Congratulations Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!
On October 15, Kensington Palace has confirmed the royal couple are expecting their first child in the upcoming year.
"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," Kensington Palace said in a statement on its social media accounts.
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. pic.twitter.com/Ut9C0RagLk
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) October 15, 2018
In a following tweet, the palace shared, "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 whole of the family are very happy."
The royal family, including Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, Prince William and Kate Middleton are all said to all be "delighted" for the newlyweds, while Meghan's mother Doria Ragland is thrilled over the news, and is "looking forward to welcoming her first grandchild".
"The whole of the family are very happy they were all able to congratulate the couple in person before they left for their first major overseas tour," a senior palace source revealed.
A royal insider told PEOPLE that Meghan has had her 12-week scan and is "feeling well."
However, it's unknown if Meghan's father Thomas Markle was aware of the happy news prior to the public announcement, as it's reported the pair haven't spoken since the Suits star's wedding day on May 19.
While rumors of Meghan's pregnancy have been going on since she and Harry tied the knot, the new royal had sparked more gossip after she appeared at Princess Eugenie's wedding on October 12.
Prior to their first royal tour as a couple, they went to Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding ceremony dressed to the nines.
Speculation turns into reality
But while they're always dashingly dressed, Meghan had the public suspicious she had something to hide as she adorned an oversized navy coat instead of her usual frocks.
Rumors also grew earlier Monday morning when Harry and Meghan touched down in Sydney, Australia for their first official tour as newlyweds as the former actress carried two purple folders in front of growing baby bump.
In the past, both Harry and Meghan have expressed interest in becoming parents, and are often seen having playful interactions with children while out in public.
"You know, one step at a time. Hopefully we'll start a family in the near future," Harry said during his and Meghan's engagement interview.
But while this child will be born to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, don't expect them to receive to be named a prince or princess.
The royal title
Once Meghan and Harry's baby, they will be joining their cousins Prince George, five, Princess Charlotte, three, and Prince Louis, five months, into the royal family.
However, unlike their cousins, Meghan and Harry's baby won't be receiving the title of prince or princess unless the Queen intervenes.
In 1917, Harry's great-great-grandfather King George V had titles limited to the royal family and as the couple's child will be too far down the line of the succession to inherit the throne at seventh place, he or she will not inherit the coveted title.
"The grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes of these Our Realms," George's proclamation read.
Once they are born, Meghan and Harry's child would be given the title of Lord or Lady and will take the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, in reference to their great-grandfather's family name.
According to Debrett's, the pair's eldest son and heir apparent will be able to use Harry's lesser grade peerage titles by courtesy, and will become the Earl of Dumbarton - one of the secondary titles Harry received on his wedding day.
Regardless of the newborn's name and title, we're certain they'll bring immense joy to the entire royal family.
