Brexit baby! Social media reacts as Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announce royal baby expected in spring 2019

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle could be having a “Brexit Baby,” it has been suggested on social media.

Kensington Palace announced the couple are expecting their new arrival in spring 2019 – which falls around the time Britain is expected to leave the European Union on 29 March.

Google said searches for “when is spring?” had spiked suddenly following the announcement.

Among royal fans’ jubilant response to the happy news, some suggested that the baby could arrive on the same day as Brexit.

One person said: “Brexit baby, timed to save us from economic disaster”.

Another said the royal baby was “conveniently timed,” saying: “Might be super cynical, but can’t help but feel that the royal baby is somewhat conveniently timed as something to distract the nation during the brexit debacle next year. Timed to try and bring the country together...? #justathought #royalbaby2019 #brexit”

Someone else suggested the couple may name their baby after the day, adding: “What are the odds they name the baby Brexit just for a laugh? #RoyalBaby”.

Meghan, 37, has already had her 12-week scan of the baby, which could mean the due date is around mid to late April.

TV’s Kay Burley joined in on the Brexit Baby fun, joking: “So, will the new royal baby have a blue passport...”

Speculation about Meghan’s pregnancy was rife after she wore a Givenchy coat to Princess Eugenie’s wedding that carefully concealed her figure. The couple have spoken openly about wanting to have children.

The topic came up in their engagement interview, when Harry said: “Hopefully we’ll start a family in the near future.”

Prime Minister Theresa May was of the first to congratulate the pair on social media, writing: “My warmest congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the happy news they are expecting a baby in the spring. Wishing them all the best.”

While Woody Johnson, the US ambassador to the UK tweeted: “Happy news to wake up to on a Monday morning — congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex!!”

The news was announced just hours after the couple touched down in Sydney to kick off their 16-day Australian tour, and the first international tour as a royal married couple.

Meghan was carrying two large purple folders, presumably full of briefing notes and information for the trip, which coincides with the fourth Invictus Games in Sydney.