Prince Harry speaks about the royal baby for the first time

The royal couple were also given gifts to celebrate their news

The Duke of Sussex has spoken about his impending fatherhood for the very first time.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially begun their first overseas tour, which will see them visit Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga over the next 16 days.

As news of the couple’s pregnancy made headlines across the globe, the Duke and Duchess were greeted at Admiralty House, the Australian Governor-General's official residence in Sydney, by representatives from the 18 countries who will be competing at the Invictus Games.

During the reception, Prince Harry addressed the assembly with a brief message in which he spoke about the royal baby for the first time.

“But genuinely, thank you for the incredibly warm welcome and the chance to meet so many Aussies from all walks of life,” he said.

“We also genuinely couldn’t think of a better place to announce the upcoming baby, be it a boy or a girl. So thank you very, very much.”

Upon their arrival, the royal couple were also given the first gifts for their baby.

The royal couple have been given the first gifts for their baby (AFP/Getty Images)

Australia's Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynn presented them with a cuddly kangaroo as well as a little pair of Ugg boots.

As she was presented with the cuddly toy, Meghan said: “Our first baby gift!” while Prince Harry described the boots as “awesome”.

The couple were also given Akubras, traditional Australian hats, to which Meghan replied: “Thank you so much. We are very excited.”

Kensington Palace announced the news that the couple were expecting their first baby on Twitter on October 15, saying: “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.”

Since then, the couple have been inundated with messages of support and congratulations from people on social media, as well as their own family.

Doria Ragland, the duchess’s mother, said she was “very happy about this lovely news” and “looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild.”

Similarly the Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are all said to be “delighted for the couple.