It's a boy! Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcome their first child — all the royal baby details
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are officially parents.
Just weeks ahead of their first wedding anniversary, the couple has welcomed their first child, a baby boy. The couple confirmed the news on social media, noting that the new arrival weighs 7 lbs., 3 oz.
“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,” the birth announcement said. “More details will be shared in the forthcoming days.”
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on May 6, 2019 at 6:37am PDT
A visibly overjoyed Prince Harry also spoke to the press about becoming a father, saying he was “incredibly proud” of Meghan, who, along with their son, is doing “incredibly well.”
On April 11, palace officials revealed that the new parents would wait to announce the birth to allow themselves the “opportunity to celebrate privately as a family.”
Now that the proverbial cat is out of the bag, here’s everything we know about the royal baby.
The birth
The 37-year-old duchess went into labor in the early hours of Monday, May 6 and her husband was by her side. Prince Harry confirmed that the baby was overdue.
Family members were informed of the new arrival — which happened at 5:26 a.m GMT — and family members including the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Prince of Wales and more were informed shortly thereafter and are “delighted with the news.” Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, is with the new parents and her grandson at their home, Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.
#Meghan had a baby boy at 05.26am this morning. He weighs 7lbs 3oz. Harry was by her side. pic.twitter.com/7bfQXWWXFS
— Emily Andrews (@byEmilyAndrews) May 6, 2019
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.— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 6, 2019
The duchess was rumored to be hiring a doula to guide her through labor, with some reports suggesting that the former wellness and lifestyle blogger was keen to try hypnobirthing or even home birth. Exact details of the labor and delivery have not been revealed.
The name
Royal-watchers may have to draw on their patience, as it could be a few days before the royal baby’s name is formally announced. Case in point: Cousin Prince Louis was born last April on a Monday, but it wasn’t until that Friday that his name was made public.
Speaking to the press, Prince Harry said that he and Meghan are still in the process of choosing a name.
The British public is banking on the name being a traditional one that honors a family member, such as Arthur or James. The baby’s official last name is Mountbatten-Windsor.
The title
Barring any intervention from the queen, the royal baby’s title will be lord rather than prince. The baby is now seventh in line to the throne.
The first appearance
Meghan reportedly won’t follow her sister-in-law’s lead by emerging from the hospital just hours later with a fresh blow-out and high heels. After Kate was criticized in some corners for presenting an unrealistic image of new motherhood, it’s expected that Meghan will opt for a less public, more natural post-baby debut.
Daily Mail royal correspondent Rebecca English reported on April 11 that the couple will not issue photos until two days after the birth, an arrangement Prince Harry confirmed on Monday.
Royal baby update 👶 : Harry and Meghan have decided to keep plans around the arrival of their first baby private for now, but will facilitate a photocall around two days afterwards.
— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) April 11, 2019
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