Royal couple quietly announce birth of new baby as pictures are released

A royal couple has announced the birth of their baby boy with a sweet array of first photos.

They took to Instagram with the surprise news on 31 July, revealing that the little one had actually been born 40 days prior.

So, the newborn is actually more than a month old, with the parents opting to keep their first few weeks of life private.

As the world reacted to the news, the royals also announced their baby’s name, Nikolai, their second child together.

After getting married back in 2022, the couple went on to welcome their first child in March 2023, Prince Leopold, who is now two years old.

The mother-of-two wrote in her Instagram caption: "The first 40 days of Niki," alongside an adorable slideshow of the baby's first month in the world.

A new royal baby has been born! (Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Keeping the baby's face off camera, one picture showed little Nikolai wrapped up in a knitted yellow cardigan with white ruffled sleeves poking out.

So, who are the parents exactly?

The royal couple are none other than Princess Claudia of Liechtenstein and her husband, Prince Josef-Emmanuel.

Prince Josef is the son of Princess Margaretha of Luxembourg and Prince Nikolaus of Liechtenstein, and his wife's name is Claudia Echavarria.

The prince is currently 16th in line for the throne of Liechtenstein, but is actually part of not one, but two royal families.

He is also the grandson of the late Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg and Joséphine-Charlotte of Belgium on his mother's side.

Prince Josef-Emanuel and Princess Claudia of Liechtenstein have welcomed their second child together (Instagram/cloclo.vl)

His and Princess Claudia's wedding took place in Iglesia de San Pedro Claver church three years ago, with a stunning ceremony.

They surprised everyone with their unexpected baby news, sharing the life update in a very quiet and nonchalant way by simply disclosing the birth on social media.

Thanking those who have helped out in her first few weeks of motherhood, the royal added in her caption: "Eternally grateful for these women @almapartera @haneshapeinado @drakarenperez @gabriellamcampagna @perezcastroi."

Another of the sweet snaps shows Nikolai lying down in a knitted blue jumper with his name stitched on it, while a third shows him snuggled up in bed with his mum.

And fans have rushed to the comments of the post to congratulate the new parents and send them well wishes.

They welcomed a little boy called Nikolai over a month ago, keeping the news quiet to begin with (Instagram/cloclo.vl)

One social media user penned: "Wow!! Congratulations Clo, how special, lots of love to the 4 of you," while a second wrote: "Congratulations on Nikolai beautiful name for a beautiful baby."

A third chimed in with: "You look so beautiful post partum! Congratulations!! I’m very happy for you and your family. May you heal easily and quickly."

Meanwhile, a fourth added: "Congratulations what a beauty," and a fifth commented: "Congrats Clo clo!!!! These pics are so cute!! Welcome Niki!!"