Thomas Markle has broken his silence on baby Lilibet's arrival

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made headlines this weekend as they announced the news that they had welcomed their baby daughter.

‘It is with great joy that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcome their daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world,’ read a statement from the now family of four.

Yes, the royal baby is officially here and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have honoured both the Queen and Princess Diana with their baby name choices.

‘Lilibet’ is famously the Queen’s nickname from her parents - a sweet nod to the monarch.

‘Lili was born on Friday June 4 at 11.40am in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California,’ the statement from the Sussex family continued.

‘She weighed 7lbs 11oz (3.5kg). Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home.'

Breaking with tradition, the Sussex couple also posted a personal statement, announcing via their Archewell website:

'On June 4, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili.'

The statement continued: 'She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we've felt from across the globe.

'Thank you for your continued kindness and support during this very special time for our family.'

As the royal family extended an olive branch to the Sussex family, welcoming Lilibet into the fold, so did Meghan's estranged father, Thomas Markle - famed for his controversial statements about the couple.

‘I’m very pleased that my daughter and my new granddaughter had a successful delivery,’ the 76-year-old told The Sun. ‘I wish them all my love and the best of luck.’

Prince William and Kate Middleton were also among the first to welcome their new niece, taking to social media to post a sweet tribute.

'We are all delighted by the happy news of the arrival of baby Lili', the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge posted to social media. 'Congratulations to Harry, Meghan and Archie.'

Well this is lovely.

Huge congratulations to Meghan, Harry and Archie on the new arrival.