Who will be first to visit Baby Sussex? Here's the friends in the frame
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have welcomed their second child: a daughter called Lilibet “Lili” Diana.
At more than 6,000 miles away in California, it could be a while before members of the Royal Family meet the latest arrival.
Watch: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announce the birth of their daughter
Harry, 36, and Meghan, 39, have previously said they have been keeping up with the Queen via video calls, so they might book in some time for Her Majesty to meet her 11th great-grandchild on screen.
Meghan's mother Doria Ragland is thought still to live near the family of three, so she will probably be top of their list when baby number two arrives.
But who else might be knocking on the door with baby gifts and home cooked meals for the tired parents?
Oprah Winfrey
The most obvious person is Oprah Winfrey, who attended the wedding, hosted the famous interview earlier this year and worked closely with Prince Harry on a five-part series on mental health for Apple TV+.
She sent their firstborn, Archie, a collection of books when he was a baby, a trademark Winfrey gift according to reports.
So baby-girl Sussex could be in line for a set of books too, as Winfrey offers support to her friends.
Serena Williams
The tennis superstar has been friends with Meghan for many years, and has a home in California.
However the new baby is due soon, and Williams will have a packed schedule of tournaments through the summer, which might keep her from meeting the newborn in person.
Whenever Williams does meet her friend's baby, it's likely to be kept secret. Williams rarely talks about her friendship with Meghan, though she has helped to defend her in public before.
Janina Gavankar
Musician and actor Janina Gavankar is close to the Duchess of Sussex - they have been friends for 17 years.
She recently defended Meghan on British television after the interview she did with Winfrey, saying she had watched as a 'wall was built' around her friend.
Gavankar lives nearby in Los Angeles.
Silver Tree
Producer Silver Tree, who has worked on Suits, was also one of those to defend Meghan when allegations of bullying, which she denied, came out in The Times.
Tree shared pictures of Meghan on social media, one of which was thought to include Meghan's son Archie. The picture was later deleted.
However it gave a hint of how recently the two women had seen one another.
She lives in Los Angeles, and so could be close at hand for the duchess.
Gray Malin
Read more: Meghan Markle's friend shares sneak peek inside duchess's first book
The photographer has been friends with Meghan for a number of years, interviewing her for his blog in 2015.
She sent him a copy of her book, The Bench, in advance of its release, which might show how much she values his friendship.
The photographer is said to live in West Hollywood, not too far from the Sussexes Santa Barbara home.
Malin has two children of his own with his partner, so playdates may be on the cards for the two families.
Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry
The extent of the friendship between Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry and the Sussexes is not known, but the two men definitely have each other's phone numbers.
Harry revealed his neighbour Bloom sends him text messages and photos to warn him about paparazzi in their area.
In a podcast with Dax Shepard, Harry said: "Just two days ago Orlando Bloom sent me a message because he's down the road and we sort of keep in contact because of the paparazzi."
After they welcome their new daughter, that's a neighbourhood watch the duke and duchess will be grateful for.
James Corden
Read more: Queen to be joined by cousin for scaled back birthday celebrations
James Corden was invited to Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding back in May 2018 and now his royal pal lives just a drive away, after Corden found success in LA.
Harry gave one of his first long interviews to Corden earlier this year, and appeared at ease with the television star.
They had afternoon tea on top of a double decker bus, with Harry bursting into laughter when the trolley rolled around and he spilt tea on himself.
Katherine McPhee and David Foster
Katharine McPhee has reportedly known Meghan since their childhoods, as they performed in musicals together.
It's a firm friendship which has stood the test of time, as they were spotted having dinner together with their husbands in Montecito in October 2020.
David Foster and Harry have formed a bond too, with McPhee telling Access Hollywood: "My husband has a really, really beautiful relationship with Harry. They're so cute. They're like father and son."
McPhee recently gave birth to her first child, welcoming son Rennie with Foster in February this year. Meghan's daughter will be just a few months younger, ideal for playdates.
Priyanka Chopra
Read more: Mystery solved after human bones found near Harry and Meghan's home
Actor Priyanka Chopra is a good friend of Meghan's, and another person who lives close by in LA.
She and her husband Nick Jonas were reportedly some of the first guests to visit Meghan and Harry after she gave birth to Archie in May 2019.
The trip will be much shorter this time.
Abigail Spencer
Another LA pal of Meghan's is Abigail Spencer, who also attended the duchess's wedding in 2018.
Spencer and Meghan were on Suits together but their friendship pre-dates the show.
She was also part of Meghan's New York baby shower. Spencer was one of those to defend Meghan amid the bullying allegations, praising her friend as someone who has "always been a safe harbor for me".
And those further afield...
Jessica Mulroney
Despite reports of a falling out between Meghan and Jessica Mulroney, the stylist has recently posted cryptic messages which suggest they are still friends.
People reported in September 2020 that Mulroney shared on her Instagram stories: "I’m going to tell this once and for all. Meghan and I are family. She is the kindest friend and has checked up on me everyday."
She later deleted the message and while she does not post about the duchess so frequently now, she did tell people to speak out for what they believe in soon after Prince Harry's docuseries with Winfrey was released.
Mulroney lives in Toronto with her husband Ben and their three children, so she is a little further away from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Daniel Martin
Meghan's former make-up artist has been by her side for some of her biggest life events, including her final royal engagements back in March 2020.
But Martin lives in New York City, on the other side of the US.
So his trip out west to see his friend could be reliant on coronavirus guidelines in various US states.
Lindsay Roth
Producer and author Lindsay Roth has known the duchess for several years.
In fact, Meghan was Roth's maid of honour when she got married. The two women have something in common as they both married English men.
But Roth does not live in Los Angeles, and appears to split her time between New York City and London.
With two kids of her own, there might be a delay to a meeting of Baby Sussex.
Misha Nonoo
Close friend Misha Nonoo is sure to want to meet Baby Sussex as soon as she can, but will also be hampered by the distance.
Nonoo lives in New York, and is expecting a baby girl herself this year.
That means her son, Leo, will also be a big brother. It could make it tricky for either of the women to see one another soon.
Misan Harriman
A friend who has one of the furthest distances to travel is photographer Misan Harriman.
The snapper took the picture of Harry and Meghan which they used to announce her pregnancy in February, so he has a strong link to the couple.
But he lives in Woking, Surrey, and took the picture remotely.
Sharing their news he said: "Meg, I was there at your wedding to witness this love story begin, and my friend, I am honoured to capture it grow. Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on this joyous news!"
The Sussexes certainly won't be short of well wishers when they welcome their new arrival.
Watch: Bones Found Near Montecito Estate Of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Identified As Native American Remains
