London, Oct 15 (IANS): Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who were married in May, are expecting a baby next spring, Kensington Palace announced on Monday.

The news was announced as the couple began a tour of Australia, reports the BBC.

Kensington Palace said the couple "appreciated 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 this happy news with the public".

The baby will be seventh in line to the throne.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were last seen at Princess Eugenie's wedding in Windsor on Saturday when Meghan's outfit of a long, dark blue coat sparked speculation she could be expecting.

The speculation intensified when she was seen clutching two large folders in front of her stomach as she arrived in Sydney on Monday for the 16-day trip to Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand.

It's their first official royal tour since they got married.