PRINCE Harry and Meghan Markle kept their daughter's birth a secret for two days before announcing the news.
The couple gushed their baby girl was "more than we could have ever imagined" as they announced the birth of their daughter Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.
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Meghan Markle had her second child at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital on Friday at 11.40am.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have paid tribute to the Queen and Princess Diana with her name.
Lilibet was family nickname for the Queen, the baby’s great-grandmother.
A statement announced today confirmed the baby girl weighed 7lbs 11oz and "both mother and child are healthy and well and settling in at home".
Her name Lilibet is a touching nod to her great-grandmother the Queen, who was affectionately called the nickname by her family.
What we know so far:
- Meghan and Harry have given birth to a baby girl called Lilibet "Lili" Diana Mountbatten-Windsor in a touching nod to the Queen
- She was born at hospital in Santa Barbara on Friday morning weighing 7lbs 11oz
- Lili and Meghan are "healthy and well" and "settling in at home"
- Well wishers asked to donate to groups working for women and girls instead of giving a present
The couple also honoured Harry's "beloved" late mother Princess Diana with the baby's middle name.
A statement published on their Archewell website said: "On June 4, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili.
"She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we've felt from across the globe.
"Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family."
The couple have also asked anyone wishing to send a present to instead "support or learn more" about organisations working for women and girls.
Meghan and Harry have not yet released a picture of their darling daughter.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson sent his well wishes to the Sussexes tonight, writing: "Many congratulations to The Duke & Duchess of Sussex on the birth of their daughter."
Meghan and Harry are now likely to be taking parental leave from their work and various roles in LA as they welcome their baby girl into the world.
The new arrival is the Queen’s 11th great-grandchild, joining big brother Archie and Prince William's kids George, Charlotte and Louis.
Lilibet is also Prince Charles’ fifth grandchild and makes Archie, who turned two in May, a big brother for the first time.
She is now eighth in line to the throne – behind her own father Prince Harry, uncle Prince William, grandfather Prince Charles, her cousins, and her older brother Archie.
This year has been a bumper one for royal babies after Princess Eugenie welcomed a son August in February and Zara Tindall had a boy Lucas in March.
Princess Beatrice is expecting her first child, who will be the Queen's 12th great grandchild, in the autumn.
Harry and Meghan’s only daughter is the eighth-in-line to the throne – and the most senior royal in the current line of succession to be born overseas.
Her arrival has pushed Prince Andrew, who was born second in line in 1960, down to ninth place.
The baby is not entitled, at this stage, to be an HRH nor a princess due to rules set out more than 100 years ago by George V.
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