The Duchess of Sussex has given birth to a baby boy.

Meghan welcomed her first child in the early hours of this morning, an announcement on the couple's Instagram page revealed.

The post read: "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. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz.

"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."

The baby boy is seventh in line to the throne, and the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh's eighth great-grandchild.

Meghan's pregnancy was confirmed by Kensington Palace on October 15 last year, just five months after the couple's wedding, and as they were about to start their first long-haul overseas tour.

The baby will not be an HRH, or a prince, unless the Queen steps in, because George V limited royal titles in 1917.

The names given to royal babies are not usually revealed straight away, and the public is often left guessing for several days.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took two days to announce George and Charlotte's names and four days for Louis, each time informing the Queen of their choice beforehand.

Royal births are registered in the normal way, although the home secretary is required to notify certain officials including the lord mayor of London, and the governors of Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.