The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, went into labour in the early hours of this morning, Buckingham Palace earlier announced.
Prince Harry was by his wife’s side, the palace said.
Meghan and Harry later announced the birth of their first child – a boy – which will be seventh in line to the throne.
Details of the new royal baby’s due date were kept a closely guarded secret.
The new Royal Baby was expected to arrive in late April or early May after Meghan went on maternity leave on March 18.
Her last function was on Commonwealth Day, but courtiers say she has been working ‘behind the scenes’ and keeping private appointments.
Buckingham Palace said in a statement today: ‘The Duchess went into labour in the early hours of this morning.
‘The Duke of Sussex was by Her Royal Highnesses’ side. An announcement will be made soon.’
The new baby boy will be the Queen’s eighth great-grandchild and Prince Charles’s fourth grandchild.
Sources have said the couple will remain tight-lipped, giving royal fans a tantalising wait for the first glimpse of the new royal baby.
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