"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," the statement reads.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's choice to initially keep the birth of their first child a secret departs from convention, considering members of the royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, typically take part in photo calls almost immediately following the births of their children.
This isn't the first time Ms Markle has broken royal protocol since becoming a member of the royal family.
From going hat-less during a public engagement with the Queen to beginning her procession at the royal wedding on her own, here are seven times the duchess has departed from royal tradition:
1. Keeping the birth of the royal baby private
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend a reception at Buckingham Palace on 5 March 2019
(Getty Images)
Prior to Buckingham Palace's most announcement that the birth of the royal baby will be kept private, many suspected that Ms Markle would follow in the footsteps of her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, by giving birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital, London.
However, while the Duchess of Cambridge was photographed with all three of her children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, on the steps of the wing following their births, it has now been confirmed that the Duchess of Sussex will not be following suit.
The palace has revealed that, in accordance with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's wishes, the birth of the royal couple's first child will initially be kept a secret from the public so that they can "celebrate privately as a new family".
According to royal historian Sarah Gristwood, this decision is indicative of the couple's "very strong desire to do things their way".
Royal commentator Omid Scobie doesn't believe this departure from tradition should come as a surprise.
"They know that everyone wants to celebrate with them, and they’ll facilitate that," he tells The Independent.
"But for that private, special moment, they want to keep it to themselves."
2. The royal wedding
Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures
Show all 90
The royal wedding, which took place on 19 May last year, was very traditional in a number of ways, as can be expected from such a regal event.
However, as a new member of the royal family, Ms Markle made sure to make her mark on the special occasion.
Prior to the nuptials, many people theorised over how the duchess would put her own spin on the proceedings, with some believing that she would walk the entire length of the aisle by herself.
Following the news that her father would not be able to attend the wedding, the former Suits star did begin the procession by herself, before being met by Prince Charles.
It was also reported that Meghan gave her own speech at the evening reception, something which is extremely unconventional at royal weddings.
In the lead up to their nuptials, Prince Harry and Ms Markle revealed that they had opted for an elderflower and lemon wedding cake, as opposed to the traditional fruitcake often eaten at royal wedding.
The couple also invited an American preacher, Bishop Michael Curry, to give a sermon during the ceremony at St George’s Chapel.
3. Making a feminist statement
Meghan Markle on feminism during UN women speech
The duchess has proudly and publicly identified as a feminist for many years, having given a speech about gender equality in 2015 as an advocate for UN Women.
Many wondered how the former actor would be able to balance her feminist beliefs with her new role within the royal family once she married Prince Harry.
While some may have assumed that it would have been tricky for her to do so, she proved otherwise on the day of her wedding.
Following the nuptials, Kensington Palace launched the Duchess of Sussex’s official page on its website, which details her past acting career and humanitarian work.
A paragraph is included on the page about the duchess' work with UN Women, in addition to a quote from her speech, which reads: “I am proud to be a woman and a feminist.”
Ms Markle's beliefs in gender equality, which she has upheld since she was 11 years old, will clearly not be sidelined now that she's a royal.
4. The off-shoulder neckline
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Trooping the Colour, June 2018
(Getty Images)
In June 2018, the duchess decided to wear a pink Carolina Herrera dress with an off-shoulder neckline while attending the Trooping the Colour ceremony in celebration of the Queen's birthday.
A number of people celebrated her sartorial choice as a “feminist statement”, as the neckline was more low-cut than is typical of a dress worn by a female member of the royal family at public engagements.
Grant Harrold, otherwise known as The Royal Butler, explains that Ms Markle's decision to wear an off-shoulder dress is her way of upholding her personal sense of style.
“The Duchess of Sussex is a lady who has her own style as with all the royal ladies and we will see her not only continue this, but develop it over the coming years," he tells The Independent.
Alexandra Fullerton, stylist, writer and consultant, believes that the duchess may have simply chosen the style as a matter of comfort.
“I do feel that while there may have been an ulterior motive behind her choice, Meghan simply chose a style she felt good in and wanted to wear,” she says.
5. The decision to go hat-less
The Duchess of Sussex with the Queen in June 2018
(Getty Images)
In June 2018, Ms Markle ventured on her first trip alone with the Queen when the pair visited Cheshire to open the Mersey Gateway Bridge and Chester’s Storyhouse Theatre.
It's traditional for female members of the royal family to wear hats or fascinators to formal events, but while the Queen matched her lime green outfit with a floral hat during her engagement with her granddaughter-in-law, the duchess opted to go without one.
However, it's possible that the event may not have been formal enough to warrant wearing a hat, despite the Queen's decision to do so.
6. The friendly gestures
Meghan Markle ignores royal protocol by hugging a woman that gave her a compliment
The duchess has become known for her amiable manner during royal engagements, even going as far as to hug people upon first making their acquaintance.
The royal website states that there are "no obligatory codes of behaviour" when meeting any member of the royal family.
However, the way in which Ms Markle interacts with the public differs with that of several of her older relatives, such as the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
In recent years, it's become more typical for younger members of the royal family, including Prince William and Prince Harry, to also greet members of the public in a more affectionate manner.
7. Foregoing a name tag at Ascot
Dettori was presented with the trophy by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex after winning on Without Parole
In Jun 2018, the duchess made her very first appearance at Royal Ascot where she presented jockey Frankie Dettori with the winning trophy alongside Prince Harry.
All members of the royal family who attend the event are reportedly expected to wear the name tag that they’re given upon entry.
However, Ms Markle decided not to wear hers, a choice which some have suspected could have been to do with the delicate fabric of her dress.
Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies