Queen Elizabeth Is Both 'Over The Moon' And Sad About Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's Baby News, Claims Royal Expert
Though Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially left the royal family, the former's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, is still said to be excited over the arrival of their second child. However, royal expert Katie Nicholl noted that she won't be able to spend too much quality time with her tenth great-grandchild since the couple now reside in California.
It's been speculated that Meghan is about five months along in her pregnancy.
"The family will be over the moon for Harry and Meghan," shared Nicholl. "It will be a real moment to celebrate. It's just tinged with sadness that they won't get to see this grandchild as much as they might like."
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"The Queen adores her family and is happiest when she's surrounded by them," she added.
The couple, currently parents to 20-month-old son Archie, revealed they were expecting a baby on February 14 by releasing a black-and-white photo that showed off the former actress' growing belly. "We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother," a spokesperson said. "The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child."
While the pair would undoubtedly love to live closer to Harry's family, a source claimed they also felt "relieved" when they officially stepped away from their royal roles. Now, they're looking forward to their future.
"Harry and Meghan have achieved success beyond their wildest dreams in the U.S. and are settled and much more content living in Montecito, doing their own thing," explained the source. "They are determined to raise their children in a normal, stable environment, out of the spotlight, which would’ve [been] impossible if they'd remained royals."
The couple's friend Dean Stott echoed that sentiment during an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today Programme. "Their decision to step back gives them more opportunity and freedom to do more and help more," Stott claimed, explaining that the "very modern couple" like "to do things differently."
Harry and Meghan will discuss the new chapter in their life when they sit down for an interview with pal Oprah Winfrey.
"Winfrey will speak with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, in a wide-ranging interview, covering everything from stepping into life as a Royal, marriage, motherhood, philanthropic work to how she is handling life under intense public pressure," CBS said in a statement of the TV special, which will air March 7. "Later, the two are joined by Prince Harry as they speak about their move to the United States and their future hopes and dreams for their expanding family."
Nicholl spoke to OK!.