Prince William had a four-word response to Meghan Markle’s pregnancy news, according to Prince Harry.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who welcomed Prince Archie in 2019 and Princess Lilibet in 2021, may be estranged from the Royal Family now but that wasn’t always the case.

Harry and Wiliam are said to not be on speaking terms now, following the dukes explosive claims against the Firm, but during the time when the Sussexes were expecting Archie, the two brothers were still close.

According to Harry’s memoir, Spare, which was released last year, the Sussexes decided to share their exciting news with the rest of the royals on the same day as his cousin, Princess Eugenie’s wedding, in October 2018.

Harry wrote about the day: “Euge was getting married, to Jack, and we were deliriously happy for her, and for ourselves, selfishly, since Jack was one of our favourite people.

“Meg and I were supposed to head off on our first official foreign tour as a married couple, but we delayed the departure several days, so we could be at the wedding.

“Also, the various gatherings connected to the wedding would give us a chance to pull aside family members one by one and tell them our good news.”

And after they had finally found the future King and told him the news his first reaction was that “we must tell Kate”.

Harry said: “After the drinks reception, in St George’s Hall, Meg and I pulled Willy aside. We were in a big room, suits of armour on the walls. Strange room, strange moment.

“We whispered the news, and Willy smiled and said we must tell Kate.

“She was across the room, talking to Pippa. I said we could do it later, but he insisted.

“So we went and told Kate and she also gave a big smile and hearty congratulations. They both reacted exactly as I’d hoped.”