PEOPLE IN THE NEWS

A beaming Duke and Duchess of Sussex thrilled thousands of fans outside the Sydney Opera House on Tuesday during their first meeting with the Australian public since the former Meghan Markle’s newly announced pregnancy.

Prince Harry and Meghan spent longer than the 20 minutes allocated in their schedule to speak to and shake hands with as many well-wishers as possible. Meghan, wearing a beige trench coat over a sleeveless cream dress by Australian designer Karen Gee, accepted cards and flowers from an enthusiastic crowd.

The news of the pregnancy was announced after the couple arrived in Sydney on Monday and 15 hours before their first public appearance. The two are on a 16-day tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

Among those taken by surprise by the announcement were their Sydney hosts, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and Lady Lynne Cosgrove. The governor-general sent staff to buy a toy kangaroo with a joey in its pouch and a tiny pair of Australian sheepskin boots for their pregnant guest.

Britain’s Pippa Middleton gives birth to baby boy

Pippa Middleton gave birth Monday afternoon to her first baby, a boy, adding another grandchild to the Middleton clan and a first first-cousin for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and baby Prince Louis of Cambridge.

The birth was confirmed Tuesday morning by Middleton’s representative in London, Jo Milloy.

“He was born Monday (Oct. 15) at 1:58 p.m., weighing 8 (pounds) and 9 (ounces),” the representative told USA TODAY.

“Everyone is delighted and Mother and baby are doing well.”