Harry and Meghan on tour
The Duchess’ pregnancy takes its toll during their trip Down Under
Eager fans were left disappointed when Prince Harry stepped out alone at an Invictus road-cycling race on Oct. 20. The Duchess of Sussex, who was expected to present medals, was nowhere to be seen after a last-minute decision to skip the royal engagement to rest.
Shortly after, it was reported that a protective Prince Harry had urged his wife to slow down, sparking rumours she may cancel more engagements. In a statement later that day, Kensington Palace said, “After a busy programme, the Duke and Duchess have decided to cut back the Duchess’s schedule slightly for the next couple of days, ahead of the final week-and-a-half of the tour.”
Many mothers would sympathise with the pregnant Duchess, who is estimated to be between three and four months pregnant, after royal reporter Rebecca English revealed, “One source tells me it isn’t
that the Duchess is feeling poorly, but they’re trying to ‘pace’ her given how many engagements are coming up.”
Instead, the 37-year-old was targeted in a series of critical comments online after Prince Harry told those competing in the cycling event that his wife was “resting at home [ because] being pregnant takes its toll.” Internet trolls were quick to give their opinion via Twitter. One commenter wrote, “She’s only pregnant, not ill, these appointments will be the easiest days to do – smile sweetly and [ be] fussed over, what is hard about that?” Another added their two cents: “I seem to remember getting up at 6am and getting two buses to work as most women do when pregnant.”
As the comments flooded in, Prince Harry revealed that he’d love for Meghan to give birth to a baby girl. A video posted online captured a fan calling out to Harry, saying he hopes their future baby is “a girl.” The clucky royal didn’t hesitate for a second, immediately yelling back, “So do I!”
Prince Harry then led the way, attending the public appearances at Fraser Island on Oct. 22 by himself.
Later, however, Meghan joined him in the afternoon – just in time to grant a palliative-care patient her dying wish to meet the couple. The gravely ill woman was invited