Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcome brand new baby girl

On Friday morning in a Santa Barbra hospital in California, Meghan Markle gave birthto the second Sussex baby, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor.

The Sussexes welcome their second child

Lilibet was born at 11:40am at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA, weighing just 7 lbs 11oz. The Sussexes have released a statement saying that both Megan and Lilibet are healthy and ‘settling in at home.’

Lilibet is now the Queen’s 11th great-grandchild and is now eighth in line to the throne, just after her older brother Archie. Lili is also the most senior royal ever to be born overseas, making her eligible to both ascend the throne and become President of the United States.

The Buckingham Palace announced in a statement: ‘The Queen, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been informed and are delighted with the news.’

In a message on the Archewell website, Meghan and Harry announced the news of their newborn baby girl and thanked their fans for all their support:

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 message then directed anyone looking to send gifts to the couple to support or learn more about organisations supporting women and girls.

Support from the royal family have also been pouring in, with Prince Charles and Camilla announcing on Twitter: 'Congratulations to Harry, Meghan and Archie on the arrival of baby Lilibet Diana. Wishing them all well at this special time.'

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridgealso sent their well-wishes, saying: ‘We are all delighted by the happy news of the arrival of baby Lili.’

What’s the story behind the name Lilibet?

The name the Sussexes chose for their baby girl - Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor - is a beautiful tribute to both Harry’s grandmother and mother, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana. It’s perhaps the most royal name you could get.

In fact, Lilibet was the nickname given to the Queen by her grandfather King George V, who would affectionately imitate how the young Elizabeth would try to say her own name. The nickname stuck, and the Queen has been known as Lilibet ever since.

The late Prince Philip even referred to the Queen as Lilibet in a letter to his mother-in-law after their wedding day: ‘Lilibet is the only 'thing' in the world which is absolutely real to me.’

Of course, Lili’s middle name, Diana, is a touching tribute to Harry’s late mother, whose death greatly affected his youth.

Welcome to the world, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor!