Royal baby joy for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as they announce they are expecting baby for Spring 2019

By Kim O'Leary

As they prepare to undertake a busy tour of Australia, Kensington Palace has announced that Meghan Markle is expecting her first child with husband Prince Harry according to a statement released on behalf of the royal couple earlier this morning.

In a statement, Kensington Palace said: "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.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."

Prince Harry and Meghan were wed at Windsor Castle in May and the news was announced on the eve of their first tour outside the UK and Ireland.

Doria Ragland, the mother of Meghan Markle, is reportedly "very happy about this lovely news" and "looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild".

In July, the royal couple visited Dublin as part of a 2 day trip for their first overseas trip as a married couple where they met with President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, as well as visiting a number of cultural attractions.

Over 850 guests attended the grand affair, in which stunning hats by Mr Treacy were once again a highlight to remember, as the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Demi Moore sported designs by the well-known designer.