Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have dedicated themselves to raising their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Their journey into parenthood began while they were still part of the Royal Family, but by the time their daughter arrived, they had already stepped away from royal duties and embarked on a new chapter in the United States.
For now, Archie and Lilibet likely remain unaware of the complex history between their parents and the royal institution. However, as they grow older, the lack of connection with their royal cousins and extended family could become more apparent and potentially impact them in ways yet unknown.
Harry and Meghan, like many parents, have faced both joy and sorrow on their path to building a family. They share two beautiful children, but their journey also included heartache—Meghan suffered a miscarriage before Lilibet was born. Despite this, the Sussexes have embraced parenthood wholeheartedly, nurturing their children in an environment far removed from the palace walls.
A Different Path for Their Family
When the couple chose to step back from royal life, one of their main motivations was to provide their children with a different upbringing—one free from the constraints and scrutiny of the monarchy. Their desire to handle things differently was evident even at Archie’s birth. Instead of following the long-standing royal tradition of a highly publicized hospital departure, they opted for a more private experience.
Archie was born on May 6, 2019, at The Portland Hospital in London, rather than the St. Mary’s Hospital where many royal births have taken place. Harry and Meghan carefully managed the narrative surrounding his birth, keeping details under wraps for as long as possible. According to royal biographer Katie Nicholl, Harry was particularly determined to maintain their privacy, a stark contrast to the usual royal protocols.
In his memoir Spare, Harry shared a humorous and candid recollection of Archie’s birth, admitting that he turned to Nando’s chicken and laughing gas to calm his nerves while Meghan was in labor. He later confessed to sheepishly using up all the gas meant for her pain relief, an anecdote that humanized their otherwise high-profile experience.
A Growing Family and a Meaningful Name
Less than a year after Archie’s arrival, Harry and Meghan made the monumental decision to leave the Royal Family and relocate to North America. Their family expanded on June 6, 2021, when they welcomed their daughter, Lilibet, in California.
While the birth of their daughter was a joyous occasion, her name sparked controversy. Lilibet was a cherished childhood nickname of Queen Elizabeth II, and reports suggested that the choice caught the royal household by surprise. Royal author Tom Quinn noted that while Harry and Meghan may have intended it as a tribute, the decision was met with mixed reactions. Some viewed it as a heartfelt homage, while others questioned whether it overstepped royal boundaries.
Heartache Before Happiness
Before welcoming Lilibet, Meghan endured the devastating experience of pregnancy loss in 2020. She later opened up about the pain in a deeply personal essay, describing the overwhelming grief she felt in the aftermath. Her honest account resonated with many, shedding light on a topic that remains difficult for countless families worldwide.
Despite the heartbreak, the Sussexes found immense joy in their growing family. According to sources close to Meghan, while the anniversary of her miscarriage still brings sorrow, she focuses on cherishing the moments she has with Archie and Lilibet.
Balancing Parenthood and Career
Since leaving royal life, Harry and Meghan have pursued various professional endeavors, including media projects and philanthropic work. However, their family remains their top priority. Meghan, in particular, has been deliberate about balancing work with motherhood, ensuring she is present for their children’s milestones.
Recently, Meghan has been channeling her energy into her new lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, while still making time for family life. Sources suggest that she wants to set an example for her children, showing them that mothers can have both a career and a strong family bond.
A Future With More Children?
With Archie and Lilibet growing up quickly, speculation has arisen about whether Harry and Meghan might expand their family. However, the couple has been quite clear on the matter. In a 2019 interview with Dr. Jane Goodall, Harry revealed that he and Meghan had decided to have no more than two children, citing environmental concerns as part of their reasoning.
During their headline-making interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, Meghan echoed this sentiment, expressing gratitude for having both a son and a daughter. She described their family of four as being complete, with Harry reinforcing that they were content with two children.
Looking Ahead
While their journey has been unconventional, Harry and Meghan appear deeply committed to creating a loving and supportive environment for their children. Despite the challenges and scrutiny they have faced, their dedication to raising Archie and Lilibet on their own terms remains unwavering.
Only time will tell how their children will navigate their unique heritage and upbringing. For now, the Sussexes seem content with their family as it is—cherishing each moment and embracing the life they have built far from the royal spotlight.