Meghan Markle looks stunning as she shows off growing baby bump on Royal visit

2018 was a hectic year for former Suits actress Meghan Markle. As well marrying Prince Harry at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in May, the Royal couple then announced they were expecting their first child, due in Spring 2019.

After debuting her tiny baby bump during their Royal Tour of Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand in November, The Duchess of Sussex has now stepped out for the first time in 2019, showcasing a large bump.

Meghan's appearance comes as Kensington Palace today revealed the former actress will become a Royal Patron for four charities, taking over the role from The Queen.

The mum-to-be will be a patron of the National Theatre, as well as The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), Smart Works and Mayhew.

Kensington Palace said in a statement, 'The Duchess of Sussex will become Patron of four organisations that reflect the causes and issues with which she has long been associated including the arts, access to education, support for women and animal welfare.'

Meanwhile, it was previously reported that when Meghan and Harry's first child does arrive in the Spring, the baby boy or girl will NOT become a Prince or Princess.

The new arrival will be seventh in the line to the throne, and therefore too far down the line to be in succession to be an HRH, unless The Queen intervenes.

This is due to King George V, Prince Harry's great-great grandfather, limiting titles within the Royal family in 1917 when he said, "The grandchildren of the sons of any such Sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of Dukes of these Our Realms."

Instead of getting a Prince or Princess title, Harry and Meghan's baby will most likely hold the Earl of Dumbarton title (if it's a boy), or Lady (name) Mountbatten-Windsor (if it's a girl).

HOWEVER, this could all change if The Queen decides to step in, just like she did for Prince William and Kate Middleton's children. Before Prince George was born in 2013, The Queen issued a Letters Patent, meaning the Cambridge children were able to be given the titles of Prince and Princess, instead of Lord and Lady.

Check out all of the photos from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding day:

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's baby is due in the Spring.

NOW WATCH: Prince Harry Tells Meghan She Looks Amazing During Royal Wedding

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• Meghan Markle
• Prince Harry