The name of the newest member of England’s royal family has been announced: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, introduced their son to the world on Wednesday. Their son’s name was publicly shared after visiting the Queen.

“He has the sweetest temperament, he’s really calm. He’s been the dream," Meghan told reporters Wednesday.

“I don’t know who he gets that from," Harry joked. “It’s only been two and a half days, three days, but we’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy.”

The couple’s first child was born 5.26 a.m. on Monday, weighing 7 pounds and 3 ounces. </s> London — Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have revealed the name of their first child. The new royal baby is named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The royal couple made the announcement Wednesday via their official Instagram account, ending several days of feverish speculation about their son's name.

The announcement came with a black and white photo showing Queen Elizabeth II meeting her new grandson. The monarch was flanked by her husband, Prince Philip, and her grandson, Prince Harry, and Meghan stood beside her mother, Doria Ragland.

Archie became seventh in line to the British throne the moment he was born, but he won't be called "his royal highness," as the rules around the granting of royal titles were tightened up about 100 years ago. Harry and Meghan could have chosen to have Archie bestowed with an aristocratic title — make him an earl, for instance — but they decided against it.

Britain's booming betting business had shown before Wednesday's announcement that a lot of punters expected the new baby to be named Alexander, Arthur, Philip or a handful of other go-to historical British royal names.

Archie was considered a more contemporary choice by many royal observers, but not one that was totally unexpected of Harry and Meghan.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son, who was born on Monday morning, during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, May 8, 2019. Dominic Lipinski/PA

Meeting the royal baby

Earlier on Wednesday Harry and Meghan introduced their son to the world in a highly-orchestrated photo opportunity at Windsor Castle, but they declined at the time to give his name.

Meghan, who appeared happy and healthy, said her son had "been a dream" and has the "sweetest temperament, he's really calm." The new-born slept right through his first media encounter.

"It's magic, it's pretty amazing, and I have the two best guys in the world, so I'm really happy," she said during her son's first brief encounter with a television camera.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son during a photocall in St. George's Hall at Windsor Castle, west of London, May 8, 2019. Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

"His looks are changing every single day," Harry noted. "Parenting is amazing. It's only been, what, two and a half days, three days, but we're just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy, and to be able to spend some special time with him as he slowly starts to grow up."

"He's already got a little bit of facial hair as well," the bearded prince joked.

Harry and Meghan thanked the public for their well-wishes before they left the camera position, Harry cradling their son in his arms and Meghan resting her arm around his shoulders.

The royal birth

Meghan gave birth to the couple's first child at 5:26 a.m. local time Monday, May 6. He weighed 7 pounds and 3 ounces, and Harry said on the day that both mom and baby were doing well.

Meghan had hoped and planned for a home birth, but it has been widely reported — though not yet confirmed by the palace — that in the end the royal couple welcomed their first child into the world in a London hospital.

Many newspapers and royal observers have said Meghan gave birth at London's Portland Hospital for Women and Children, an exclusive private facility in the heart of the British capital. Buckingham Palace has issued no statement on the reports, but has not refuted them.

On Monday, new dad Prince Harry beamed as he announced his son's birth.

Royal baby: Prince Harry beams as he announces birth of son

"I am so incredibly proud of my wife, and as every father and parent would ever say, your baby is absolutely amazing, but this little thing is absolutely to die for, so I am just over the moon," Harry told reporters. "Thank you very much guys. Thank you."

Royal reporter Roya Nikkah said this royal baby was always going to be unlike any other.

"We now have the first British-American prince born into the royal family, that's a landmark moment," she said. "I suppose it shows how ... international and diverse we are as a society." </s> Prince Harry is “over the moon” after Meghan gave birth to their first son. Picture: AP

Prince Harry is “over the moon” after Meghan gave birth to their first son. Picture: AP

Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, have welcomed their first child, a son.

Speaking from Windsor, the Duke of Sussex beamed as he announced to the media that his wife had given birth to the baby boy at 5.26am on Monday local time (2.26pm AEST).

"I'm very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy this morning, a very healthy baby boy. I'm so incredibly proud of my wife."

Harry said the little boy was "absolutely to die for".

"It's brilliant, I'm absolutely thrilled. We're really grateful for all the love and support shown to us.

"It's been overdue so we have had a little bit of time to think about names so that's the next bit. I haven't been at many births. This is my first birth. It was amazing and absolutely incredible. I'm incredibly proud of my wife.

"Every father and parent will say your baby is absolutely amazing but this little thing is absolutely to die for. I'm over the moon."

Harry said that while the baby was overdue, and that had given them time to think about a name, they hadn't decided on one yet.

He said one could be announced within the next two days when the trio are expected to pose for the cameras.

"Still thinking about names … that's the next bit," Harry said.

Harry could not stop beaming after giving his hastily arranged live public announcement about his son's birth.

Off camera he looked relaxed and was understandably in a very good mood but confessed to missing out on rest, adding: "I've had about two hours' sleep."

The boy is one of the lightest royal newborns in recent years. The baby's sex was a surprise for the couple, who chose not to find out what they were having.

Meghan Markle had wanted a birth that was as private as possible - but it's understood her hopes were dashed at the 11th hour.

Mail Online reports the Duchess was taken to hospital on Sunday, before giving birth on Monday morning local time.

Secrecy shrouded the move, so much so that not even senior royals were told, according to the report.

Just one week ago it was reported Meghan still had a home birth planned.

While Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the hospital delivery, sources confirmed to Mail Online that it had occurred.

New dad Harry will be back at work on Thursday when he launches a count down to the Invictus Games in the Netherlands.

Harry will be in The Hague for the event, which honours injured returned servicemen and women.

"Confirmed. Prince Harry WILL go to The Hague on Thursday as planned. Meghan will be at home - mum Doria is there too," British royal correspondent Chris Ship said.

"So he will, as he wanted, be able to see his other baby @InvictusGamesNL!!!"

It comes as the newest arrival to the royal family was announced outside Buckingham Palace in front of hundreds of onlookers.

Crowds pushed up against the gates of the palace to see a framed notice of birth for Harry and Meghan's new son, which was placed on a ceremonial easel in the forecourt.

Earlier, Buckingham Palace said in a statement that Meghan and her child were "both doing well".

"Oh ye, oh ye, oh ye. Buckingham Palace proudly announces the birth of a newly born royal baby boy to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

It also revealed that Meghan's mother, Doria, was by her side at Frogmore Cottage, suggesting it may have been a home birth.

"The Duchess's mother, Doria Ragland, who is overjoyed by the arrival of her first grandchild, is with Their Royal Highnesses at Frogmore Cottage," a statement from Buckingham Palace read.

An Instagram post on Harry and Meghan's @sussexroyal page said: "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.

"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."

Charles, Camilla, William and Kate were said to be "delighted" at the news.

The birth of the child, his weight and gender, was announced after the Queen was informed.

The baby news came just an hour after the royal family said in a statement that Meghan had gone into labour: "The Duchess went into labour in the early hours of this morning, The Duke of Sussex was by Her Royal Highnesses' side. An announcement will be made soon."

Meghan's estranged dad Thomas has also sent the couple his congratulations.

"I'm delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well," Mr Markle said in a statement to The Sun. "I am proud that my new grandson is born into the British royal family and I am sure that he will grow up to serve the crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity, and honour."

He continued, "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."

Meghan's estranged sister, Samantha, has yet to comment.

Meghan was last seen on an official engagement on March 19 when she signed a book of condolences in London with her husband for the victims of the Christchurch terror attack.

The American former actress and the duke moved into their renovated home Frogmore Cottage on the Windsor Estate at the beginning of April, as they prepared for their baby's arrival.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex will take some private time to bond with their son ahead of official photographs, eschewing the tradition of new royal parents presenting their baby on the steps of their birthing hospital.

They are expected to show their new baby boy to the world on the grounds of Windsor Castle to one photographer, one television camera and one reporter in several days.

The child will be seventh in line to the throne, after Prince Harry.

Prince Charles is first in line, followed by Harry's brother Prince William, then William's children: Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

There is no official title arranged for the new baby, but the Queen can give permission for the child to be called a Royal Highness, as she did for Prince William's children.

William and Harry's cousins Beatrice and Eugenie are both titled princess, but their other cousins have lesser or no royal titles, at the request of their parents.

Prince Harry and Meghan thanked wellwishers ahead of the birth and, in keeping with the couple's support of humanitarian causes, asked for donations to charities selected by them instead of gifts.

An Instagram post from the pair's page praised those who had been so generous.

"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex asked that you kindly consider supporting various organisations around the world in lieu of sending gifts for the upcoming arrival of their first born. Not only did many of you lend your support, you took action," the post read.

"Their Royal Highnesses wanted you to know the impact of your support - the direct effect your donation, energy, and action made!

"YOU chose to be part of the collective good, and you have made a real difference.

"Whether a $5 donation, £1000 contribution, offering to volunteer, or spreading the word - you've played your part. And on behalf of The Duke and Duchess (and Baby Sussex), we thank you so much."

The Duke and Duchess married at Windsor Castle in May last year, watched by almost two billion people. </s> Queen Elizabeth's wedding gift is in for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle!

The royal family announced Saturday — hours before the prince and his American fiancée tie the knot — that the queen has given the title of Duke of Sussex to Harry. Markle will thus be known as the Duchess of Sussex after the two marry at St. George's Chapel in Windsor, England. Dukedom is the highest title in the British peerage system and is reserved for members of the royal family.

"The Queen has today been pleased to confer a Dukedom on Prince Henry of Wales," a statement from the family said. "Prince Harry thus becomes His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, and Ms. Meghan Markle on marriage will become Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex."

The last Duke of Sussex with Queen Victoria's third son Prince Arthur, who, like Harry, had a military career and was married in 1879 to Princess Louise Margaret. </s> Markle could not have a home birth after going overdue.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were hoping to have their baby at home on the grounds of Windsor Castle at Frogmore Cottage, but when the 37-year-old Duchess of Sussex went overdue, it was determined that it was best for mother and baby to be in a hospital.

The Daily Mail reports that while Duchess Meghan really hoped to deliver her son outside of a hospital, on Sunday it was determined that it was best to quietly make the move to a private London hospital, thought to be Portland, where both Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice were born.

The Scotland Yard security team assigned to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reportedly whisked the couple to the London hospital in the evening in such a hushed manner that not even senior royals were told what was afoot, and the baby was born at 5:26 a.m. Monday, local time.

It has not been revealed whether or not Markle was induced, or if she went into labor naturally, but Buckingham Palace confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex did deliver her son at a London hospital (but not in the Lindo Wing of St. Mary’s Hospital).

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry had determined before her due date that they were not going to pose outside of the hospital the day after having a baby and instead decided to attempt to have more privacy.

Buckingham Palace released a statement on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, saying that they would eventually share photos with the media and the world.

But on Monday morning, in an unscheduled announcement for the press, Prince Harry, smiling broadly told the media that he had only gotten two hours of sleep, but still he was thrilled to announce the birth of his son, says People Magazine. The prince apologized for the short notice but seemed as if he was bursting with pride, eager to announce the arrival of his son to anyone who would listen.

Prince Harry confided that this was the first birth he had witnessed, and he is in awe of women who do this every day. He admitted that they were still thinking about names, but he wanted to share how “thrilled and grateful” they are for all the love and support. </s> When is spring? Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's due date revealed as Kensington Palace announce the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting first baby MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their first baby, but when is their due date?

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced they are expecting their first child via Kensington Palace.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their first baby together, five months after getting married at Windsor Castle.

Meghan, 37, and Prince Harry, 34, have revealed they have a due date of spring 2019.

Kensington Palace posted on Twitter: "Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.

"Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public."

But when is spring? In the United Kingdom, spring officially starts – according to the meterological calendar – at the beginning of March and ends on 31 May.

However, if you look at the astronomical calendar, spring doesn't officially start until 20 March and ends in June.

Therefore, the Duchess of Sussex will give birth between March and June 2019.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are currently on an official royal tour of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

They announced they were expecting a baby after landing in Sydney for the start of their trip. </s> It’s been a whirlwind week for Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, and it’s only Tuesday. On Monday, May 6, Harry and Meghan welcomed their first child, a baby boy. While Harry confirmed in a quick press junket that mom and baby were doing well, there was no confirmation on the name or what the coming days and weeks hold for the royal family aside from settling into their new normal. Even though he’s less than a week old, Baby Sussex is already generating a lot of curiosity and excitement throughout the kingdom — as well as a lot of money. We may not know his name, but new reports suggest Baby Sussex’s estimated net worth is enormous and he also stands to generate a lot more for the royal family and UK economy. Let’s break it down.

Baby Sussex’s wealth is directly tied to both Harry and Meghan’s combined net worth as well as the royal family’s net worth. As MONEY online points out, the royal family’s net worth is reportedly a jaw-dropping $88 billion, which mostly comes from holdings like the Crown Jewels as well as revenue generated from tourism and royal family events. Additionally, going into their marriage, Meghan’s net worth was reportedly around $5 million and Harry’s was somewhere between $25 and $40 million. Based on just his parents’ incomes alone, Baby Sussex’s net worth (keep in mind he is literally two days old as we report this) is somewhere between $30 and $45 million.

And that net worth could grow based on the income Baby Sussex generates in the coming days, months and first years of his life. Using the estimated $125 million that Prince Louis (the youngest of the Mountbatten-Windsor clan and thus the best rule of thumb here) generated for the British economy in the days following his birth. An even more bananas sign of what awaits Baby Sussex are Princess Charlotte and Prince George’s initial net worths, $3.6 billion and $5 billion, respectively. All signs point to each of Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s kids’ net worths continuing to grow over their lifetimes.

The implication here is that Baby Sussex could, as the first child of Harry and Meghan, generate that amount or more from this point onward. This would be based on tourism income for royal baby-related visits, baby products and other royal-related commemorative products sold in Baby Sussex’s name and so forth. Basically, this child is a huge source of income for his parents and the royal family — and he still has his whole life ahead of him.

Harry and Meghan have made it clear that the arrival of their son wouldn’t be a public free-for-all and instead, the couple would dole out news about their son as well as the first look on their own terms. It took a long time for Baby Sussex to get here, so it’s understandable that right now all Harry and Meghan want to do is spend time alone as a family before they have to return to their public duties. For now, time is more precious than all the money is the world and truly, that’s all that matters. Plus, Baby Sussex has the rest of his life to spend that family money; there’s no rush at all. </s> The queen was beaming at the Order of the Merit service on Monday.

Queen Elizabeth was all smiles at Monday’s Order of the Merit service and luncheon at Windsor Castle — particularly when asked about the arrival of her latest great-grandchild by former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien.

The Daily Express reports that, hours after the official announcement of Baby Sussex’s birth, the queen was asked by Jean Chrétien if all was well in regards to the arrival of her latest great-grandson.

“Life is good for Your Majesty?”

In response, the queen replied, “Yes, thank you.”

Chrétien then asked how many great-grandchildren she has at this point, and Queen Elizabeth answered him with a smile and a chuckle. “I know. Eight.”

The former Canadian prime minister answered that she has him beat by one.

Queen Elizabeth was accompanied to the service by the Duke of Edinburgh, despite the fact that he retired from public life in 2017 to have hip replacement surgeries. Prince Philip now makes his home at Windsor Castle, just a short walk from Frogmore Cottage — where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex now reside.

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were photographed at the luncheon for the member of the Order of Merit. The Order of Merit was founded in 1902 by King Edward VII, and seeks to recognize distinguished service in the armed forces, science, art, and literature.

A royal source reported that Queen Elizabeth stayed over at Windsor Castle on Monday night, and it is believed that she plans to make a visit to Frogmore Cottage on Tuesday — likely hoping to meet her newest great-grandchild.

The baby boy — who was born on Monday at 5:26 a.m., just as the sun was rising over London — has not been publicly named as yet. However, royal watchers are hoping to learn his name on Wednesday. Prince Harry had indicated that photos would be shared by then, per The Inquisitr.

Duchess Meghan had hoped to give birth to her son at home, but it was decided on Sunday night that she instead deliver the baby at a London hospital. This decision was purportedly made due to the fact that her pregnancy had gone past its due date.

On Monday, Prince Harry made a media appearance in order to thank everyone for their good wishes, and to express a level of happiness that the prince rarely exhibits in public.

The Duke of Sussex shared that this was the first birth he had ever witnessed, and he detailed how proud he is of his wife. Prince Harry also expressed that Meghan and the baby are doing well. </s> After what feels like an eternity of waiting and speculating, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have announced the birth of their first child.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have had a son, who is the eighth great-grandchild of the Queen, and was born at 5:26am on Monday 6 May after many initially though he’d been born earlier in secret at Frogmore Cottage – the Sussexes’ home on the Windsor Estate.

However it turns out that the little sprog was just a little overdue, and after Meghan was reportedly rushed to Portland Hospital in secret, the 7lb 3oz royal was born.

Given the new royal baby still doesn’t have a name, until one is announced by Harry and Meghan, the odds are all we have to entertain ourselves…

While Arthur was the front-runner yesterday, Alexander has become the new odds-on favourite name for the new royal baby, with the bookies claiming that it’s 7/2 that Meghan and Harry will choose that name.

The next most likely name is James, at 4/1 followed by Arthur at 5/1, and Spencer, which was Princess Diana’s maiden name, at 11/2.

The favourite Alexander is a name with Greek origins which loosely means ‘Defender of the people’ – an apt name for a royal to be sure.

Alexander is also a name with something of a royal history, with Prince George, Duke of Kent’s (1902-1942) full name having been George Edward Alexander Edmund, and Prince Harry and Meghan’s nephew Prince George of Cambridge’s full name being George Alexander Louis.

It’s tradition for royals to take the names for their children from other royals who have come before them, so this link to royal history could strengthen the name’s position as the most likely choice.

However, until the official announcement of the child’s name, all we can do is speculate…

To stay up-to-date with the latest royal baby news, visit our royal baby page.

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Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, name their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.