The Duchess of Sussex's mother Doria Ragland is "very happy" with the news that her daughter is expecting her first child

A statement from Kensington Palace reads: "Ms. Ragland is very happy about this lovely news, and she looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild."

Sharing the pair's baby joy with the world, the palace said: "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.

"Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public."

The pregnancy news came just as Harry and Meghan arrived in Australia for their first major international tour since getting married.

Harry, 33, had recently joked he didn't want a large family.

As the couple greeted fans in Dublin in July, Elaine Adam-Stewart, 43, told Harry: "My husband also has red hair and he gave me five children - when are you and Meghan going to get going?"

She added: "He laughed and said 'five children? Too many.' "

But the 36-year-old former actress' father Thomas Markle previously revealed his daughter has wanted a baby of her own for a "long time."

He said: "She's wanted children for a long time. When she met Harry and she spoke about how much she loves him... there's got to be a child in the making there soon.

"I couldn't be more proud of those two, I think they'll do a fabulous job. They're great and I love then dearly. I'm very happy to have a new son-in-law."