Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born on Friday at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, with the Duke of Sussex in attendance.

The birth follows a tumultuous year for the couple, who have stepped down from royal duties and moved to the United States to live more independent lives.

"On June 4th, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili," Harry and Meghan said in a statement posted on their Archewell website.

"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."

Their press secretary said both mother and daughter were doing well and were back at home.

The couple welcomed their first child, now two-year-old Archie, in May 2019, but did not immediately reveal his baby's name.

Lilibet is the Queen's 11th great grandchild and eighth in line to the British throne. 

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge's first son Prince George is third in line to the British throne, followed by his sister Princess Charlotte and brother Prince Louis.

A statement from the royal family said the Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, were "Delighted" with the news.

In a tweet, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Many congratulations to The Duke & Duchess of Sussex on the birth of their daughter".

Meghan and Harry have rarely been out of the media spotlight since they gave an explosive interview to US talk show host Oprah Winfrey in February, before Harry would later head to the UK to attend the funeral of his grandfather, the late Duke of Edinburgh.

Source | Reuters