celebrate the upcoming arrival of her first child with a baby shower in New York.
Celebrating with some of her closest friends in mid-February, the lavish affair was attended by the likes of A-listers Amal Clooney and tennis pro Serena Williams and her long-time best friend Jessica Mulroney and former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer.
The last official public appearance for Meghan was her attendance at the Commonwealth Day celebrations with other members of the royal family, plus an unannounced visit to New Zealand House, to honour the victims of the Christchurch mosque terror attacks in March.
The pregnant royal jetted off to New York for a whirlwind trip to celebrate the upcoming arrival of her baby with her close friends throwing her a lavish baby shower. (Image: Getty)
And the staunch feminist certainly didn’t taken the conventional route during her pregnancy.
The modern mum has reportedly created a vegan, eco-conscious and gender neutral nursery for her little one, which will no doubt go nicely with the yoga room that’s been installed in their new family home, Frogmore Cottage.
Meghan has also enthusiastically spoken about how she hopes her child will be a feminist also, just like her and Harry.
Prince Harry and Meghan’s child is born seventh in line for the throne.
Now, the world waits in anticipation for the first real life glimpse of little Baby Sussex and a name reveal!
Congratulations Meghan and Harry, we are so delighted for you both!!
