Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Announce Second Pregnancy: Archie to Become a Big Brother!
Joyous news has emerged from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex! Meghan Markle, 39, and Prince Harry, 36, are delightedly expecting their second child, confirming that their son, Archie, will soon become a big brother. This heartwarming announcement comes just months after Meghan bravely shared her experience with a tragic miscarriage, marking a profound moment of hope and new beginnings for the couple.
The exciting news was shared on Valentine’s Day, 2021, a date traditionally associated with love and affection, making the revelation even more poignant. A representative for The Duke and Duchess of Sussex issued a statement to HollywoodLife, confirming, “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother.” The statement further conveyed the couple’s immense happiness: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.” Accompanying this wonderful announcement was a breathtaking black-and-white photograph, captured by their close friend and renowned photographer Misan Harriman. The intimate image shows Meghan, visibly cradling her growing baby bump, resting her head on Harry’s lap as they sit comfortably under a tree, radiating serenity and anticipation. This candid moment beautifully symbolizes their journey and the private joy they now share with the world, a testament to their enduring love and resilience.
The couple are already doting parents to their beloved son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, who celebrated his first birthday in May 2020. Archie’s arrival on May 6, 2019, was met with immense excitement globally, and his parents’ first pregnancy announcement in October 2018 was a moment of great celebration for the Royal Family. At the time, Harry’s brother, Prince William, 38, and sister-in-law, Kate Middleton, 38, expressed their “very pleased” sentiments via the Kensington Royal Twitter account, reflecting the collective joy surrounding the impending birth of the newest royal. Now, two years later, Archie is set to embrace a significant new role, stepping into the shoes of a loving older brother.
Archie has charmed the public ever since his first appearances, capturing hearts with his playful spirit and adorable expressions. He notably took center stage in the couple’s Christmas card in December 2019, a sweet black-and-white photograph expertly taken by Meghan’s close friend and *Morning Show* star, Janina Gavankar. In the memorable snap, Archie, with an inquisitive look on his face, crawled directly towards the camera, showcasing his bright, big brown eyes—a striking resemblance to his stunning mother. Over the past couple of years, the little boy has been growing up before our very eyes, with his natural warmth and happy demeanor shining through in every picture and video shared by his proud parents. His transformation into a big brother is eagerly anticipated by royal fans around the globe, marking another exciting milestone for the Sussex family.
This wonderful pregnancy announcement arrives on the heels of a period of significant change and personal challenges for Meghan and Harry. Following their groundbreaking decision to step back from senior royal duties in January 2020—a move widely dubbed “Megxit”—the couple embarked on a new chapter. They initially spent the early part of 2019 in the serene, picturesque setting of Victoria, British Columbia, residing in a magnificent mansion arranged by music producer David Foster. During their time in Canada, Meghan also took the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Vancouver, reconnecting with her North American roots. After publicly announcing their intention to divide their time between Canada and the United Kingdom, Prince Harry and Meghan made a permanent relocation to her native Los Angeles, California, in March 2020, seeking a new life with greater privacy and freedom.
Since establishing their residence in California, specifically in a lavish $14 million mansion in Montecito, Santa Barbara, the Duke and Duchess have largely maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on family life and their new ventures. They have been seen stepping out on occasion, always with protective face masks, to volunteer for those in need, such as their work with Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, and during a discreet Beverly Hills outing. Meghan has also offered glimpses into their stunning Santa Barbara home during virtual appearances, including while chatting with clients from the clothing charity Smart Works. This period of transition, however, was also marked by profound sadness. In November 2020, Meghan and Harry openly shared a devastating personal loss, adding a layer of poignant vulnerability to their public journey.
Meghan bravely opened up about enduring a miscarriage in a deeply emotional personal essay published in the *New York Times*. Titled “The Losses We Share,” her powerful piece shed light on the painful experience, offering solace and understanding to countless others. She recalled the harrowing moment: “I dropped to the floor. [I] sensed that something was not right. I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” Meghan’s *New York Times* piece detailed. Her candid account resonated globally, breaking down barriers of silence surrounding miscarriage and grief, and reinforcing her commitment to mental health advocacy.
In her essay, Meghan thoughtfully elaborated on the importance of shared vulnerability and compassion during times of grief. “We have learned that when people ask how any of us are doing, and when they really listen to the answer, with an open heart and mind, the load of grief often becomes lighter — for all of us,” another excerpt from the article read. She emphasized that “In being invited to share our pain, together we take the first steps toward healing.” After such a public and devastating loss, the news of their second pregnancy brings a wave of immense happiness and relief, not only for Meghan and Harry but also for their supporters worldwide. This new chapter in their lives symbolizes resilience, hope, and the beautiful cyclical nature of life, and the world wishes them immense joy and well-being.
Meghan Markle Pregnancy Clues You Might Have Missed
Before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made their sweet Valentine’s Day announcement, eagle-eyed observers and royal watchers began to notice a few subtle hints that Meghan might be expecting. One significant clue emerged in December 2020, when the *Suits* alum was spotted out with Prince Harry in the Beverly Hills area, approximately 90 minutes from their Montecito residence. On this particular outing, Meghan opted to wear a notably heavy parka—the “Chateau” style from J.Crew, to be precise. The choice of such a warm coat was curious, given that temperatures in Beverly Hills typically hovered in the mid-70s Fahrenheit during that time of year. This seemingly unusual sartorial decision sparked speculation, leading many to believe it could have been a strategic move to discreetly cover a burgeoning baby bump, keeping the exciting news under wraps for a little longer.
Another intriguing hint came with the couple’s choice for their December 2020 Christmas card. Rather than the traditional photograph, which they had previously used, Harry and Meghan opted to release a charming watercolor painting. The sweet rendering depicted Harry and Meghan in a casual, idyllic moment, enjoying time outdoors with their son Archie, 1, and their beloved dogs, Guy and Pula, in front of a playhouse. This artistic choice was seen by many as a clever way to avoid providing a new, recent photo that would undoubtedly reveal Meghan’s pregnancy. If Meghan was not yet ready to announce her pregnancy during the holiday season, using an older image reimagined as a painting served as a strategic and artistic method to sidestep any unwanted scrutiny and maintain their privacy before their official announcement.
We’re thrilled to receive wonderful Christmas wishes from our Patron, The Duchess of Sussex, who also made a personal donation, helping dogs, cats and our community. 💜 From all of us at Mayhew, thank you and Merry Christmas. 🎄🐶🐱
Find out more! 👉 https://t.co/5o2RHLveRM pic.twitter.com/uBV19F6Odt— Mayhew 🐶🐱 (@themayhew) December 23, 2020
A third significant clue emerged around October 2020, when the 39-year-old Duchess requested to postpone a court date related to her ongoing legal battle against a media outlet. This legal dispute stemmed from the publication of a personal letter she had written to her father, Thomas Markle, in 2019. Meghan had sued Associated Newspapers for misuse of private information, copyright infringement, and breach of the Data Protection Act, a case she ultimately won on February 11, 2021. At the time of the postponement request, the reasons for Meghan’s decision were unclear and fueled much speculation. However, in hindsight, her second pregnancy may well have been a crucial factor, influencing her need to delay the proceedings and prioritize her health and personal well-being during such a delicate time.
Upon winning the court case against Associated Newspapers and *The Mail on Sunday*, Meghan released a powerful statement reflecting on the victory and the broader implications of media practices. “After two long years of pursuing litigation, I am grateful to the courts for holding Associated Newspapers and *The Mail on Sunday* to account for their illegal and dehumanizing practices,” she asserted. Her statement underscored the personal toll of such legal battles: “For these outlets, it’s a game. For me and so many others, it’s real life, real relationships, and very real sadness. The damage they have done and continue to do runs deep.” She further emphasized the societal impact of misinformation, adding, “We all lose when misinformation sells more than truth, when moral exploitation sells more than decency, and when companies create their business model to profit from people’s pain. But for today, with this comprehensive win on both privacy and copyright, we have all won.” This victory, achieved just days before her pregnancy announcement, marked a moment of personal vindication and a powerful stand for privacy, culminating in a period of both personal and public triumphs for the Duchess.
Overcoming Loss: Meghan Markle’s Experience with Miscarriage
The joyous news of Meghan and Harry’s second pregnancy holds particular significance following Meghan’s candid revelation about a devastating miscarriage she experienced in July 2020. She bravely shared her profoundly personal story in an emotional essay published in the *New York Times*, as part of an op-ed piece titled “The Losses We Share.” In this poignant article, Meghan not only addressed mental health issues during the ongoing pandemic but also courageously disclosed her own heartbreaking news. She recounted the moment of loss with raw honesty: “I dropped to the floor…[I] sensed that something was not right. I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.” She described the subsequent trip to the hospital, remembering the “cold white walls” that surrounded her. Her essay resonated deeply with many, as she articulated the often-unspoken pain: “Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few.”
Recalling Meghan Markle’s First Pregnancy Journey
The journey to expanding their family began for Meghan and Harry just six months after their fairytale wedding in May 2018. The exciting news that they were expecting their first child was officially announced in October 2018, sparking widespread jubilation. Kensington Palace shared the announcement via a tweet, stating, “Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.” This marked the beginning of their public transition into parenthood, a journey that captivated global audiences and was eagerly followed by millions around the world.
The announcement of their first pregnancy coincided with the couple’s highly anticipated royal tour of Australia. However, rumors had already begun to circulate prior to the official news, fueled by Meghan’s curious outfit choices. Notably, she wore a loose navy coat-style dress at Princess Eugenie’s wedding earlier that same month, which many observers interpreted as an attempt to conceal an early baby bump. Once the news was public, Meghan happily and openly showcased her growing baby bump throughout their tour of Australia, embracing her pregnancy with grace and style, including a memorable appearance in a comfortable yet chic loose blue-striped romper.
As her pregnancy progressed, Meghan’s journey was marked by a low-key but star-studded baby shower held in New York City in February 2019. This intimate gathering was attended by many of her close female friends, including her best friend and stylist Jessica Mulroney, tennis superstar Serena Williams, fashion designer Misha Nonoo, actress Janina Gavankar, and broadcast journalist Gayle King, among others. At the time, Meghan was still a working Royal, making numerous official appearances on behalf of The Queen, and as such, she was regularly photographed throughout her pregnancy, allowing the public to follow her journey step by step.
Meghan’s elegantly growing baby bump became a prominent feature during her public engagements. It was beautifully visible during a state dinner hosted by the President of Fiji in October 2018, where she wore a stunning full-length blue gown by designer Safiyaa. The bump was even more pronounced at a December 2018 appearance at the British Fashion Awards, where the California native gracefully cradled her tummy in a gorgeous black gown, a creation by her wedding dress designer Clare Waight Keller, as she presented the British Women’s Wear Designer of The Year Award. By February 2019, the couple embarked on another Royal tour, this time to Morocco, where Meghan’s pregnancy was once again on full display, marked by stylish and comfortable maternity wear that highlighted her radiant glow.
Finally, on May 6, 2019, Meghan gave birth to her son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, at The Portland Hospital in London. The eagerly awaited little boy weighed a healthy 7 pounds, 3 ounces at the time of his birth. A heartfelt statement shared to Instagram on the same day confirmed the joyous arrival: “The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives.” Archie’s birth was a moment of immense happiness for the couple and the world, and now, as he prepares to become a big brother, the family embarks on yet another exciting chapter, filled with love, laughter, and the anticipation of welcoming their newest member.
As Meghan and Harry prepare to welcome their second child, their journey from public life in the monarchy to their private life in California, marked by both profound joy and deep sorrow, stands as a testament to their resilience. This new addition symbolizes hope, healing, and the enduring power of family. The world eagerly awaits the arrival of their baby, wishing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex all the best as they embrace this beautiful new chapter in their lives, with Archie proudly stepping into his role as a big brother.