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 Meghan gave birth in the early hours of Monday morning to the
boy, the seventh-in-line to the British throne, leaving his
father, Queen Elizabeth's grandson, and royal fans across the
world thrilled and enthralled.
"I am so incredibly proud of my wife and, as every father and
parent would ever say your baby is absolutely amazing, this
little thing is absolutely to die for," Harry said.
Few details about the birth have been released by Buckingham
Palace with the announcement itself a mix of traditional and
modernity which many say the baby himself represents, being the
first mixed race child to be born into a senior position in
British royalty in recent history.
The news was relayed on an ceremonial easel outside the palace
having already been splashed "It's a Boy!" on the couple's
Instagram account, attracting more than 2.6 million "likes".
It was not clear whether the birth took place at the couple's
home, Frogmore Cottage on the estate of Windsor Castle where
they married in a lavish ceremony in May last year, or if Meghan
had been rushed to a London hospital as a number of British
newspapers reported.
So far, Harry and his aides have merely confirmed the boy
weighed 7 lbs 3oz (3.26 kg) and that Meghan and the couple's
first child were both healthy and well.
Celebrities and world leaders were among those to send in
messages of congratulations to the couple, a reflection of the
star status of Harry, 34, and former U.S. actress Meghan, 37.
"Congratulations, Meghan and Harry! Barack and I are so thrilled
for both of you and can't wait to meet him," former U.S. First
Lady Michelle Obama said on Twitter.
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Harry and Meghan decided to eschew the recent royal tradition of
posing for photographs with their new baby hours after the birth,
leaving the world's media and royal fans waiting for a first glimpse
of the boy who is entitled to both British and American citizenship.
"We'll be seeing you guys in probably two days time, as planned, as
a family to share it with you guys and so everyone can see the
baby," Harry told reporters on Monday.
"We're still thinking about names," Harry said. "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."
Bookmakers have James, Alexander, Albert, Philip, and Arthur as the
favorite names, although other suggestions include Spencer, which
was the surname of Harry's late mother Princess Diana.
The baby, the eighth great-grandchild of 93-year-old Elizabeth, the
world's longest-reigning monarch, will not automatically be a prince
or a princess or be known as "His Royal Highness" unless the queen
issues a decree.
However, when Elizabeth is succeeded by Harry's father Prince
Charles, royal rules mean the boy would then have such titles.
"It's been the most amazing experience I could ever possibly
imagine," Harry said. "How any woman does what they do is beyond
comprehension."
(Writing by Michael Holden; editing by Guy Faulconbridge and
Alexandra Hudson)
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