(Culture)

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Expecting Their First Child

by Ruby Buddemeyer
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Kensington Palace announced on Mon. morning that Meghan Markle is pregnant with her and Prince Harry's first child. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will welcome their baby next spring. "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 confirmed.

Since their wedding, royal fans have been anxiously waiting for Markle and Prince Harry to start a family. The news comes just one day after the couple set out on their official tour of Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and the Kingdom of Tonga. With a whopping 76 engagements ahead of them — including the Invictus Games in Sydney, where the couple first went public with their relationship in 2017 — the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have a busy two weeks ahead of them.

Markle and Prince Harry announced their news to select family members during Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding on Oct. 12. The Daily Mail reports that Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, Camilla Parker Bowles, Kate Middleton, and Prince William were all told at Eugenie's ceremony. Eugenie's wedding marked the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's official return to Windsor Castle. Markle and Prince Harry tied the knot in St. George's Chapel during their own ceremony in May.

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Royal reporter Rebecca English confirmed Markle has already had her 12-week scan. "Meghan is in good health, we are told, and has had her 12-week scan," she shared in a Tweet on Mon. morning. English added that the couple will maintain their Fiji and Tonga trip as planned.

"A spokesman said there is no change to their programme in Fiji and Tonga next week despite FCO advice that pregnant women should not travel to the region because of its moderate zika risk," English wrote. "They said they had sought medical and advice and decided to go ahead with their plans."

The trip marks Markle and Prince Harry's second royal tour as a married couple. In July, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited Ireland for a quick (albeit, busy) two-day tour.

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The royal family has responded to Markle's pregnancy news with complete and utter joy. Kensington Palace confirmed that Kate Middleton and Prince William are "delighted" that the couple will welcome their first child, as is Queen Elizabeth. Come spring, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis will have a new cousin. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's child will take Prince Andrew's spot as seventh in line to the throne.

Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, is reportedly very excited about becoming a grandmother. "Ms. Ragland is very happy about this lovely news and she looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild," the Palace released in a statement. The Duchess' father, Thomas Markle, has yet to respond to the news.

As the Duchess of Sussex gets closer to her due date, one thing's for sure: her closet is going to become the ultimate maternity-style inspiration.