EARLIER TODAY, IT was announced that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be welcoming their first child next year.

Chris Jackson / PA Images Chris Jackson / PA Images / PA Images

Speaking on behalf of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex who married in May of this year, Kensington Palace tweeted:

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.

The tweet was met with delight from Twitter users, resulting in a follow-up tweet where the couple thanked the public for their well wishes.

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.

Doug Peters / EMPICS Entertainment Doug Peters / EMPICS Entertainment / EMPICS Entertainment

However, the announcement didn’t escape criticism, with many social media users drawing attention to the fact that the royal announcement coincided with International Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled for Harry and Meghan and this new royal baby... but I’m definitely conflicted that they chose to announce their pregnancy on International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Poor taste.

— Deanna Trail Salm (@dtrailblazer) October 15, 2018

So disrespectful to bereaved parents to announce this on the last day of Baby Loss Awareness Week #BLAW2018

— Debbie Boothroyd (@mumtoangelboys) October 15, 2018

I'm not saying it's 'tone deaf', I'm not 'blasting' Harry and Meghan for the timing, but there's still a sad sort of irony to breaking their lovely news on international pregnancy and infant loss awareness day. I'm sure they had no idea. But that's sort of the problem. #BLAW2018

— Jennie Agg (@jenniferagg) October 15, 2018

Acknowledging these messages, Ruth Bender-Atik, national director of the Miscarriage Association, said it is likely the royal couple were unaware that their announcement coincided with the day.

According to The Express, Ruth said: “I imagine they didn’t know. I think it’s as simple as that.”

For many people who have the deep sadness and grief of losing a baby, there was also that moment of joy when they wanted to announce their pregnancy. I can understand how people feel. It can be deeply hurtful but I have to be sure they had no idea of the significance of the day.

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