The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have nicknamed their unborn child "Baby Sussex".
Prince Harry, 34, and his wife Meghan, 37, took to their joint Instagram account to thank members of the public for donating money to the charities and causes close to the couple’s hearts instead of sending gifts for their first child – who is due to be born at the end of the month.
A statement posted alongside a picture of the royal couple reads:
"Just one week ago, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex asked that you kindly consider supporting various organisations around the world in lieu of sending gifts for the upcoming arrival of their first born. Not only did many of you lend your support, you took action."
Harry and Meghan have also shared with their 4.6 million followers how their support and donations have already impacted the organisations, which include The Lunch Box Fund, who prepare food for thousands of children in need, clothing suppliers Little Village, the health care charity Well Child and Baby2Baby, who supply all the basics for babies living in poverty.
The couple outlined how the money raised has helped and signed off the message "on behalf of The Duke and Duchess (and Baby Sussex)".
They continued: "Their Royal Highnesses wanted you to know the impact of your support – the direct effect your donation, energy, and action made! YOU chose to be part of the collective good, and you have made a real difference.
Whether a $5 donation, £1000 contribution, offering to volunteer, or spreading the word – you’ve played your part. And on behalf of The Duke and Duchess (and Baby Sussex), we thank you so much."
Sharing the impact on each organisation, they added: "YOUR IMPACT:
@thelunchboxfund will now be able to provide a minimum of 100,000 additional hot nutritionally fortified meals to children in dire need across South Africa
@littlevillagehq received donations from all over the world (from UAE to Hong Kong and the US), they’ve increased their monthly donors, had a surge in volunteer applications, and re-energized their hard working team of 200+ staff and volunteers
@wellchild can now provide 300+ additional hours of specialist care by a Well Child Nurse for a child with serious health needs, allowing families to stay together at home vs in hospital
@Baby2Baby have received over 5,000 products to disperse to children in need, including cribs, books, backpacks, diapers and have received monetary donations from around the globe – from Guadalajara to Italy.
You made this happen. Thank you."
The Duke and Duchess Of Sussex refer to unborn child as Baby Sussex
