Here's why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's baby WON'T be a Prince or Princess
Unless The Queen steps in!
The world was delighted this morning (Monday 15th October) when Kensington Palace confirmed the wonderful news that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle are expecting their first child together. But unlike his brother Prince William's children, Prince Harry's new arrival WON'T be given the title of a little Prince or Princess.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's baby, which is due in Spring 2019, will be seventh in the line to the throne, and therefore too far down the line to be in succession to be an HRH, unless The Queen intervenes.
This is due to King George V, Prince Harry's great-great grandfather, limiting titles within the Royal family in 1917 when he said, "The grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes of these Our Realms."
Instead of getting a Prince or Princess title, Harry and Meghan's baby will most likely hold the Earl of Dumbarton title (if it's a boy), or Lady (name) Mountbatten-Windsor (if it's a girl).
HOWEVER, this could all change if The Queen decides to step in, just like she did for Prince William and Kate Middleton's children. Before Prince George was born in 2013, The Queen issued a Letters Patent, meaning the Cambridge children were able to be given the titles of Prince and Princess, instead of Lord and Lady.
Meanwhile, after weeks of speculation, Kensington Palace announced this morning that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their first child together in Spring 2018.
Announcing the news on the official Kensington Palace Twitter account, the message read, '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.'
The lovely news comes just months after the loved-up couple married in a stunning ceremony at St George's Chapel in Windsor back in May.
Rumours of a pregnancy were then fueled even further last week when Meghan attended Princess Eugenie's wedding to Jack Brooksbank in a loose fitting coat, with the couple reportedly telling their family the news at the reception.
See all of the guests arriving at Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank's wedding:
Pixie Geldof and Jack Brooksbank
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are currently out in Australia for their first Royal tour together, so no doubt we will get a glimpse of her bump very soon!
Congratulations to the happy couple! 👶