Almost time! Meghan Markle is in labor, Buckingham Palace confirmed. The Duchess and Prince Harry‘s first child is on the way almost a week after the royal‘s due date.

“The Duchess went into labour in the early hours of this morning,” the statement read on Monday, May 6. “The Duke of Sussex was by Her Royal Highnesses’ side. An announcement will be made soon.”

Since announcing her pregnancy in October 2018, fans have anxiously been awaiting the arrival of the new addition to the royal family. Harry, 34, and Meghan, 37, have kept baby details very close to the vest and made it clear that the birth will be kept private compared to the normal protocol of the famous family.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very grateful for the goodwill they have received from people throughout the United Kingdom and around the world as they prepare to welcome their baby,” a separate statement from Buckingham Palace revealed on April 11. “Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private.”

Prince Harry Meghan Markle
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The statement noted, “The duke and duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family.”

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Prince William and Kate Middleton posed for pictures outside of the famous Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s hospital mere hours after the arrival of all three of their children — George, 4, Charlotte, 3, and Louis, 11 months. This is why Meghan and Harry’s decision to keep things “private” was a surprising revelation.

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However, living a quiet life is a priority for the couple. A source told Us Weekly that staying lowkey was a big reason for their move to Frogmore Cottage from Kensington Palace in London. The insider explained that the location in Windsor “is much more private, and they wanted that for the arrival of the baby.”

The royal baby countdown is officially on!