Harry and Meghan pay tribute to Princess Diana after birth of son

Prince Harry and his late mother shared a special bond. Photo / Getty Images

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have paid tribute to his late mother Diana amid celebrations of the birth of their baby boy.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced via Instagram that their first child had arrived on Monday.

A statement released by the Palace revealed that, as per royal tradition, the Queen was among the first to be informed of the news - along with a handful of other royal family members, including Prince Charles and Camilla and Prince William and Kate.

But in a sweet nod to Harry and William's mother, it was also announced that Diana's three siblings - Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Earl Spencer were among the first to be told of the baby's birth.

View this post on Instagram

This afternoon, His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex shared the news of the arrival of his and the Duchess’ first born child. Their son was born early morning on the 6th of May, 2019 and weighs 7lbs and 3oz. Their Royal Highnesses thank you for your support and kindness during this exceptionally joyful time in their lives as they welcome their baby boy.

A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on May 6, 2019 at 9:17am PDT

By contrast, after Prince Louis' birth last April, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge informed the Queen, Prince Philip, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Harry, and simply "members of both families".

While it was revealed that Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, was with her daughter at Frogmore Cottage, there has been no confirmation of whether her estranged father, Thomas Markle, was given any advance warning of the birth of his grandchild.

The ex-Hollywood lighting director has kept a low profile in recent weeks in his home town of Rosarito, Mexico.

As news spread of the new royal baby's birth, Thomas said he hoped his grandchild would serve with "grace, dignity and honour".

"I'm delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well," he told the Sun.

The Duchess of Sussex has given birth to a baby boy, her first child.

"I am proud that my new grandson is born into the British royal family and I am sure that he will grow up to serve the Crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity, and honour.

"God bless the child and I wish him health and happiness, and my congratulations to my lovely daughter Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry, and God Save the Queen."

Thomas has not spoken to his daughter since just after the royal wedding last May, which he was forced out of attending after suffering a heart attack.

He's since claimed to have been "frozen out" by Harry and Meghan, who were said to be furious at his decision to repeatedly speak to the media.