I’m so incredibly proud of my wife. This little thing is absolutely to die for...
Proud Harry tells of his delight as Meghan’s dad declares: ‘God save the Queen’
PRIDE etched on his face, Prince Harry beams as he yesterday announces that wife Meghan had given birth to a baby boy.
The 34-year-old told delighted royal fans about the arrival of the couple’s tot, which was born weighing 7lb 3oz at 5.26am – more than a week late.
It was reported last night Meghan was rushed to a London hospital for the birth overnight.
As messages of goodwill for Harry and Meghan flooded in, the Duchess of Sussex’s dad Thomas Markle told how proud he was to be a grandad.
But it was Harry’s moment as he stood outside Windsor Castle to bring
the long-awaited news of the royal baby, yet to be named. The prince, who revealed he had managed just two hours of sleep, said: “I’m very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy earlier this morning, a very healthy boy. Mother and baby are doing incredibly well.
“How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension but we’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful to all the love and support from everybody out there.
“It was the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined. It was amazing, absolutely incredible, and, as I said, I’m so incredibly proud of my wife. As every
father and parent will ever say, you know, your baby is absolutely amazing, but this little thing is absolutely to die for, so I’m just over the moon.” The prince said a small photocall is planned for tomorrow.
He added: “We’re still thinking about names. The baby’s a little bit overdue so we’ve had a little bit of time to think about it, that’s the next bit.
“We’ ll be seeing you guys in probably two days’ time, as planned, as a family to be able to share it and so everyone can see the baby.” The couple announced the birth of the baby boy – who will be known as the Earl of Dumbarton and be seventh in line to the throne – on their popular Instagram page around 3pm.
A Palace statement said Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland was “with Their Royal Highnesses”. She is believed to have been at the birth. There was no mention of Thomas, who has had no contact with his daughter since her
wedding to Harry nearly a year ago. But he was quoted as saying last night: “I am proud my new grandson is born into the British royal family and I am sure he will grow up to serve the crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity, and honour.
“God bless the child and I wish him health and happiness, and my congratulations to my lovely daughter Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry, and God save the Queen.’’
Hundreds on onlookers watched from outside Buckingham Palace as news of the royal birth was released in a framed bulletin by the gates.
Among them was Jennifer Rice, 48, from Tennessee in the USA. She had been travelling around Europe but returned to London for the birth.
The 48-year-old said: “Harry just seems so real and I love Meghan.
“I’ve never had the desire to come for the birth of the children but now I know it’s part American it’s part of us. I hope he’s a redhead.”
Princess Diana’s sisters Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and brother Earl Spencer were said to be “delighted with the news” of the royal birth. Theresa May tweeted:
“Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the arrival of their baby boy. Wishing you all the best.” Jeremy Corbyn added: “Congratulations to Meghan and Harry. I hope they’re all doing well.”
Former First Lady Michelle Obama also congratulated the couple, as did TV star Ellen DeGeneres, former boxer Frank Bruno and Patrick J Adams, who played Mike Ross alongside Meghan in TV legal drama Suits. The baby announcement was also flashed across the BT Tower in Central London. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, whose wife Sophie is a friend of the duchess, tweeted: “Canada joins the world in celebrating a new addition to the Royal Family.” Charities Little Village, the Lunchbox Fund, Well Child, and Baby2Baby, which received public donations in lieu of gifts to the royals, sent their wishes.
Little Village, a clothes, toys and equipment bank for children, said: “This little chap already has a legacy of helping hundreds of babies and children.” Well Child chief Colin Dyer added: “I’d like to pass on our congratulations to the duke and duchess.”
Harry is due in The Hague on Thursday to launch the countdown to the 2020 Invictus Games. Chief executive Dominic Reid said the prince will be a “terrific” dad due to his “great sense of fun”. Meghan, 37, is understood to have wanted a home birth.
The tot will not be a prince. He is entitled to use se one of Harry’s lesser titles as a courtesy ouurtesy title. But he will one day inherit nheerit the title the Duke of Sussex.
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for. I’m juststt so over the moon. I’m very exexcited xcited HARRY ANNOUNCINGG TTHE BIRTH OF HIS AND MEGHAN’S FIRSTT CHILDCHHILD YESTERDAY
As royal grandparents go, they do not come much more hands on than Meghan’s beloved mom Doria Ragland.
It is thought she arrived in the UK as much as a month ago from Los Angeles and has been staying in her tailor- made annexe at Frogmore Cottage.
Reports say she even took baby care classes to brush up her skills.
The yoga teacher and social worker will be a massive presence in the life of her grandchild.
A source said: “Meghan has such an affinity with her. The two are so incredibly close and so supportive of one another.
“She has spoken of her mother as
an inspiration, how she taught her powerful life lessons about respect, love and determination, all of which Meghan will no doubt strive to teach her child.”
Doria’s chilled-out selflessness is what the royal couple will want to pass on to their boy. Meghan explained on her lifestyle blog The Tig: “She’s got dreadlocks and a nose ring… We can have so much fun together. Yet, I’ll still find so much solace in her support,”
Doria and ex-husband Thomas, who divorced when she was six, taught her the importance of giving
back. She wrote: “My My parents paren nts came from little, so they y made a choice to give a lot... This s is wha what at I grew up seeing, eeing, so o that is what I grew up upu being.”
It has also als so been reported rted Harry Ha arry has been influen influenced nced by Doria’s a’s passion pass sion for yoga and meditation. me editation.
One ne source sour rce has revealed aled the e couple have been looking loo oking for a US holida holiday ay home, focussing ssing on n Malibu and the Los Lo os Feliz area, no doubt do oubt for visits to see granny. granny.g
And d when it comes to raising a happy-go-lucky, -go-luck ky, caring child, his absent grandmother randmo other will still play a vital role. e. Prince Princess ess Diana
My parents came from little so they made a choice to give a lot DUCHESS OF SUSSEX ON INFLUENCE OF HER FAMILY
shared the same attitudes of giving, groundedness and fun with a young Harry. The source said: “He’s often spoken of the influence his mother had on his character, always trying her best to give an upbringing outside of the royal bubble.
“He’s spoken of making ma her proud when he’s a parent. He’ll be using those life lessons she taught him.”
And Harry has said: “My mother took a huge h part in showing me an ordinary life.” While the grandfathers’ roles are less clear cut, they should not be underestimated. Prince Charles perhaps had to grow into fatherhood. Royal\ biographer Penny Junor said: “It is a slightly tricky relationship, because Charles has always been quite a remote figure, consumed by work.” But , especially after Diana’s death, his sons have said he was there for them. While William recently said he would like “Grandpa Wales”, as the children call him, to make more time away from his work, it is clear he adores George, Charlotte and Louis. “When he’s there, he’s brilliant. But we need him there as much as possible,” said William. Talking about being a grandad, Charles said: “The great thing is to encourage them. Show them things to take their interest.
“It is very important to create a bond when they are very young.” The role of the other grandpa, however, is less certain.
Thomas Markle has not spoken with his daughter since he staged pre-wedding paparazzi photos.
But his role in her childhood would point to him being a loving and involved grandparent.
Following the divorce, when he dropped her off at her mum’s home, he would watch TV and eat dinner off trays on the sofa with them.
She spent time with him on the Hollywood sets where he worked as a lighting director, helping to forge her future career as an actor.
The seventh in line to the throne will be a product of all four grandparents – whether or not they are physically on the scene.