The world has gone wild over Meghan Markle's pregnancy news.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the happy announcement through Kensington Palace this morning, just hours after touching down in Sydney on the first leg of their Royal Tour.
The baby will be Prince Harry and Meghan's first child and it is due in Spring 2019.
'Victoria' has shot to the top of the bookies odds on names while 'James' is leading the way for the boys.
The Queen and other senior royals are said to be "delighted" by the news.
But there has been a public backlash against the announcement after it was revealed Meghan told family members at Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank on Friday.
See below for a recap of today's royal baby news.
Pregnant Pippa Middleton 'seen arriving at private maternity unit'
On the same day that Meghan and Harry’s pregnancy news has been announced, Pregnant Pippa Middleton has reportedly been seen arriving at a private maternity unit with her husband James Matthews.
The Duchess of Cambridge’s younger sister was reportedly spotted entering the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, west London, today.
James Matthews was pictured arriving at the building, holding what looks like two overnight bags.
Pippa was smiling as she entered the suite today, according to the Daily Mail.
Click here to read our full story.
Meghan and Harry broke pregnancy news to Queen at Princess Eugenie's wedding
Harry and Meghan were able to tell the Queen and other members of their family at Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding on Friday in Windsor.
Speculation grew that Meghan was expecting when she wore a loose fitting Givenchy coat to the service in St George’s Chapel.
The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are said to be “delighted” for the couple.
Queen's special honour for dad-to-be Prince Harry
Prince Harry has been given a special new role by the Queen ahead of his first overseas tour with wife Meghan - whose pregnancy was announced this morning.
The 34-year-old Duke of Sussex, who is due to become a father for the first time in the spring, has been made a personal aide-de-camp to his grandmother.
Duties include representing the Queen at the State Opening of Parliament and at memorial services.
The news was announced today, having come into effect on Saturday.
For our full story, click here.
What title will the new royal baby have?
If the new baby is a boy he will likely take one of Harry’s lesser titles, such as Earl of Dumbarton or Baron Kilkeel, which he was given on his wedding day.
If the happy couple have a daughter she will be known as Lady Mountbatten-Windsor.
Questions royal fans are asking after the baby news
Here are some of the questions royal fans are asking after it was announced that Meghan Markle is expecting to give birth in spring.
When does spring start?
Meteorological seasons are based on how the temperature changes throughout the year, whereas astronomical seasons refer to the Earth’s movement around the sun.
Because of these differences the exact dates change slightly each year.
In 2018 the meteorological spring began on March 1 and and ended on May 31 and the astrological spring started on March 20 and ended on June 21.
The dates are likely to be the same, or at least very close, for 2019.
Who’s next in line for the throne?
Prince Charles, Harry’s father, is next in line for the throne, followed by Harry’s older brother Prince William.
William’s children, George, Charlotte and Louis, follow their father in the line of succession before Harry and then his new child, who will be seventh in line.
Will the new royal baby be a prince or princess?
The new baby will be neither a prince nor a princess because King George V limited titles in the Royal Family in 1917.
The Queen made an amendment in late-2012 to declare that all of William and Kate’s children will be called Prince or Princess, but the same does not apply to Harry and Meghan’s offspring.
Meghan Markle is having a 'geriatric pregnancy'
The Duchess of Sussex is far from unusual in having a child in her late 30s, and is not the oldest royal to become a mum either.
Changes in society mean more and more women are having their children later in life, with the average age for first time mums now standing at 28.8 and the overall average hitting 30.4, according to statistics for England and Wales in 2016.
But 35 remains a milestone age when it comes to pregnancy - even if the label that used to come with it is disappearing.
The traditional term ‘geriatric pregnancy’ is thankfully largely consigned to history, although seemingly less so in the United States .
Click here for the full article.
Prince Harry gives first TV interview since baby announcement
Prince Harry has given his first interview since his wife Meghan Markle’s pregnancy was announced - but he’s keeping silent about the details.
Harry and Meghan are currently on an international tour in Australia, but Harry went solo for a TV interview with Australian Story, in which he talked about the starting the Invictus Games, which takes place in Sydney next week.
He stressed the importance of bringing together families as part of programme.
Harry said: “Four years ago in London we launched the Invictus Games which brings together current and former members of the armed forces to harness the power of sport to help them overcome their emotional and physical injuries.”
Click here to read more.
Lovely prediction Diana's psychic made about Harry and Meghan's children
Five months ago Princess Diana’s former psychic, Sally Morgan , appeared on television making predictions about Harry and Meghan’s future.
And her thoughts on their children could point to what we’ll see from the couple next year.
Appearing on Loose Women in May, Sally, who was Princess Diana’s psychic on a daily basis for four and a half years, revealed the Sussexes would have an “amazing future”.
Click here to read what she said.
Royal fans want to know everything
Google has revealed that, after the UK, Australia and New Zealand are the countries asking the most questions about the royal baby, with Ireland and Poland seeing out the top five.
The web giant also compiled the most-asked questions typed into their search engine since the announcement was made on Monday morning.
Here are the answers everyone is looking for.
1. When is royal baby due? The Kensington Palace Twitter account broke the news by saying Meghan “is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019”. For those looking for a more precise time, she is believed to have already had her 12-week scan so those close to the couple are expecting the birth some time in April.
2. How old is Meghan Markle? Meghan is 37 years old, three years older than her husband Harry.
3. When did Harry and Meghan get married? Prince Harry and Meghan Markle wed on May 19 this year. On the same day they were given the titles Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The event was hailed as a joyous combination of tradition and modernity, bringing a gospel choir and rousing address from American preacher Bishop Michael Curry to the gothic surrounds of the 15th Century St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle.
4. Which royal is having a baby? #RoyalBaby has been trending on social media for much of Monday morning, but not everyone would have seen the original announcement. So to do away with any doubt, the only royal who we know for sure to be expecting a baby is Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Whether there are any other royal buns in the oven is currently not public knowledge.
5. What months are spring? Spring falls on the months when weather changes from a frosty, barren winter to a verdant and sunny summer, commonly thought to be from March to May in the UK.
Doria 'to move to UK for grandchild's arrival'
There has been speculation that Doria is looking to move over to the UK to be closer to her daughter.
This may be more likely in order to be present for the birth of her first grandchild.
A royal spokesperson has said that Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, is “very happy about this lovely news”.
They added she “looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild”.
Meghan and Harry's first interview as engaged couple
When the couple announced their engagement in November last year, Prince Harry gushed “the stars were aligned”.
The couple described taking a trip to Botswana to camp under the stars just four weeks after they met on a blind date.
Harry admitted he’d “never watched” his wife-to-be in US TV legal drama Suits so was “beautifully surprised when I walked into that room and saw her”.
The fifth-in-line to the British throne proposed to Meghan while he was trying to roast a chicken - and she happily accepted.
See there full interview below
Bereaved parents hit out at announcement on International Pregnancy And Infant Loss Remembrance Day
Bereaved parents have hit out at the unfortunate timing of the Duke and Duchess’s pregnancy announcement, which has fallen on the final day of Baby Loss Awareness Week.
The royal couple put out a statement this morning to say they will be expecting a baby in the spring.
But upset social media users criticised the pair, saying the news ‘could not have come on a worse day’.
October 15 is International Pregnancy And Infant Loss Remembrance Day while today also marks the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week, held every October 9 to 15 to mark the lives of babies lost in pregnancy or soon after birth.
When will the baby be born?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s baby could end up sharing their birthday with great-grandmother the Queen or cousin Prince Louis.
But the newest addition to the Royal Family is expected to arrive after Brexit Day - March 29 - when the UK is scheduled to leave the EU.
Harry and Meghan’s baby is believed to be due in late April.
The Queen celebrates her birthday on April 21, while Louis will turn one next year on April 23 - patriotic St George’s Day.
If Meghan goes overdue, she might even welcome her baby on the same day Princess Charlotte was born - May 2.
Meghan has had her 12 week scan, suggesting the baby was conceived only around 10 weeks after the duke and duchess’s Windsor wedding in May.
The baby is expected to arrive around 11 months after Harry and Meghan’s wedding - and before their first wedding anniversary on May 19.
All your royal baby questions answered
Where will the baby fall in the line of succession?
Seventh in line. The baby will bump Harry’s uncle the Duke of York into eighth place in the line of succession.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie move into ninth and 10th place, and the Earl of Wessex - the Queen’s youngest son - drops out of the top 10 for the first time to 11th in line.
How will the baby be related to the Queen?
The baby will be a great-grandchild of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Prince of Wales’s grandchild and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s niece or nephew.
Will he or she ever be monarch?
Unlikely. The baby will have three cousins Prince George - a future king - and Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who are further up the line of succession, so it is a safe bet that throne will stay on the Cambridge side of the family.
What the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby might look like
What will the royal baby look like?
Will the baby inherit Harry’s fiery red hair or Meghan’s brown eyes?
US forensic artist Joe Mullins studied recent photos of Harry and Meghan to predict what a son and daughter for the couple could look like.
The E-fit pictures show the boy looking like Harry with the girl taking after her mum.
Meghan's former colleagues react to baby news
Some celebs have made reference to the Duchess’ career as an actress on the American drama Suits following her baby news.
“There’s only one man that can be the Godfather,” wrote presenter Ben Sheppard, accompanying the tweet with a gif of the show’s Harvey Specter, played by Gabriel Macht.
Journalist Alice May Dear posted a gif of Michael Scott, Steve Carrell’s character in the American adaptation of the Office, shouting “Oh my god! Okay it’s happening!”.
“Every journalist in the UK right now after Meghan and Harry announce they’re having a baby,” she wrote.
Fellow reporter Edward Jones tweeted: “Spare a thought today for all those PRs out there who, after weeks drafting press releases and selling in their story, have just been bumped by the #RoyalBaby”.
Meanwhile some joked about the timing of Meghan’s due date - with the couple’s first baby set to arrive shortly after the day Britain is scheduled to leave the European Union.
“Please let it be March 29th,” wrote BBC News presenter Simon McCoy.
Daily Mirror associate editor Kevin Maguire added: “The world’s 7,667,957,370th baby is the answer to Theresa May’s Brexit prayers. For one day only.”
Finally, the Twitter account for Scottish soft drink Irn-Bru couldn’t resist a tweet referencing the future royal’s possible hair colour.
“Everyone loves a wee ginger,” it tweeted.
'Harry ain't wasting any time!'
The news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting a baby in spring 2019 prompted a spike in conversation on social media, with #RoyalBaby soon becoming the top trend on Twitter.
The official announcement was made by Kensington Palace on Monday morning, and many were quick to comment on the short time since the couple’s wedding in May this year.
Writer and broadcaster Gyles Brandreth wrote on Twitter: “They don’t hang around in Sussex, do they?”
“Harry ain’t wasting any time,” said Geordie Shore star Gary Beadle.
The popular @Queen-UK parody account also got involved, tweeting: “Already?! #royalbaby.”
Pregnant Meghan and Prince Harry hold hands on sweet stroll hours before baby announcement
Parents-to-be Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were spotted holding hands on an afternoon stroll just hours before their baby news broke.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were filmed walking through the gardens of Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia, earlier today.
And they were clearly enjoying each other’s company as they strolled across the grass, hand-in-hand, after arriving in the country.
Only hours later, the couple - who will begin their first Royal Tour tomorrow - announced they were expecting a child together.
Well wishes flood in from celebs and politicians
The Kingdom Choir, which thrilled the country as they performed at Harry and Meghan’s wedding in May, were also among the well-wishers on social media.
“We’d just like to send our congratulations to the beautiful couple, the Duke and Duchess Of Sussex on their recent announcement,” read a message on the choir’s official Instagram account.
Woody Johnson, the US ambassador to the UK, tweeted: “Happy news to wake up to on a Monday morning - congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!!”
Members of Parliament from around the country including Labour’s Chuka Umunna, the Conservative Andrea Jenkyns and the DUP’s Emma Little-Pengelly also sent their congratulations, as did businesswoman Lady Karren Brady and television personalities such as Geordie Shore’s Gaz Beadle and Vicky Pattinson, presenter June Sarpong and YouTuber Zoella.
The Grenadier Guards Twitter account said: “Word has spread to South Sudan that a #RoyalBaby is on its way, The Corps of Drums are there to celebrate and let everyone know the great news!”
Kensington Palace followed the announcement by thanking the public for “all of the support” the couple have received since their wedding, adding that they were “delighted to be able to share this happy news”.
Happy Birthday, Fergie!
Prince Andrew, Duke of York, has wished ex-wife Sarah Ferguson a happy birthday.
Just a few hours ago, Fergie tweeted a picture from Princess Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank.
The post came less than half an hour after news broke that Meghan Markle was pregnant.
She tweeted: “So proud of Eugenie and Jack #wedding” at 9.19am today, and also posted the same image on her official Instagram page.
Meghan Markle will still visit Fiji and Tonga despite Zika virus fears
Kensington Palace announced this morning that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their first child together.
The news came hours after the Duke and Duchess of Sussex touched down in Sydney to begin their tour of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific islands.
It was previously believed the couple’s itinerary hinted they would be unable to start a family until after the tour.
Harry and Meghan will be visiting Fiji and Tonga, which have both had outbreaks of the Zika virus and pose potential risks to unborn children.
Transmitted to humans by mosquito bites, the virus can also be passed on from a woman to her unborn child.
Foetuses infected with the disease can be born with microcephaly, causing a decreased head size which may lead to developmental delays.
Theresa May says royal pregnancy is 'wonderful news'
Celebrities, politicians and other public figures have reacted with joy to the announcement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex that they are expecting a baby.
Prime Minister Theresa May was quick to send her best wishes to the happy couple.
She wrote on Twitter: “My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the happy news they are expecting a baby in the Spring.
“Wishing them all the best.”
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, also congratulated the pair, tweeting: “Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their happy news! Prayers for them in the months ahead.”
Meghan's age unusual for first time royal mum
The couple have made no secret of their hopes to become parents, and Meghan’s age when they met would have focused their minds a little too.
Having celebrated her 37th birthday in August, Meghan is not exactly old to be a first time mum - but she is older than the average.
While 54% of mums in England and Wales are now aged 30 and over according to 2016 statistics, the average age of women welcoming their first child was 28.8 years, with 30.4 the average age for all mums.
And a recent report by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said the best age for childbearing is 20 to 35, also highlighting there are greater health risks associated with later pregnancy.
The loving signs Harry made which gave the game away
There was much online speculation on Friday when Meghan Markle turned up to Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank’s wedding wearing a roomy, navy blue outfit.
Two days later, it was revealed by a royal spokesman that yes, the the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were expecting their first child, due in Spring next year.
“Obviously!” says body language expert Judi James.
And here’s why...
Did Meghan Markle 'steal Princess Eugenie's thunder' at royal wedding?
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been accused of ‘stealing Princess Eugenie’s spotlight’ after breaking their baby news - at her wedding.
The couple reportedly told the Queen and other members of the Royal Family at the lavish ceremony at Windsor Castle on Friday that they were expecting their first child.
Now some fans have taken to social media to criticise the timing of the announcement given it was 28-year-old Eugenie’s special day.
Danny Hayes wrote on Twitter: “Turns out Prince Harry and Meghan told the rest of the Royal family they were expecting at Princess Eugenie’s wedding on Friday. Brutal.”
Big clue Duke and Duchess conceived royal baby at pal's wedding
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their first child next spring and there’s a big clue that the royal baby was conceived at a pal’s wedding.
The couple announced the happy news just hours after they landed in Australia at the start of their 16-day Royal Tour of the region.
As the countdown to the birth of the next royal baby begins, it’s believed the couple, who wed in May, conceived at Harry’s best friend’s wedding in July.
And not only was it Harry’s friend Charlie van Straubenzee’s big day but it was also Meghan’s 37th birthday.
A royal love story
The baby will be seventh in line to the throne, and the Queen’s eighth great-grandchild.
He or she will also be a first cousin of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. But the baby will not be a prince or a princess unless the Queen steps in to issue a Letters Patent ahead of the birth.
Speculation grew that Meghan was expecting when she wore a loose fitting Givenchy coat to Princess Eugenie’s wedding on Friday.
Both Harry and Meghan have spoken openly about wanting to start a family.
The topic cropped up in their engagement interview, with Harry, saying: “Hopefully we’ll start a family in the near future.”
The pair are also known for their warm, caring approach when meeting youngsters on official visits.
Victoria is early favourite as baby seventh in line to throne
Victoria is the early favourite to be the name of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first child, according to Ladbrokes.
Following the delightful news from Kensington Palace the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are soon to hear the pitter patter of tiny feet, the bookies have priced up potential names and it’s Victoria that leads the way with odds of 8/1.
Albert, Arthur and Philip follow close behind if Meghan gives birth to a little boy, while Elizabeth is fancied at 16/1.
At 100/1 it seems unlikely the baby will be called Samantha after Meghan’s troublesome sister.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “Given this child will be in line to the thrown, it’s probably a safe assumption that the couple will opt for a regal name that has been used in the royal family over the generations.”
She added: “However, with Meghan’s USA roots it would be remiss of bookmakers to rule out an American moniker featuring somewhere.”
Fergie tweets picture of Eugenie after claims baby news 'stole wedding thunder'
Fergie tweeted a picture from Princess Eugenie’s wedding to Jack Brooksbank less than half an hour after news broke that Meghan Markle was pregnant.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first child together in the Spring of 2019 with friends and family reportedly told the news at Princess Eugenie’s wedding on Friday.
But the Duchess of York was quick to remind her followers of the bride and groom.
She tweeted: “So proud of Eugenie and Jack #wedding”, and also posted the same image on her official Instagram page.
'When is Spring?' Google searches spike following baby announcement
Google said searches for “when is spring?” spiked suddenly following the announcement Harry and Meghan are expecting a child during the season.
The baby, due in the UK’s milder months, will be seventh-in-line to the British throne.
“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,” the palace said in a statement.
The royal couple and are currently in Australia on their first overseas tour.