Royal baby: All you need to know about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's first child
Prince Harry and the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle's long wait for the arrival of their first child is over as the couple was blessed with a baby boy on Monday. The news of the royal baby's birth was confirmed on Monday afternoon by Buckingham Palace. The baby, who is the first mixed-race member of the royal family, weighs 7lbs 3oz.
A spokesperson said: "The Duchess went into labor in the early hours of this morning. The Duke of Sussex was by Her Royal Highnesses' side."
The Sussex Royal account on Instagram stated that both the Duchess and the baby were in good health. "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. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz," the account stated.
"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," it added.
The couple had announced the pregnancy on October, nearly five months after their wedding at Windsor Castle. The Duke and Duchess made the announcement before their Autumn tour to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga, where they were presented with baby gifts. Meghan, breaking tradition, had flown to New York to celebrate with a baby shower at one of Manhattan's most lavish hotels.
With everyone waiting to get a glimpse of the royal baby boy, here's all you need to know about the new member of the British Royal Family:
What will the baby be called?
There has been much speculation on what the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will name their first baby. Prince Harry, in an announcement made on Monday, said that his name will be made public on Wednesday along with the newborn's picture.
Considering the youngster is born into the British Royal Family, it is likely that the couple will follow Windsor traditions. If they decide to choose a classic name, the possibilities include Philip, Frederick, Charles, Arthur, Edward or James. However, the Duchess has had an American upbringing and that may play a significant role in naming the baby. The most popular name in the United States for a baby boy is Liam, and in the UK it's Oliver.
Where will he fall in the line of succession?
The Sussex baby falls seventh in the line of succession in the Royal Family, which makes his chances of being a monarch quite grim. He now has three cousins, children of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge Kate: Prince George (a future king), Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, all of whom are way up the line of succession.
The newborn has bumped Harry's uncle, the Duke of York, into eighth place in the line of succession.
What title will the new royal baby have?
The baby of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be conferred with the title of the Earl of Dumbarton. King George V — Harry's great-great-grandfather — limited titles within the Royal family in 1917.
The newborn cannot be a prince unless the Queen makes him one. The Earl of Dumbarton is one of the subsidiary titles Harry received from the Queen on the morning of his wedding.
Will he have a dual citizenship?
The royal baby, by birth, has become a British citizen. However, the Duke and Duchess could apply for their child to have dual US-UK citizenship.
The Duchess, who is an American citizen, is currently in the process of becoming a British citizen. It is not yet known whether she will hold dual nationality.
Where will the royal baby live?
The Sussexes, who have moved out of Kensington Palace, have now embraced their new home Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Estate. With the new addition, the happy couple is set to live at their new home as a family, away from London. The pair recently carried out an extensive £3 million renovations to the house.
The couple, however, is also considering a move to Africa, which would result in a rather unexpected upbringing for the baby boy.