How Long Will Meghan Markle Be on Maternity Leave?
The Duchess of Sussex went into labor in the early hours of Monday.

Well, the big day has arrived: Meghan Markle went into labor early Monday morning, and gave birth to her first child, a boy, later on Monday . Many of the details of Meghan Markle's birth plan are unknown for the time being (including the sex of the baby as of yet), but a look back at Kate Middleton and Princess Diana's maternity leaves might help us put together some idea of how long the mother-to-be plans to be off the grid. Update, 5/6, 10:15 a.m.: Meghan gave birth to her first child, a baby boy weighing seven pounds and three ounces, at 5:26 a.m. on May 6. Here's everything we know so far.
Kate's last official public engagement pre-Louis took place on March 22, 2018, a month before Prince Louis was born. If the Duchess of Cambridge's history is any indication of what Meghan might do, it's very possible that she has already stepped back to prepare for the birth of her child. Meghan's appearance at the Commonwealth Day service several weeks ago marked the end of her royal duties before beginning her maternity leave.
With the birth of each of her three children, Kate took different approach—the Duchess of Cambridge was back in action within a month of giving birth to Prince George but took off more than five months with both Princess Charlotte and her youngest, Prince Louis. If Meghan follows her sister-in-law's lead with George and Charlotte, we could very well be seeing the new mom out and about with the little one sooner than later as she resumes her her royal obligations.
According to one Palace insider, however, it's more likely that Meghan will be on maternity leave for up to six months before tackling her first post-baby public engagement—if we start the six months from the day she gives birth (which could be today), six months would be the beginning of November. (The U.K. has a much more generous approach to maternity leave than the U.S.—more on that late.r)
The word is that Meghan and Harry have already made plans to attend the One Young World's annual global summit in late October. Combined with her responsibilities as the new vice president of the Queen's Commonwealth Trust and the four royal patronages that she received earlier this year, Her Royal Highness will definitely have her hands full when she does get back to work.
The Duchess of Sussex went into labour in the early hours of this morning. The Duke of Sussex was by Her Royal Highnesses’ side. An announcement will be made soon.https://t.co/hFq0te2OweMay 6, 2019
Meghan's duties as part of the royal family require her to travel across the globe—her recent royal tour took her as far as Australia, Fiji, and the Kingdom of Tonga—could she be considering taking her child to work with her (possibly on her and Harry's North American tour this fall) when her maternity leave ends? After all, Princess Diana did embark on a six-week tour of Australia and New Zealand with Prince William in tow only ten months after he was born. Definitely not standard royal protocol, but if it worked for Diana, we think it could work for Meghan as well.
Speaking of norms, the rules surrounding maternity leave are jarringly different across the pond—in the UK, new mothers are required by law to take at least two weeks off to be with their newborns. Depending on their employers, partners can share up to 50 weeks of leave. Prince William paused his schedule for two weeks after the births of George and Charlotte, so we're guessing that first-time dad Harry will likely do the same in order to get in as many precious snuggles as possible with Baby Sussex.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Lagos-born and Houston-raised, Ineye Komonibo is a writer and editor with a love for all things culture. With an academic background in public relations and media theory, Ineye’s focus has always been on using her writing ability to foster discourse about the deep cyclical relationship between society and the media we engage with, ever-curious about who we are and what we do because of what we consume. Most recently, she put her cultural savvy to work as a culture critic for R29 Unbothered, covering everything from politics to social media thirst to the reverberations of colorism across the African diaspora.
-
The "Nerve-Racking" Meeting Charles's Cousin Had With Diana
"I could have been a complete idiot."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Prince Louis is "Not at All in Awe" of the Fact Grandpa Charles is The King
Titles don't impress Louis much, per one royal expert.
By Kristin Contino
-
Why Kate "Lets Louis Run Wild," But Not George and Charlotte
"Louis has won the hearts of many people with his antics."
By Amy Mackelden
-
How Princess Eugenie's Easter Sunday Outfit Takes Style Tips From Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton
From her nude heels to her bodycon dress.
By Amy Mackelden
-
Princess Diana's Close Friend Reveals What She Likely Would Have Thought About Meghan Markle
Richard Kay shared insights on the late royal and what her relationship with Prince Harry's wife could've been like.
By Kristin Contino
-
This Royal Couple Has the Most Pinned Celebrity Wedding of All Time—And a Surprising Royal Wedding Didn't Even Make The List
A new study found this ceremony gave Pinterest users the most inspiration.
By Kristin Contino
-
We Taste-Tested Meghan Markle’s As Ever Jam, Honey and Flower Sprinkles—One Word Kept Coming Up
Women across America gave 'Marie Claire' their thoughts on the Duchess of Sussex's first seasonal drop of products.
By Kristin Contino
-
The Special Gift Princess Lilibet Received From "Papa" Prince Harry in Meghan Markle's Latest Instagram Post
"Made with love."
By Amy Mackelden
-
Meghan Markle Shares Her Thoughts on Trump's Tariffs as She Launches As Ever
The Duchess of Sussex opened up about how her new business could be impacted in a new interview with 'Fortune.'
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Reveals "Scary" Post-Birth Health Battle in First Episode of New Podcast
"I mean life or death, truly."
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Cozy and Affordable Gap Cable-Knit Sweater Set Is, Unsurprisingly, Selling Out Fast
The Duchess of Sussex danced around the kitchen with her dogs while making banana pudding.
By Amy Mackelden