Tuesday, 7 May 2019

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Congratulations pour in for Duke and Duchess of Sussex after royal baby's birth

by Godwin, N.I on May 07, 2019 in News

Congratulations for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been pouring in from across the UK and around the world, after Meghan gave birth to a baby boy around a week after her due date.

As well as the Queen, who is said to be "delighted by the news", Prime Minister Theresa May offered her "congratulations" to the couple, as did Home Secretary Sajid Javid who also confirmed that contrary to "speculation" and a lapsed royal tradition, he was not present at the birth, while former first lady of the US Michelle Obama said she and husband Barack "can't wait" to meet the newborn.

Harry and Meghan have also asked the public to donate to four children's charities - Little Village, the Lunchbox Fund, Well Child, and Baby2Baby - instead of sending presents for the baby.

The new baby is seventh in line to the throne and the Queen's eighth great-grandchild.

Speaking on Monday, just hours after the arrival, the Duke of Sussex - who was present at the birth - said his new son, who was born at 5.26am on Monday morning and weighed 7lb and 8oz, "is absolutely to-die-for".

Speaking from Windsor Castle's Royal Mews he said the Duchess of Sussex and baby were both doing "incredibly well."

"It's been the most amazing experience I could ever possibly imagine," he added.

"How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension, but we are both absolutely thrilled and so grateful to all the love and support from everybody out there."

The Queen, Prince Philip, grandfather The Prince of Wales and Prince William and Kate are said to be "delighted with the news", as are other senior members of the royal family.

Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, is said to be "overjoyed by the arrival of her first grandchild" and was with the couple of Frogmore Cottage.

Buckingham Palace said the name of the baby would be announced in due course.

A ceremonial easel displays a framed notice announcing the birth of Meghan and Harry's first child.

Who's reacted to the birth?

Meghan's former Suits co-star and onscreen love interest Patrick J Adams wrote on Twitter: "Just heard that the world just got heavier by 7 pounds and 3 ounces. Much love to him and his incredible parents. "

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The London Eye turned red, white and blue in honour of the royal birth - Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis' births were all marked in the same way.

The London landmark lit up in the colours of the British flag to honour the royal arrival. Credit: PA

The BT tower in London celebrated the royal birth by declaring 'It's a boy' and congratulating the couple on the happy news.

The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who presided over the couple's wedding last year, was among the first to congratulate the couple.

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Former US first lady Michelle Obama - who memorably met Prince William's first born son George - said she and Barack Obama "can't wait" to meet Harry's boy.

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Prime Minister Theresa May led the political congratulations, while her Home Secretary Sajid Javid clarified his own position on the birth.

Home Secretaries used to be present at the births of royals to ensure the new arrival was a genuine descendant of the monarch and had not an imposter smuggled in.

However, the last time this happened was in 1936 for the birth of the Queen's cousin, Princess Alexandra.

Then Home Secretary Sir William Joynson-Hicks was present at the Queen's birth in 1926.

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Why is much of the news of the birth private?

The royal baby's birth will be a private affair so the family can celebrate together first. Credit: PA

Speaking on Monday, Prince Harry said he and Meghan plan to celebrate the new arrival privately before revealing their new son to the public in a couple of day's time.

It means the Sussexes will not follow in the footsteps of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and present the new arrival to the public just hours after the birth.

How and where were other royal babies introduced to the public?

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with newborn Prince George. Credit: PA

Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis all made their first public appearances on the steps of the Lindo wing.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge introduced their three children to a bank of photographers and cameras outside St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington, London.

The Duchess of Sussex is soon to meet her baby — The Duchess of Sussex has given birth to a boy. Credit: PA

Where was the new baby born?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby plans reportedly saw a late change when Meghan was taken to a London hospital to give birth.

The as-yet-unnamed infant was believed to have been born in the sanctuary of Frogmore Cottage - the Sussexes' home on the Windsor Estate.

But the Daily Mail reported that Meghan had her son at a London hospital, possibly The Portland.

By opting for the private hospital on Great Portland Street, Meghan and Harry would have departed from recent precedent set by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, whose children were all born at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington.