Royal baby! Palace announces Duchess of Sussex is pregnant

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting a baby.

Kensington Palace announced that Meghan is pregnant on Monday, just hours after the royal couple touched down in Australia for their first intercontinental tour together.

The royal family said the baby is due in spring, 2019, but didn’t confirm the exact month or due date.

“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,” a statement from the Palace said.

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It’s the first child for both Meghan and Harry, who married in a spectacular wedding ceremony at St George’s Chapel in May.

The royal couple flew to Australia after attending Princess Eugenie’s wedding at the weekend. Meghan wore a navy blue coat on the day that concealed her growing baby bump. 

Harry and Meghan didn’t stay in Windsor to celebrate the weekend-long festivities the York family hosted for Eugenie’s friends and family, instead flying to Australia for their 15-day tour of Commonwealth nations, which includes stops in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. 

While such trip are usually accompanied by cocktail parties and formal dinners, Meghan will have to leave the champagne sipping to her husband and may have to skip a few more of the local delicacies that will no doubt be dished up for the couple.

The Palace made no mention of any morning sickness, as they previously did for all three of the Duchess of Cambridge’s pregnancies after she suffered Hyperemesis gravidarum – a very severe form of morning sickness. 

A new royal baby is always happy news but it’s particularly poignant for Harry and Meghan, who have both spoken openly in the past about their desire to start a family.

During a 2012 interview with ABC, Harry spoke candidly about his plans to have children when the time was right.

“I’ve longed for kids since I was very, very young, I’m waiting to find the right person. Someone who is willing to take on the job,” he said.

Meghan has been similarly open about her wishes and in 2016, shortly after she began dating Prince Harry, told Lifestyle magazine she was keen to start a family.

“I also dream to have a family,” she said. “It’s all about balance, and I have so much happiness in my career and am fortunate to travel the world and see so many amazing things — it will also be nice to be anchored to something grounded and in the same place. Raising a family will be a wonderful part of that.”

Are you happy to hear this news? Do you have a message of congratulations for the couple?