MEGHAN MARKLE
AS THEY PLAN THEIR FUTURE TOGETHER, THE ROYAL NEWLYWEDS ARE BUSIER THAN EVER — BUT ALWAYS PUT EACH OTHER FIRST
Inside the royal newlywed’s life with Prince Harry and their plans to move into a luxurious estate.
Most newlyweds can relax after the wedding, but not Meghan Markle. Her life has only become more hectic since marrying Prince Harry in May. On top of planning for her first international trip on behalf of the British crown, she’s overseeing the renovation of one home, the construction of another and continuing to take lessons in royal etiquette. “She meets with her personal secretary, Samantha Cohen, daily,” explains an insider to Closer. “Samantha is a member of the queen’s team, has worked for the family for 17 years and is helping Meghan adapt.”
It’s been a big adjustment for Meghan, 36, a California girl and the former star of the TV series Suits, but also an exciting one. “She used to lead a relatively normal existence and could easily go unnoticed,” notes the insider. “Now, Meghan can’t even walk out of her front door without being hounded. She has at least three security guards by her side whenever she leaves Kensington Palace.” Fortunately, Meghan feels that being married to her love, Harry, 33, makes up for the loss of privacy and busy schedule. “At the end of the day, I think it’s really simple,” she says. “We’re two people who are really happy.”
THEIR ROYAL ROUTINE
Meghan and Harry like to rise at 6 a.m. to enjoy the early morning hours. “They always have breakfast together,” confides the insider, who adds that Meghan has gently prodded her
new husband into eating healthier fare like oatmeal with fruit and avocado toast instead of his favorite traditional “fry-up” of bacon, sausage and eggs. “After breakfast, they’ll go for a run together,” says the insider. Meghan finishes off her morning routine with some yoga to help her feel balanced.
The couple’s workday begins with visits from the secretaries who handle their schedules. “Harry and Meghan check in to confirm plans for the day, get an update on future activities and to be made aware of any breaking news,” says the insider. “The assistants will go through anything charity-related and invitations they need to RSVP for.”
Meghan’s aide also answers any questions she may have about protocol. “It’s been a major departure from Meghan’s old life — she’s been advised against signing autographs, wearing bright nail polish, taking selfies, having any public political opinion or personal social media accounts — but it’s something she has to come to grips with quickly,” royals expert James McCourt reveals to Closer.
Later in the day, Harry might attend meetings about one of his charities, while Meghan handles consultations with interior designers and architects. Though the pair still live in Nottingham Cottage, a modest two-bedroom residence on the Kensington Palace grounds, they will soon be moving across the expansive property into Apartment 1, a luxurious 21-bedroom mansion that will showcase Meghan’s sense of style. “She is a fan of the minimalistic monochrome look, with soft furnishings, coffee table books and flower arrangements,” says McCourt. “She has previously said that bright decoration helped her stave off seven Canadian winters [while filming Suits in Toronto]. This is something she will likely want to continue in the U.K., which is known for its months of gray skies!”
“I know that at the end of the day, she chooses me and I choose her.”
— Prince Harry
MAKING TIME FOR FAMILY
There is also another home to consider. As a wedding present, Harry’s grandmother Queen Elizabeth II, 92, gifted the couple with York Cottage, a residence located on Sandringham Estate, her 20,000-acre property in Norfolk. The premises “ooze charm and character,” reported one British source, noting that Prince William and Kate Middleton also received a holiday house on the same tract after their 2011 wedding.
Nearby vacation spots will come in handy, as Harry has always been close to his older brother, William, 36. Now that he’s married, they have more in common than ever. “Sometimes they’ll all have lunch together with the kids. Harry and William like to catch up over a beer, while Meghan plays with Charlotte, George and Louis,” says the insider.
They don’t like to push, but William and
Kate, 36, look forward to the day that Harry and Meghan become parents, too. “William has been giving Harry tips on fatherhood,” confides the insider. “And Harry and Meghan see the time they spend with their nephews and niece as good practice.” Adds McCourt: “Harry and Meghan haven’t officially announced that they’re trying to start a family, but they have given hints that children are definitely part of their plan.”
Until then, the couple’s royal duties will keep them very busy. Elizabeth has requested that the newlyweds make two state visits in the coming months. First up, they will travel to Ireland in early July for two days of appearances, an audience with the Irish president and a gala at the home of the British Ambassador. In the fall, the pair will fly to Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and the Kingdom of Tonga on their first royal tour. “Harry and Meghan’s calendars will only get busier as the pair are expected to take over some of the queen’s official roles, too,” adds McCourt.
Despite the complexities of their new married life, Harry and Meghan have found ways of carving out time for each other. “In the evenings, the newlyweds often enjoy going to see West End theater productions or disguising themselves to attend film screenings incognito,” says McCourt. But Harry and Meghan often prefer dining together in their cottage. “After dinner they get to wind down and relax,” says the insider. “They’ll snuggle up on the couch with candles burning and binge-watch their favorite TV shows, like Homeland.”
For a few brief hours, the young couple can truly enjoy their privacy. “The royal family abides by precise schedules due to strict security regulations, so no other family member will be tapping on the door asking for a cup of sugar!” explains McCourt. That’s just fine with Meghan and Harry, who after an overloaded day of activities, believe that a perfectly quiet, normal evening at home is the greatest pleasure of all.