Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, are expecting the birth of their second child, a spokesperson for the couple announced on Sunday.

“We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child,” the spokesperson said.

The yet to be born child will be eighth in line to the British throne. Harry retained his place in the line of succession despite him and Meghan stepping back as senior royals in January last year.

The couple now lives in Montecito in California after leaving royal life for personal and financial freedom. 

They have launched several legal cases against news outlets alleging invasion of privacy — including one that ended on Thursday with a victory against Associated Newspapers in the UK.

Their first child, Archie, is 19 months old.

Misan Harriman, a friend of the couple who took the photograph they released, wrote on Twitter: “Meg, I was there at your wedding to witness this love story begin, and my friend, I am honoured to capture it grow.”

Last year they launched a non-profit organisation, Archewell, after giving up a “Sussex Royal” brand as part of the terms of their departure from frontline royal duties.

They have started other ventures, including signing a deal with Spotify to produce podcasts that tell “uplifting and entertaining stories”.

The couple also signed a contract, reportedly worth tens of millions of dollars with streaming giant Netflix to produce “impactful” films and series.