Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

Royal baby news: Official Instagram account pays tribute to mums on Mother's Day

Buckingham Palace revealed that the Duchess of Sussex gave birth in the early hours of Monday morning

Prince Harry and Meghan speak for first time since birth of baby Archie

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

In the early hours of Monday 6 May, the Duchess of Sussex gave birth to a baby boy, with Prince Harry by her side.

A statement was released on the royal couple’s official Instagram account, revealing that the baby was born before 6am and weighs 7lbs. 3oz.

The first pictures of the couple with their newborn were revealed on Wednesday. The newborn was seen swaddled in a white blanket wearing a white hat.

The couple later announced on Instagram that they had named their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

Please allow a moment for the blog to load:

Ian Lloyd, a royal photographer and commentator, tells The Independent that Prince Harry's excitement over the birth is "typical" of the royal.

"He is expressing the sheer wonder of childbirth and how you feel at this awesome moment in your life. It's typical of him as he is able to express those emotions. Traditionally, the royal family would never have said that," Lloyd explains.

"[The comment] is a sign of their relationship and how they function as a couple. It's a move away from the traditional royal reticence of expressing emotions."

Prince Harry in Windsor following the birth of his son (Getty Images) 

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 16:00

A framed notice in honour of the birth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby will be placed on a ceremonial easel on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, the palace has announced.

The framed notice of birth will be brought out of the Privy Purse Door and carried across the forecourt of the palace, before being placed on the easel.

The royal bulletin placed outside Buckingham Palace following the birth of Prince Louis in April 2018 (Getty Images) 

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 16:30

The Duke of Sussex has stated he is in awe of the Duchess of Sussex, saying that watching his wife give birth was an "amazing experience".

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 17:00

The birth of the royal baby comes following Maternal Mental Health Matters Week, a week-long initiative which aims to raise awareness about the mental health issues some mothers face during and after pregnancy.

The theme for this year's Maternal Mental Health Matters Week, which took place from Monday 29 April until Sunday 5 May, was "Mums Matter", stated the Maternal Mental Health Alliance.

 

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 17:15

The Duchess of Sussex has spoken on several occasions in the past about the prospect of becoming a mother.

In 2015, Ms Markle was interviewed by Best Health magazine about her healthy living regime for the magazine’s May 2016 cover.

During the interview, the then-Suits actor also spoke about her plans for the future.

When asked what’s on her bucket list, the duchess answered: “I want to travel more and I can’t wait to start a family, but in due time.”

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 17:30

Royal biographer Penny Juror believes there's "every likelihood" that Prince Harry and Meghan will continue to keep the press "at arm's length".

"Harry is very very careful of his privacy. He likes a distinction between his public life and his private life. Unhappily a royal birth is one where the private and the public collide head on – because the public is interested and almost has a constitutional right to know," Juror tells The Independent.

"Harry has struggled with being royal himself for many, many years. Its only in recent times that he has come to embrace who he is and recognise that its not so bad being a royal prince because he can bring about good in the world."

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 17:45

The birth notice announcing the birth of Prince Harry and Meghan's son has been placed on an easel outside Buckingham Palace.

"The Queen and the Royal Family are delighted at the news that Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex was safely delivered of a son at 05.26am today," the birth notice reads.

"Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well."

A picture shows an official notice set up on an easel at the gates of Buckingham Palace announcing the birth of a son to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (Getty Images) 

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 18:09

Celebrations are in full swing in Windsor following the birth of the royal baby.

Royal fan Skye London celebrates the birth of Prince Harry's son, outside Windsor Castle (Getty Images) 

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 18:15

An unofficial town crier in Windsor announces the news of the bi

(Getty Images) 

rth of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's son.

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 18:45

Former US first lady Michelle Obama has congratulated Prince Harry and Meghan on the birth of the royal baby.

"Congratulations, Meghan and Harry! Barack and I are so thrilled for both of you and can't wait to meet him," Obama tweeted.

sabrina.barr6 May 2019 19:00

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in