How The Royal Family Reacted To Meghan Markle's Second Pregnancy

"Delighted" is the word of the day for the royal family! Following the news of Meghan Markle's second pregnancy, the world wondered if the Sussexes' frosty relationship with their royal inlaws would thaw. Now that the Queen's great-grandchild count is headed for the double digits, Harry's grandmother shared her response to the news with Town & Country. "Her Majesty, Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and entire family [are] 'delighted' and wish them well," a spokesperson for the family said. The family was most likely aware of the pregnancy before the news broke to the public. 

On Sunday, the couple confirmed that they were expecting their second baby with a statement saying, "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."

The couple released very few details about this second pregnancy, including the Duchess' due date. In July, the former actress shared a heartbreaking essay with The New York Times in which she revealed that she had suffered a miscarriage. "Some have bravely shared their stories; they have opened the door, knowing that when one person speaks truth, it gives license for all of us to do the same," she wrote at the time. "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. In being invited to share our pain, together we take the first steps toward healing."

While the only statement the family shared includes the family's delight, others have noted the significance of the Valentine's Day announcement. Town & Country reports that, on Valentine's Day 1986, Princess Diana shared that she was expecting her second child — Prince Harry. What would be her fifth grandchild joins their brother Archie, along with cousins George, Charlotte, and Louis.

The pair's announcement came alongside a photo taken by family friend, Misan Harriman, according to Town & Country. The black and white image shows Meghan laying on Harry's lap surrounded by lush trees, clearly displaying a baby bump. This may be the last pregnancy announcement for the Sussex family, however. In 2019, Harry told Vogue that the couple wanted a maximum of two children when speaking passionately about the environment. "Two, maximum!" he said. "But I've always thought: this place is borrowed. And, surely, being as intelligent as we all are, or as evolved as we all are supposed to be, we should be able to leave something better behind for the next generation."

The public has yet to hear from Harry's rumored-estranged brother, William, and any other reactions besides "delighted." Hopefully, the Sussex children will get to play with their cousins sooner than later!