All the best reactions to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's pregnancy announcement

"What a time to be alive"

People have taken to Twitter and Instagram to celebrate the news that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their first royal baby.

Kensington Palace confirmed the pregnancy on Monday, the same day that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex landed in Australia for their first official tour.

“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,” the palace said in a statement on Twitter.

Members of the royal family, including the Queen, have been informed and congratulated the couple when they gathered to celebrate the wedding of Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.

“Their Royal Highnesses very much appreciate 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 their happy news,” a spokesperson said.

”The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales, Duchess of Cornwall, and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted for the couple and were able to congratulate them on Friday at the wedding in person.

“Ms Doria Ragland is very happy about the lovely news and she looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild.”

Following the news, people have swarmed social media to address the news with the perfect balance of heartfelt congratulations and good humour.

“Meghan is pregnant this is not a drill we are going to have POC’s (Princes and Princesses of Colour) what a time to be ALIVE #royalbaby,” one person wrote.

Another added: “I really shouldn’t be so excited about a couple I don’t know having a baby but Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are having a baby and I couldn’t be happier.”

This Morning presenter Holly Willoughy also spoke out about the news on Instagram, writing: “Lovely waking up to royal baby news on this rainy Monday morning. We’ll obviously be talking about this and more on today’s @thismorning.”

Prime Minister Theresa May shared her well wishes on Twitter, adding: “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.“

Meanwhile, Piers Morgan simply wrote: “BREAKING NEWS: Meghan’s pregnant.”

Among the congratulations, a number of people were quick to point out that the royal couple’s announcement may have upstaged Princess Eugenie’s wedding last week.

“I sort of love how the Royal Family has smacked Eugenie down this morning like “you had your fun over the weekend, but here's Harry and Meghan's baby as a reminder of your irrelevance!” one person said.

Others joked that the baby, which is due in spring 2019, is likely to arrive on the date the UK leaves the European Union.

“That should take the heat off #BrexitShambles for a week. Well played everyone,” Lily Allen wrote.

Another person simply wrote, “Brexit baby.”

The news of Markle’s pregnancy emerged after the Duchess and Prince Harry arrived at Sydney’s airport for a rest day before they officially start a 16-day tour of Australia and the South Pacific.