Actor Benedict Cumberbatch and his wife, director Sophie Hunter, have welcomed their first child, a baby boy.

The couple announced through a representative, "We are delighted to announce the birth of our beautiful son." At the same time, they added, "We ask that you respect our privacy over the next few precious weeks."

The couple, who got engaged last November and married on Valentine's Day this year, have not revealed their son's name or birthday.

Benedict was just awarded the Order of the British Empire (CBE) at Queen Elizabeth II's birthday celebrations on June 13th (local time). Some have suggested that this is too early, as Benedict is only 38 years old and Eddie Redmayne, who won this year's Academy Award for Best Actor, has not yet received an award. However, the birth of their first child may be even more exciting for the couple than the award itself.