Meghan Markle flaunts a hint of baby bump in $1800 dress for the 1st time following baby news

The Duchess of Sussex has been spotted out and about for the first time since the news of her pregnancy broke. Alongside Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, Meghan Markle also made a statement with her chosen ensemble.

Meghan and Prince Harry stepped out in Sydney on Monday as part of their Australian and Pacific Tour, and the Duchess of Sussex was positively glowing in a fitted white sleeveless dress that went a little past her knees.

Aptly titled the “Blessed” dress, the outfit was designed by Australian designer, Karen McGee, who told People Magazine how it felt to have the Royal wear one of her creations:

“It’s amazing. It was a very touching moment because my brand stands for empowering women and supporting all women, no matter their shape, size or background and for Meghan to support that is just absolutely wonderful.”

The dress featured a simple, structured fit that displayed just a hint of Meghan’s baby bump and retails for $1,800. The duchess styled the outfit with her trademark sleek blow dry with a middle parting and nude stilettos.

Moments after Meghan debuted her “Karen McGee dress,” demand for the item surged and caused the designer’s website to crash. The mom-to-be is also expected to wear pieces from other Australian designers throughout the tour duration.

JEWELRY THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES

Apart from letting the world know how blessed she is, Meghan also paid tribute to her late mother-in-law, Diana, the Princess of Wales. For her outing, Meghan chose a pair of butterfly earrings and a gold bracelet first worn by Princess Diana on a similar royal tour in 1986.

FIRST BABY GIFT

The Duke and Duchess were welcomed by the Governor General Peter Cosgrove and his wife, Lady Lynne Cosgrove at a reception held in their honor at Admiralty House. After an entertaining speech from Harry in which he revealed it was Meghan’s first time in Australia, the Governor-General and his wife presented the couple with their “first baby gift.”

The Royals were all-smiles as they accepted the cute fluffy stuffed kangaroo, an attached baby joey, and infant-sized Ugg booties.

A VISIT TO REMEMBER

Meghan and Harry’s next stop was the Taronga Zoo where they opened a new science center, encountered local wildlife, and met with conservation scientists who are working on efforts to reduce illegal wildlife trafficking.

The Zoo visit was followed by a 15-minute boat ride to meet locals at the Opera House, where they were treated to a rehearsal from the Bangarra Dance Theatre. Then, the royal couple made their way to the forecourt of the Opera House to meet with throngs of ecstatic fans.

Meghan and Harry stopped to take pictures with some of their admirers, including a little girl who bore a resemblance to Meghan and wore a “Girls can do anything” t-shirt.

BABY NEWS

Kensington Palace released a statement on Monday confirming what fans have speculated for so long. The statement read:

"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.”

"Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public."

Members of the royal family and Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, have also expressed their delight at the news. Meghan and Harry tied the knot on May 19 in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle in the UK.