Royal baby: Meghan Markle gives birth to first child with Prince Harry

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, the wife of Prince Harry, gave birth Monday to the couple's first child, royal officials said in a statement.

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"It's a boy!" officials said in an announcement posted to Instagram account for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. "We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019."

View this post on Instagram

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 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. More details will be shared in the forthcoming days.

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on May 6, 2019 at 6:37am PDT

Speaking with reporters after the birth, Harry called his son's birth "absolutely incredible."

"As every father and parent will ever say, your baby is absolutely amazing," Harry said. "But this little thing is absolutely to die for, so I'm just over the moon."

"It's been the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined."

Watch how proud dad Prince Harry announced the arrival of his son #royalbaby https://t.co/enK4U9HJOH pic.twitter.com/wv157uHhaZ
— ITV News (@itvnews) May 6, 2019

He said the first official photos of the newest royal will be released Wednesday, at which time his name is also expected to be revealed.

Following royal tradition, a notice of the boy's birth was displayed Monday outside Buckingham Palace.

A notice of birth has gone on display on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace following the birth of The Duke and Duchess of Sussexes’ son. pic.twitter.com/bKMZCtXHOq
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) May 6, 2019

The 37-year-old Duchess of Sussex, who was an American actress known as Meghan Markle before she joined the British royal family, went into labor in the early hours Monday, officials said in a statement obtained by ITV News.

"The Duke of Sussex was by Her Royal Highnesses' side," palace officials said in the announcement.

Confirmed. Meghan is in labour. This from Buckingham Palace pic.twitter.com/5Z70fyhY5k
— Chris Ship (@chrisshipitv) May 6, 2019

Throughout Meghan's pregnancy, the couple never revealed the due date and said they decided not to find out the baby's sex in advance.

They announced they were expecting their first child in October, five months after they wed in a star-studded ceremony at England's Windsor Castle.

The child will be the seventh in line for the throne. He or she will also be eligible for dual British-U.S. citizenship.

Harry and Meghan moved in April from a house on the London grounds of Kensington Palace to Frogmore Cottage, which is on the property near Windsor Castle where they held their wedding reception.

Kensington Palace officials have said the new parents don't plan to pose for a photograph or appear in public with their baby for several days after the birth.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

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