As the world awaits the birth of the royal baby, a statement issued on behalf of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Thursday makes clear that the couple want to keep things very private.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very grateful for the goodwill they have received from people throughout the United Kingdom and around the world as they prepare to welcome their baby, the statement from Buckingham Palace said.

Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private, it continued.

The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family.