The baby boy was born at 5:26 am and Harry was by Markle’s side the entire time.
The announcement was made via the royal couple’s Instagram.
“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,” the photo posted this morning was captioned. “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.”
New father, Harry, also made a statement this morning.
“I’m very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy this morning, a very healthy baby boy,” the Duke said from Windsor.
Those closest to the royal couple were notified first.
The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Earl Spencer have been informed and are delighted with the news.
“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Earl Spencer have been informed and are delighted with the news,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement. “The Duchess’s mother, Doria Ragland, who is overjoyed by the arrival of her first grandchild, is with Their Royal Highnesses at Frogmore Cottage.”
Markle was in the 41st week of her pregnancy.
When will we see baby Sussex?
Markle and Harry have been very private throughout the pregnancy. We never knew the exact date that Markle was scheduled to give birth or even where she planned on having the baby. This secrecy probably won’t change, even though baby Sussex is here.
In the past, royals like Kate Middleton have stood on the hospital steps for a photo opp with their babies shortly after giving birth. It was announced last month that Markle would not be following this specific royal tradition.
“Buckingham Palace have announced media plans for the Duke & Duchess of Sussex’s baby,” royal correspondent Emily Andrews tweeted in April. “Once #Meghan is in labour, we will be told (like #kate) but the couple will keep where private & won’t be appearing ‘on the hospital steps’ afterwards. There will be a photo op once they’re home.”
Where does baby Sussex fall in the line of succession?
Markle and Harry’s child is the eighth great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II.
He is now seventh in line for the throne, after Prince Charles, Prince William, William’s three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and his father.
How to send congratulatory letters to the couple
If you want to send your congratulations to Markle and Harry, you can do so and may even get a response. Fans can send their letters to THR Duke & Duchess of Sussex, Clarence House, London, SW1A 1BA, United Kingdom.
Though the Duke and Duchess have moved to Frogmore Cottage, their mailing address still remains the same.
In the past, Markle and Harry have responded to letters from fans, even sending back personal notes and pictures. After the couple’s wedding, several well-wishers received cards with pictures from the iconic day inside.