The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Have a Baby Boy

I'm not a huge royal watcher, but I know that large parts of the whole world are very excited that Meghan just gave birth to her and Harry's first child, so here is a thread to discuss, if you are so inclined!

Baby Sussex's birth is also notable because he is the first mixed-race English royal in modern history — and, without suggesting that Baby Sussex is a "great mixed-race hope," I do want to acknowledge that this is a momentous occasion for many people of color and/or people in mixed-race families in the UK.

And, just because it's adorable AF, here is Prince Harry speaking to reporters about the birth:

Prince Harry stands in front of stables, where two black horses are poking out their heads from their stalls. Harry is wearing a white collared shirt, a beige 3/4 zip jumper, and a giant grin.

Male reporter, offscreen: Is there any news you want to share with us at the moment?

Harry: Ah, yes. [rubs hands together] I'm very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy [pauses and leans forward and grins] early this morning — a very healthy boy. Mother and baby are doing incredibly well. It's been the most amazing experience [chuckles with awe] I could ever possibly imagine. How any woman does [shakes head, mystified] what they do is beyond [mimes his mind being blown] comprehension. But we're both absolutely thrilled. And so grateful to [gestures to camera, as if to the audience] all the love and support from everybody out there, um, from everybody out there. It's been amazing, so I just wanted to share this with everybody.

Male reporter, offscreen: And what about names? You're still thinking about names?

Harry: Still thinking about names, Alan. It's, ah, yeah, the baby's a little bit overdue, so we've had a little bit of time to think about it, but, um, yeah, we're still — that's, that's the next bit. [rubs hands together] But, for us, I think we'll be seeing you guys in probably two days time, as planned, as a family, to be able to share it with you guys [gestures to camera] and so everyone can see the baby! [huge grin]

Male reporter, offscreen: Well, you can't stop smiling. It must have been — I mean, as is any birth — amazing, but, for your own child, it must be...ah!

Harry: I haven't been at many births, um— [loud laugh] This is definitely my first birth. Ah, but it was amazing. Absolutely incredible, as I said. I'm so incredibly proud of my wife. And, as every father and parent would ever say, you know, your baby is absolutely amazing, but this little thing is, is absolutely to die for, so I'm just over the moon. [grins] Thank you very much, guys. [looks into camera] Thank you.

As he walks away, he turns to the horses and says, "Thanks, guys," and chuckles.

He is beyond the beyond.

I wish them the best. Despite the enormous privilege afforded to the royals, it's not an easy life in the constant glare of cameras, wielded by people who often cross all sorts of boundaries and have little regard for the safety of the people they pursue.