Meghan Markle’s ‘sudden sadness’ over Archie and Lilibet as rumours swirl over family future

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are said to be feeling ‘sad’ as they watch their children Archie and Lilibet grow up ‘so fast’ – with the Duchess of Sussex missing her ‘babies’

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle must be having a whirlwind ride of memories as their daughter, Lilibet, turns three this week. It seems like just weeks ago they were celebrating Archie’s fifth birthday, with the couple undoubtedly feeling like time is whizzing by.

During a recent trip to Nigeria, which coincided with Mother’s Day in America, Meghan, 42, who said she is 43% Nigerian, shared her longing for Archie and Lilibet, stating: “Today is Mother’s Day,” adding: “So it feels appropriate that although of course we are missing our children, I’m missing my babies, it feels very appropriate to be in the motherland and amongst family.”

A source has said that Meghan finds it hard to be separated from her youngsters, saying: “Meghan doesn’t like being away from her children as she doesn’t want to miss a thing with them growing up so fast. With Lili turning three, it’s really got Meghan and Harry thinking about their future and how quickly the children are growing up. Meghan especially feels that her babies are no longer babies and like most mums, it makes her slightly sad and wistful that the baby years have come to an end.”

The transition from babies to school-age children is a challenge that Meghan, like many parents, may be grappling with. Parenting guru Amanda Jenner told OK!: “For many parents, it really is a mix of emotions when you think your children are growing up so fast; it can leave parents feeling anxious about how fast time is going but it is completely natural. It’s perfectly normal that Meghan is feeling that sudden sadness and it’s important to find the positive. This can also be a time for parents to find themselves again as a person.

“When you first have a baby it’s completely overwhelming and you can feel like you lose your identity, so this can be the perfect time to reconnect with yourself and find something you love to do. When they reach school age this can be a time when you as a parent will have separation anxiety, which you are entitled to feel. So connect with other parents and talk about your feelings. On the plus side you may make a new circle of friends within school life and you can share this journey together.”