Harry & Meghan: It's a Girl
SHHHH! MEGHAN MARKLE AND HUSBAND HARRY ARE SECRETLY EXPECTING BABY NO. 2.
ON Sept. 12, Meghan Markle looked stunning as usual during an appearance on a Zoom call to mark the anniversary of her partnership with the Smart Works charity organization. Speaking from the comfort of her living room, the Duchess of Sussex was a vision in a crisp white blazer, low ponytail and dewy makeup. And fans couldn’t help but take note of something particularly luminous in her appearance. “She looks so relaxed and happy,” wrote one online commenter. Added another: “Meghan looks fantastic. She is glowing!”
Seems there may have been more than just good lighting at play. A source tells Star exclusively the 39-year-old is pregnant! “There are whispers that Meghan’s quite far gone, possibly up to six months along already,” says an insider. “And she’s having a girl.” It hasn’t been easy keeping the happy news — and her growing bump — under wraps, but the insider says the mom to Archie, 1, is determined to keep her second pregnancy a secret for as long she can. “She’s adamant about keeping her family life private,” the insider reveals. “She knows a baby announcement would create a media frenzy, and that’s why she’s staying quiet.”
Luckily for Meghan, she and Prince Harry have been happy to lie low at their new, $14.7 million home in Montecito, Calif. “They’ve hardly left the house since they moved in,” reveals the insider. On the rare occasions the couple does venture out, the Suits alum has been sure to cover up. “She wears baggy sweaters and loose-fitting shirts and jackets,” the insider says. “She doesn’t want to give anything away!”
NEW RULES
This pregnancy has been drastically different from Meghan’s first. While carrying Archie, the newlywed felt constant pressure from the royal family. “It was stressful for her,” says the insider. “She felt like everyone was constantly on her back.” (Her swanky February 2019 baby shower in New York City allegedly ruffled feathers for being too flashy and over-the-top.) “This time around, she can do things her way,” says
the insider, “and stick to her own schedule without Harry’s family butting their noses into her business.”
Free from royal oversight, she’s still hard at work on her charity endeavors and other projects (she and Harry, 36, signed a production deal with Netflix in September worth a reported $100 million), as well as keeping up with her regular exercise regimen. “She’s doing online prenatal yoga and Pilates classes,” says the insider. But Harry won’t let her do anything too strenuous or push herself too hard. “He’s pampering Meghan like crazy,” the insider reveals. “He
gives her foot massages, cleans up after Archie and makes them all healthy, organic dinners in the evening.”
They’re working together to get the baby's nursey finished
in time. “They’ve been shopping for big fluffy rugs and comfy chairs to put next to the crib,” says the insider, noting they won’t go overboard on pink. “Meghan doesn’t believe in gender signifiers.”
OLD WOUNDS
So far, Harry’s received well-wishes from the few trusted family members they’ve told, but he’s not looking forward to facing his grandmother in person. The source says he’s been secretly planning to return to the U.K. before the end of the year for an official sit-down with Queen Elizabeth II. “Just because he’s no longer a working royal doesn’t mean he isn’t scared of her,” reveals the insider. Especially since he and Meghan are still making waves from 5,000 miles away. Last month, they were under fire for urging Americans to vote in the upcomng election, in violation of protocol that dictates royals stay apolitical. And in arly October, Meghan — who reportdly hasn’t felt protected from media riticism by her royal in-laws — spoke ut about being a victim of bullying. Nevertheless, part of their new life n L.A. is refusing to stay silent about ssues they care about. “They couldn’t are less that the queen and other royals isagree with the way they choose to ive their lives,” says the insider. “And
“Harry and Meghan’s kids won’t be brought up with royal rules.” — a friend tells Star
they’ll continue to speak out about subjects close to their hearts, even if it rubs the royals the wrong way.”
LOVE NEST
Meanwhile, life is busy in Montecito with baby Archie. “Harry is already teaching Archie to swim and he and Meghan are about to start potty training him,” the insider says, adding that Archie seems to be taking after his dad in the personality department. “He has a cheeky streak, which makes everyone laugh.” The tot loves being read to and playing with puzzles. “Harry and Meghan spend hours reading to him, so he’s already a bookworm,” says the insider. “He’s an incredibly engaged child and very eager to learn.” Meghan and Harry have no regrets about starting over in the U.S. with their growing family. “Harry is definitely happier,” says the insider, “and it’s nice to see him smiling again.” Everything seems to finally be falling into place. “For Harry and Meghan,” the insider says, “life couldn’t be more perfect.”