The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have begun their first tour overseas as a married couple – and have already been given the first gift for their unborn baby.

Kensington Palace announced on Monday that the couple, who married five months ago, were expecting a baby in the spring.

The news came just hours after they arrived in Sydney ahead of a 16-day tour which will take in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.

Their first engagement on Tuesday saw them meet Australia’s Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynn, Lady Cosgrove.

The Duchess of Sussex wore a white Karen Gee dress
The Duchess of Sussex wore a white Karen Gee dress (Phil Noble/PA)

The Duke and Duchess were presented with a toy kangaroo and its joey, with Meghan saying: “Our first baby gift!”

They were also given a pair of baby Uggs which Harry said was “awesome”.

The couple were greeted at Admiralty House by flag-bearing representatives from the 18 countries who will be competing at the Invictus Games in the city.

Several of them congratulated the couple on their baby news, with Meghan, dressed in a white dress by Australian designer Karen Gee, replying: “Thank you so much. We are very excited.”

The dignitaries also presented Harry and Meghan with the Akubras – traditional wide-brimmed Australian hats – which were gifted to them for their wedding in May.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are presented with Akubra hats
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are presented with Akubra hats (Phil Noble/PA)

Koalas and joeys are next on the itinerary as the couple visit Taronga Zoo before a walkabout on the forecourt of the iconic Sydney Opera House.

The couple shared the news that Meghan was expecting with the Queen and royal family at Princess Eugenie’s wedding.

Congratulations poured in for the thrilled couple, with Prime Minister Theresa May offering her “warmest congratulations” and the Archbishop of Canterbury, who married Harry and Meghan, saying: “Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on their happy news! Prayers for them in the months ahead.”

The baby will be seventh in line to the throne, and the Queen’s eighth great-grandchild.

Kensington Palace said there would be no change to the itinerary of Harry and Meghan’s tour including to Fiji and Tonga, despite travel advice that pregnant women should consider not travelling to the countries because of the moderate Zika virus risk.

The palace said the couple had sought medical advice and decided to continue with their plans.

In a statement, Kensington Palace said: “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.”

The Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are said to be “delighted” for the couple.