Photo: getty
Their son, Archie, is just two months old.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Jul 22, 2019
No matter where you live, a royal wedding is an occasion to celebrate, especially when it comes to the Windsor family. The world watched as Prince William married Kate Middleton in April 2011 (remember the grumpy flower girl?), and again when Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in May 2018.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, just two months ago on May 6, and he’s now the seventh-in-line for the British throne. But rumors have been swirling that the two plan on expanding their family much sooner than expected — in an unconventional way. Is Meghan Markle adopting a child?
According to a report from RadarOnline, the Duke and Duchess are planning to adopt a baby from Africa. The adoption would be the first in the British royal family, and may cause a rift between the pair and Queen Elizabeth.
An insider revealed, “Nothing has been set in stone yet, but this would be just the type of thing Harry and Meghan would do next. Harry and Meghan are going to face a lot of opposition from the old guard, but they are stubborn!”
But where did this rumor start? The palace intended to send Meghan to Africa to be Commonwealth Ambassadors, though she refused after giving birth to her son, defying the royal family. However, after honeymooning in Botswana and visiting an orphanage, she may have been inspired to adopt, as well as by their parents.
Said the same source, “Both Harry and Meghan were deeply moved when they visited an orphanage there. They vowed to each other that they would go back and give one of those children a home. Harry adopting a child from Africa would be the ultimate tribute he could pay to his mother, Princess Diana, who made it her mission to help kids in Angola. And Meghan, who is of mixed race, feels it honors the heritage of her mother, Doria, who is black.”
The Duke and Duchess haven’t confirmed this is true, however. And a report dating back to August 2018 gives us reason to doubt that the rumors have any merit. Tabloid magazine The Globe ran a story saying the couple adopted an African baby, and used their poor photoshop skills to make it appear as though the couple were holding their new child.
In fact, another tabloid article appeared in The Enquirer, claiming the two wanted to follow in Angelina Jolie’s footsteps and adopt “multiracial children.” Of course, this is the same publication that claimed Prince Harry had a love child. So, both are unsubstantiated claims.
However, Meghan and Harry did adopt a dog in October 2018. Markle is an advocate for animal rights and adoption, and wrote the forward for Mayhew’s annual report. The shelter and charity is one of Markle’s four causes she supports in her royal work.
She wrote:
“As a proud rescue dog owner, I know from personal experience the joy that adopting an animal into your home can bring.
The role that we, as people, play in rehoming and rescuing these animals is vital, but the role of organisations such as Mayhew is unparalleled. What initially struck me about Mayhew specifically is their community based approach not simply on rehoming animals, but in the preventative care that inhibits these cats and dogs from ending up in shelters in the first place...
The choice to adopt a pet is a big decision that comes with much responsibility but infinite return on investment. It will undoubtedly change your life.”
So, while the royals may not be adopting anytime soon, having their hands full with Archie, you never know what the future holds.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.