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Prince Charles Speaks Out About New Granddaughter in Public for First Time: ‘Such Happy News’

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It’s been five days since Prince Charles officially became a grandfather of five. And he’s finally addressing the news in a public speech for the first time. 

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry officially welcomed their second child, a baby girl named Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, on Friday. The duo announced the exciting news in a statement on Sunday that read, “The Duke and Duchess thank you for your warm wishes and prayers as they enjoy this special time as a family.”

On Tuesday, the Prince of Wales went on a tour of the BMW Mini factory in Oxford, United Kingdom. During the event, he casually addressed the family news while giving a speech on the development of battery-powered vehicles.

“The development of technology like electric vehicles…is vital for maintaining the health of our world for future generations, something I am only too aware of today, having recently become a grandfather for the fifth time,” he said according to Page Six. “Such happy news really does remind one of the necessity of continued innovation in this area—especially around sustainable battery technology—in view of the legacy we bequeath to our grandchildren.”

While this is the first time he’s opened up about the news in public, Charles and his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles, previously shared their excitement for the newborn on their joint social media account. “Congratulations to Harry, Meghan and Archie on the arrival of baby Lilibet Diana. Wishing them all well at this time,” they captioned a shot of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and Archie on IG.

Congrats on five, Grandpa Charles.

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