Why all the fuss about another royal baby? History has taught us there’s much money to be made in a celebrity tot. And if the public’s fixation is any indicator, we can expect quite the “baby Sussex” effect.
Meghan Markle, 37, and husband Prince Harry, 34–the celebrity duo also known as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex–welcomed their first child on Monday. Up until now, the couple had been quite private about the pregnancy, keeping mum about the due date, gender, and even where Markle might give birth.
“We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz,” read the new parents’ official Instagram account. “The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives.”
While details are scarce, there’s plenty we already know about the latest royal baby. Here are a few by-the-numbers facts about the new addition to the British monarchy:
- One: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s child will be the the first Anglo-American born into the British royal family, making him eligible for U.S. or dual citizenship.
- Seven: Baby Sussex’s number in the royal succession line. The newborn is right after father Prince Harry and before Prince Andrew, Duke of York. The succession line changed with Princess Charlotte. With a 2011 law change, she made history by becoming the first female to not be overtaken in succession by her younger brother.
- Six to one: The odds that the royal baby would be named Elizabeth or Diana, according to online betting company Ladbrokes. It was followed by Victoria at 8/1, and Albert or Alice at 12/1.
- $20: The cost of a “Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan 2019 Royal Baby Watch” mug, one of many souvenirs celebrating the anticipated event.
- $125 million: The total amount of money the last royal baby, Prince Louis, was estimated to generate within the first few weeks of his life.
- $5 billion: How much Prince Charlotte generated for a wide range of companies, a spike dubbed the “Charlotte effect.” Her older brother Prince George reportedly helped bring $3.6 billion to the British economy.
- 10,000: The amount of orders placed for the blanket that swaddled newborn Prince George as he left the hospital. Fans quickly scooped up the bird-print cloth made by the American company Aden + Anais.
- 100,000: The amount of unique visitors from 183 countries who visited the website for the knitwear brand GH Hurt within a day of Prince Charlotte’s birth. They all wanted to buy the receiving blanket she was wrapped in as Duchess Kate revealed her to the public.
- $25 million: Prince Harry’s estimated worth, in part due to the trust and estate left to him by his late mother, Princess Diana. The groom also earned approximately $45,000 when he served as a pilot in the British Army Air Corps.
- $5 million: Meghan Markle’s estimated worth. The former actress reportedly earned $50,000 per episode for her role on the TV show Suits, in addition to money from movie roles and endorsements.
- Sixth: Meghan Markle’s rank among the most popular royals, according to a recent survey. Prince Harry tops the list as the No. 1 most popular royal in the British monarchy.
- $42 million: The estimated price tag of Meghan and Harry’s 2018 royal wedding. Roughly 18 million viewers tuned in to watch the ceremony.
- 88 cents: The estimated amount that the average British taxpayer pays per year to support the royal family (65 pence, the cost of a stamp).
- 68%: The portion of the British public who believe the royal family–as an institution–are “good for the country,” according to a 2015 poll.
Recognize your brand’s excellence by applying to this year’s Brands That Matter Awards before the early-rate deadline, May 3.
