Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made international news with their unprecedented decision to leave their royal duties behind and move to the U.S.. They were planning to return to the U.K. this year for multiple visits, but Meghan’s pregnancy may affect their travel plans.
On Valentine’s Day, representatives for this power couple announced that they would be having a second child. The statement simply says, “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.”
They have not yet officially announced a due date. Nonetheless, insiders told Us Weekly that “the baby is due at the end of spring.” And while there is no wrong time to welcome a new baby into the world, it seems like this due date would affect their upcoming travel plans.
Originally, the couple was planning to visit the U.K. in June to celebrate the queen’s birthday and then another visit in the fall. The June visit was going to be particularly important because Harry and Meghan planned to attend Trooping the Colour. This is an annual parade at Buckingham Palace that serves to honor the queen’s birthday.
Now, the prospect of a second child for the couple in the spring may impact their ability and willingness to travel. On top of that, ongoing safety concerns about COVID-19 may put a further damper on their international travel. Right now, English travel restrictions would require the couple to quarantine for 10 days and then take two COVID-19 tests upon arriving in the country.
What does this mean for their travel plans? If the couple cannot make it together, Prince Harry may travel to the U.K. on his own. Previously, People reported that Harry planned to visit the U.K. in July to see the unveiling of a statue at Kensington Palace honoring his mother Princess Diana.
And in August, Harry told the Rugby Football League he’d be traveling to the country to watch the World Cup, which takes place between October 23 and November 27. Considering that Harry made no mention at that time of Meghan or their son Archie coming with him, it seems he planned to travel alone.
However, only time will tell if Prince Harry makes these upcoming U.K. trips on his own or ends up staying home to support Meghan and their new child.