Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made raising their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, their top priority. The couple’s journey into parenthood began while they were still members of the Royal Family, but by the time their daughter Lilibet was born, they had already stepped away from royal duties. Their decision to leave the Firm created a rift with the royal family, which Archie and Lilibet are unlikely to fully comprehend for years to come. However, their lack of a relationship with royal cousins and extended family members may have future repercussions for them.
The couple’s choice to lead a more private life in the United States has allowed them to give their children a childhood away from the spotlight, although this means their children don’t have close relationships with other royal family members, such as Prince William and Kate Middleton’s three children. Despite this, Harry and Meghan have focused on building a close-knit family with their two children. But could they be considering expanding their family further with a third child?
A Different Approach to Parenting
From the moment Archie was born, Harry and Meghan were determined to take a different approach to royal parenting. They made clear their desire for privacy, especially during Archie’s birth. The couple had already made significant changes to their living situation, moving to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. Meghan’s mother even traveled from the U.S. to stay with them during this time.
When Archie arrived on May 6, 2019, Harry and Meghan took extra measures to keep the event private. They opted for a more secluded hospital, Portland Hospital, which Harry claimed made it impossible for photographers to capture the traditional first baby pictures expected in royal circles. In his memoir Spare, Harry admitted that he had a somewhat humorous approach to calming his nerves during the birth, using both Nando’s chicken and laughing gas. He described the entire experience, from the excitement of welcoming their son to the worry over a potential complication with the umbilical cord, in vivid detail. Ultimately, Archie was born healthy, bringing tears of joy to both Harry and Meghan.
The Controversial Name and the Miscarriage
When Lilibet, their second child, arrived on June 6, 2021, the couple was thrilled but also faced some controversy. Meghan and Harry chose the name Lilibet after Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood nickname. However, this decision sparked a diplomatic debate, as many believed it was a step too far in appropriating something so personal to the monarch.
Before Lilibet’s arrival, the couple experienced profound grief when Meghan suffered a miscarriage in 2020. In a deeply personal essay, Meghan revealed the emotional toll of losing a child, describing the sadness and loss she felt in the aftermath. The miscarriage marked a painful chapter in their lives, but it also made the arrival of Lilibet even more significant. Although Meghan has expressed sadness about the anniversary of the miscarriage, she also feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude for her two healthy children, Archie and Lilibet, and the family they have created.
Growing Up Fast: Meghan’s Sentiments
Meghan, like many mothers, is finding it bittersweet as her children grow older. Both Archie and Lilibet are no longer infants, and as they continue to grow, Meghan has been more focused on balancing her career with family life. According to sources, she finds great joy in being with her children during these precious years and is committed to prioritizing them above all else.
However, this shift in family dynamics has not been easy for her. As Lilibet turns three, Meghan finds herself feeling nostalgic for the “baby years” and grapples with how fast her children are growing up. Though she is deeply involved in her work with her lifestyle brand and other ventures, she remains dedicated to cherishing every moment with her children.
The Question of a Third Child
As their children grow older, the question of whether Harry and Meghan will have a third child has been a topic of speculation. However, both parents seem firmly content with their family as it stands. In interviews from as early as 2019, Harry expressed his belief that there should be a limit to the number of children one should have, citing his concern for the environment and the future of the planet. He mentioned that, for him, having two children was sufficient. Meghan shared a similar sentiment in her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, stating that she was grateful for the children they had and didn’t feel the need for more.
Meghan expressed that having one boy and one girl was the perfect outcome, and Harry confirmed that they were “done” having children. With both parents on the same page, it appears that the idea of a third child is unlikely to come to fruition. Nonetheless, the possibility of another prince or princess in the future can never be entirely ruled out.
