Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Won't Have More Than Two Children for the Sake of the Planet
Harry revealed their decision in British Vogue.


Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pulled out every imaginable stop for the September issue of British Vogue that she guest-edited—including an appearance by Prince Harry, who interviewed conservationist and primatologist Dr Jane Goodall on "environment, responsibility and climate change." In the interview, Harry revealed his concerns for the planet left to his children, and exactly how many kids he and Meghan plan to have.
Having a child affected his perspective on conservation, Harry said. "I think, weirdly, because of the people that I’ve met and the places that I’ve been fortunate enough to go to, I’ve always had a connection and a love for nature. I view it differently now, without question," he explained.
"But I’ve always wanted to try and ensure that, even before having a child and hoping to have children…" he said, prompting Dr Jane Goodall to interject, "Not too many!" Harry responded, "Two, maximum!" continuing, "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."
In the same interview, Prince Harry condemned racism and unconscious bias, addressing prejudices many refuse to acknowledge that they hold. "Despite the fact that if you go up to someone and say, 'What you've just said, or the way that you've behaved, is racist"—they'll turn around and say, 'I'm not a racist,'" Harry said.
"'I'm not saying that you're a racist, I'm just saying that your unconscious bias is proving that, because of the way that you've been brought up, the environment you've been brought up in, suggests that you have this point of view—unconscious point of view—where naturally you will look at someone in a different way,'" he continued. "And that is the point at which people start to have to understand."
"Just as stigma is handed down from generation to generation, your perspective on the world and on life and on people is something that is taught to you," he added. "It's learned from your family, learned from the older generation, or from advertising, from your environment. And, therefore, you have to be able to have a wider perspective."
Meghan Markle has faced constant racist abuse from both the media and the broader public, prompting a rare statement from Kensington Palace on Harry's behalf. In November 2016, he condemned the "wave of abuse and harassment" Meghan experienced, addressing "the smear on the front page of a national newspaper; the racial undertones of comment pieces; and the outright sexism and racism of social media trolls and web article comments."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
"This is not a game—it is her life and his," the statement read.
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

Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
I Used Nordstrom’s Sale Section to Craft 7 Perfect Summer Outfits
These are formulas you can rely on.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
Your Syllabus Guide to the 'Weak Hero Class 2' Cast—Meet the Rising K-Drama Stars Playing the Students of Eunjang High
So many exciting names join Park Ji-hoon in the second season of the Netflix hit.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton "Continue to Push Boundaries"
"They definitely have a different dynamic compared to other royal couples."
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Make Poignant NYC Appearance to Highlight "Heartbreak" No Parent Should Face
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex unveiled a powerful memorial to children lost too soon.
By Kristin Contino
-
Prince Harry Gave Nephew Prince Louis an Extremely Rare Five-Figure Gift for His Christening
Uncle Harry for the gifting win.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle Means Business in a $5,000 Ralph Lauren Linen Suit and Princess Diana's Tennis Bracelet
The Duchess of Sussex delivered spring workwear inspo at the 'TIME'100 Summit.
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's Boxed Hair Dye Disaster During the Pandemic Left Her Looking "Elvira-Esque"
"I thought, ‘I'm gonna look just like she does on the box.'"
By Kristin Contino
-
Meghan Markle's White Easter Shirt Dress Is the Ultimate Spring Staple
The Duchess of Sussex wore a breezy button-down style to celebrate the holiday.
By Kristin Contino
-
The "Nerve-Racking" Meeting King Charles's Cousin Had With Princess Diana
"I could have been a complete idiot."
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
-
Prince Harry Requested "Certain Protection" After Receiving a Shocking Threat Against His Life
Britain's Home Office released new details about a terrorist threat that targeted the Duke of Sussex.
By Kristin Contino