Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have welcomed their second child, a daughter named Lilibet Diana.
The couple released a statement Sunday announcing their daughter’s arrival, who was born Friday at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California.
Both she and Meghan are healthy and settling in at home.
“Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet,” the statement said. “Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales.”
They announced Meghan was pregnant with Lili in February, months after the duchess opened up about had suffered a miscarriage in July in a New York Times op-ed.
Meghan explained in the November essay that, “Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few.”
There’s a baby on the way for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
The couple, who wed in May 2018, are expecting their second child together. The exciting news was announced on Sunday — Valentine’s Day — via the couple’s friend and photographer Misan Harriman. Harriman shared a sweet black and white photo of Meghan and Harry gazing lovingly at each other while lounging in a field of grass.
The sweet photo was taken via a remote photoshoot and was shot by Harriman using an iPad.
Meghan’s happy news comes after she revealed in November of last year that she suffered a miscarriage in July 2020. “Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few,” Meghan wrote in an essay for The New York Timeson Nov. 25.
The pregnancy announcement also comes as Meghan and Harry continue to adjust to life in the U.S. after officially stepping down from their roles as senior royals last year. The couple made the decision out of a desire to focus on their family. Meghan also recently won her privacy and copyright infringement case against Associated Newspapers last week.
On the heels of Meghan Markle expressing how lonely she was after having a baby in a documentary released last October as a Royal, Duchess Catherine recently opened up about having similar postpartum struggles as well.
The former Kate Middleton spoke with workers who are parents at center in Cardiff, Wales on Wednesday while promoting a groundbreaking survey on the early childhood and she shared about how isolated she was with a new baby while her husband Prince William was away stationed with the Royal Air Force.
“It’s nice to be back in Wales,” Kate said. “I was chatting to some of the mums. It was the first year and I’d just had George — William was still working with search and rescue — and we came up here and I had a tiny, tiny baby in the middle of Anglesey.”
She added: “It was so isolated, so cut off. I didn’t have any family around, and he was doing night shifts. So…if only I had had a center like this.”
Recall last October, Duchess Meghan spoke about her struggle with being a new mom and newlywed to Prince Harry for ITV journalist Tom Bradby documentary, “Harry & Meghan: An African Journey“, Meghan Markle shared her :
“Any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging. And then when you have a newborn, you know. And especially as a woman, it’s a lot,” she said at the time. “So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed. It’s um…yeah. I guess, also thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I’m okay, but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.”
After Bradby asked if she was struggling and not okay, the Duchess responded, “Yes.”
My new motto for 2020 is “If they thought we were unapologetic in 2019, wait ’til they see us in 2020”.
So I’m going to take this time to applaud Mrs. Beyonce Knowles Carter and Duchess Meghan for being in the news lately for doing what’s best for themselves after a week, a month, a year, a lifetime of people just riding their jock and dissing their every move…and child.
Naturally, both writers were dragged to the filth on Twitter and had to say their mea culpas (and half-arse weak ones at that) but still.
Somewhat equally, ever since Prince Harry and the former Meghan Markle came out with their relationship a few years ago, the British press and trolls have called Meg every dirty and racist name in the book, accused her of being difficult, of driving away all the staff, of driving a wedge in between Harry and his brother (I’m not gonna hyperlink these stories to the give them traffic. Google it yourself if you want.)
So today, when she and her husband released a statement saying “adios mofos” to UK, I smiled.
To me, it embodies the essence of what we all need to be doing this year:
If a situation, workplace, relationship, community or environment no longer brings you peace or is too toxic for you to function, you should be allowed to buck it and say no more.
Not the same level of shruggery as packing up your whole household but similar vibe.
I can dig it.
And to quote part of actress Michelle Williams’ speech when she received her trophy for Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television for her role as Gwen Verdon in Fosse/Verdon Sunday night, “When it is time to vote, please do so in your own self-interest. It’s what men have been doing for years and why the world looks so much like them.”
A recent survey of the most searched celebrity baby revealed that the former Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s son Archie topped the list among the biggest viral moments of 2019.
The first photos of Baby Archie at Sussex Royal that were released to the public via social media garnered close to 3 million likes on Instagram alone.
Finally, the photo of the infant with Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa during the Duchess and Prince’s trip to Africa, with the clergy man kissing the newborn on his forehead went viral and racked up close to 1.5M likes.
With close to 10M and more in engagment, Baby Archie won the Internet in 2019.
Man, poor Duchess Meghan is having a difficult time adjusting to life as a Royal and a mother.
While filming a documentary during a diplomatic trip to Africa with her husband, Prince Harry, she did more than reveal that their adorable son Archie has red hair, she also talked about having a tough time adjusting to motherhood.
In speaking with journalist Tom Bradby for the ITV documentary, “Harry & Meghan: An African Journey“, Meghan Markle shared her struggle with being a new mom and newlywed to Prince Harry:
“Any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging. And then when you have a newborn, you know. And especially as a woman, it’s a lot,” she said. “So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed. It’s um…yeah. I guess, also thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I’m okay, but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.”
After Bradby asked if she was struggling and not okay, the Duchess responded, “Yes.”
The news about this confession of the yet-to-be-released project comes on the heels of news that she and Prince Harry are considering leaving the UK altogether and remarked in passing about making a home for themselves in South Africa, and reports of their plans to sue the British press for hacking her phone, and formal statements from Prince Harry calling on the tabloid press to quit harassing her and subjecting her to racist or unfair treatment.
“Up to now, we have been unable to correct the continual misrepresentations — something that these select media outlets have been aware of and have therefore exploited on a daily and sometimes hourly basis,” the statement read.
“I’ve seen what happens when someone I love is commoditized to the point that they are no longer treated or seen as a real person. I lost my mother and now I watch my wife falling victim to the same powerful forces,” he said in a reference to his mother, Princess Diana, who died in a 1997 car crash while trying to elude paparazzi in Paris.
While the former Duchess Fergie, Sarah Ferguson, too was hounded relentlessly by the press, as was Harry’s mom as he noted, those watching Markle’s treatment think compared to Duchess Catherine, the former Kate Middleton, Meghan is getting inequitable treatment perhaps because she is partially black and American.
When Kate Middleton wore a one shoulder dress, the British press called her elegant but when Markle wore a similar style dress at the British Fashion Awards, they referred to it as “vulgar.”
Before and since Markle’s confession about having a difficult time adjusting to motherwhood, I have seen people in social and traditional media be critical of the British monarchy dismiss her complaints. Many have also suggested that she gets what she asked for by marrying into that family and becoming a Royal.
In my opinion, such flippant, dismissive and harsh reactions show lack of empathy. Irrespective of what one feels about the family she married into or the fact she had tremendous wealth, I think kindness or at least passive observance is in order when someone expresses sadness over dealing with personal anxiety or stresses.
For the average man or woman that come across the reports about Markle’s confession, it so easy to scroll by they don’t care but they don’t. Instead, they make these blatant pronouncements that come off as cold and callous and sort of truly reflects poorly on the person making the disparaging remarks.
That’s my opinion. Feel free to disagree.
We all should strive to be kind. We have enough things to fight and get upset about. No need to pile on.
A mom of one, a mom of twins and a mom of triplets met in London.
All three previously covered “Bellyitch Bumpwatch” alumsMeghan Markle, Beyonce Knowles Carter, and Pharelle Williams‘ wife Helen Lasichanh (who gave birth to the couple’s triplets in 2017) gathered at the European premiere of the live action remake of the 1994 Disney animated film The Lion King on Sunday.
The event took place at London’s Odeon Leicester Square where the celebs walked the “yellow carpet” which also featured black lion paw prints during its star-studded arrivals.
Beyonce, who voices Nala greeted the former Meghan Markle for the first time since Duchess of Sussex presented her and her hubby Jay Z with the 2018 Brit Awards for Best International Group.
The power couple accepted via video acceptance while standing in front of a portrait of the Duchess wearing a crown, back in December before the Duchess gave birth to her first child, son Archie, with husband Prince Harry.
The two celeb moms greeted each other warmly, with Markle in a black A line tea length Jason Wu Collection Mesh Panel Fit and Flare Dress with sheer sleeves and bodice and Beyonce, dressed in a thigh high slit draped yellow gown.
“Hello my Princess” Beyonce can be seen mouthing before a very warm hug, followed by a friendly hug from Jay Z.
“The baby, so beautiful,” Beyonce then remarked, according to Royal reporter Rebecca English had the scoop on the conversation . “We love you guys.”
At that point, Markle then turned to introduce her husband, who was decked out in a tux. The Prince greeted Beyonce with a kiss on each cheek and Jay-Z with a handshake.
The 444 rapper responded with, “Congratulations on the birth of your baby,” while nodding towards Meghan.
“And how are the twins?” the Prince asked, referencing the superstars’ twins, daughter Rumi and son Sir, born in 2017.
‘”They are not here. They don’t come on every trip,” Bey replied. “We left them at home. They would loved to have been here.”
The Royal couple then greeted Sir Elton John, his husband David Furnish and the Disney president before being introduced to Pharrell Williams who worked on the music in the film.
His wife Helen stayed in the back row but was acknowledged.
“It’s just incredible, you’re in for a great night,” John added.
Harry was humored by Pharrell William’s signature shots tuxedo and his curtsy he did as a joke, I hope.
“I love the look,” Harry said with smile. “It’s phenomenal, seriously. It is just amazing,.”
Also in the line up were actors Billy Eichner, Seth Rogan, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Florence Kasumba.
As part of the film’s rollout, Disney Studios is supporting Protect the Pride, a campaign focused on protecting and revitalizing the lion population.
The R&B crooner, real name Tremaine Aldon Neverson, had long wanted to be a dad and just this May, the artist surprised fans with the news that he became one when he posted a photo of his baby on Instagram with the caption, “My son Noah. We are blessed and overjoyed. Peace.” He has so far kept the identify of Noah’s mother private.
Famous for his role on Entourageand POWER, actor Jerry Ferrara welcomed Jacob born in early May 2019 with his wife Breanne. The couple had previously experienced a pregnancy loss via miscarriage.
Congrats and Happy Father’ Day to all the new dads!
On Wednesday, Duchess of Sussex Meghan and Prince Harry introduced their newborn baby boy to the world in St. George’s Hall, where they had their wedding reception last May.
After greeting the press in the hall to show off the super adorable tot, the couple also later revealed the baby’s name is Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
A post on the family’s official Instagram page of their formal intro garnered 1.7M likes and over a quarter of a million comments within the hour of going up!
Later, the newlyweds took their baby to meet his great great grandmom, Queen Elizabeth the II of England.
The two gushed on their new creation during the initial public intro.
“It’s magic. It’s pretty amazing. I have the best two guys in the world, so I’m really happy,” the former Meghan Markle said in a belted sleeveless dress. “He has the sweetest temperament,” she added. He’s really calm.”
Harry added: “I don’t know where he gets that from!”
They shared pics from the meet and greet with the Queen on their official Instagram account.
The post featured a photo of Meghan, Harry, Archie, Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, grandfather, Prince Philip, and Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland.
Congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on the birth of their first child, a baby boy.
Kensington Palace announced the news via Twitter today.
“Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex was safely delivered of a son at 0526hrs,” the Palace tweeted. “The baby weighs 7lbs 3oz and The Duke of Sussex was present for the birth.”
Adding:
“The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, The Prince of Wales, The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Earl Spencer have been informed and are delighted with the news.
The Duchess’s mother, Doria Ragland, who is overjoyed by the arrival of her first grandchild, is with Their Royal Highnesses at Frogmore Cottage.
Her Royal Highness and the baby are both doing well.”
As suspected, it appears like she had a home birth. The timing of the delivery with news that Markle’s mom is with her and the baby makes me think she indeed had a homebirth.
The Daily Mail had previously reported that Meghan’s current top choice is a home birth led by a midwife.
Sources stressed that Harry and Meghan, who are expecting their first child within weeks, have not ruled out a hospital delivery because a woman having a baby over the age of 35 is at an increased risk of premature birth or the need for an epidural or caesarean.
But a friend in America said the duchess – who still practices yoga daily and has ‘sailed’ through her pregnancy – is in extremely good health and sees no reason why she could not enjoy a safe delivery in the privacy of the cottage.
‘It is her favoured choice,’ the source said, ‘but it obviously depends on how things are nearer the time.’
Congrats! We have a Baby Duke!
Harry announced the news to the public:
“It’s been the most amazing experience I can ever have possibly imagined. How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension,” he said. “But, we’re both absolutely thrilled. And so grateful to all the love and support from everybody out there. It’s been amazing. So we just wanted to share this with everybody.”
“The baby’s a little bit overdue so we’ve had a little bit of time to think about it. That’s the next bit,” he said of choosing a name. “For us, I think we’ll be seeing you guys in probably two days time as planned, as a family. To be able to share it with you guys and so everyone can see the baby.”
Harry ended his sweet remarks by once again praising Meghan and saying their baby boy is “to die for.”
“I haven’t been in many births. This is definitely my first birth,” he quipped. “But it was amazing. Absolutely incredible. And, as I said, I’m so incredibly proud of my wife. And, as every father and parent would ever say, your baby’s absolutely amazing, but this little thing is absolutely to die for. So I’m just over the moon.”