Prince Harry and Meghan Markle become parents to a baby boy

It's a boy! Prince Harry and his wife Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle are now parents to a healthy baby boy. The announcement was made on the couple's official Instagram handle on Monday morning.

"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," said the caption as a picture with text 'It's a boy!' on it was posted on the Instagram page. In photos: A look back at theroyal love story ofPrince Harry andMeghan Markle

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The new prince is seventh in line to UK's thrown.

Also see:Tracing the birth of British royal babies — From now Queen Elizabeth to youngest member Prince Louis

Unlike her sister-in-law Kate Middleton and mother-in-law, late Princess Diana, Meghan opted for a home birth. Sources close to the family state that Prince Harry was with her throughout the birthing process. Prince Harry later addressed the media and stated that they had not yet decided on a name and that both mother and baby were doing well.

"How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension but we`re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful to all the lovely support from everybody out there," a smiling Harry told reporters in Windsor, west of London where the couple live.

"It was amazing, absolutely incredible. As I say, I am so incredibly proud of my wife and, as every father and parent would ever say your baby is absolutely amazing, this little baby is absolutely to die for," Harry added.

The baby could be entitled to hold joint British and American citizenship according to nationality rules.However, the child will not automatically be a prince or a princess and any such title would have to be bestowed by the queen by issuing what is known as a letter patent.

Albert, Philip, Arthur and James are the favourite names for the child, according to bookmakers.

Britain`s royal family attracts huge media interest but the younger members, especially Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, a U.S.-born former actress, are treated like Hollywood superstars.

MODERN MONARCHY

Unlike Harry`s brother Prince William and his wife Kate, who posed for massed photographers outside a London hospital just hours after their three children were born, Harry and Meghan are expected to take part in only a limited photo call in the grounds of Windsor Castle, within a few days of the birth.

For some the child`s birth will represent a significant moment for the monarchy, becoming the first mixed race baby born into a senior position in British royalty, according to royal experts.

"It`s symbolic of a more modern monarchy. It appeals to people across the world," royal biographer Claudia Joseph told Reuters. "They will be able to identify with the royal family as never before."

Others note however that Meghan, whose mother is African-American and father is white, has been the target of racist commentary on social media.

(With inputs from Reuters)