Meghan Markle Makes Surprise Appearance While on Maternity Leave
To celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s birthday
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 08: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex arrive at Trooping The Colour, the Queen’s annual birthday parade, on June 08, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
No one expected to see Meghan Markle for at least a couple of months after the birth of Archie Harrison, but on Saturday the Duchess of Sussex took us all by surprise.
Meghan, who gave birth to her first child on May 6, joined Harry and the rest of the family in London for the Trooping of the Colour, the annual celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday involving a military display, jet show and general pomp.
Fans lining the streets cheered as the royals rode in carriages to Buckingham Palace, the crowd going even wilder when they saw Meghan was beside Harry.
At five weeks old Archie is still too young to attend, but Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, Prince Charles, Camilla and the rest of the family joined the Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
(L-R) Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Britain’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, James, Viscount Severn and Isla Phillips stand with other members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past of aircraft by the Royal Air Force, in London on June 8, 2019. – The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. Since 1748, the Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign. Over 1400 parading soldiers, almost 300 horses and 400 musicians take part in the event. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)
The Duchess of Sussex dressed conservatively for her first public appearance since introducing Archie to the world, opting for a navy blue dress by her wedding dress designer, Clare Waight Keller and a hat by Noel Stewart.
Meghan’s decision to attend the Trooping of the Colour could be interpreted as a slight at Donald Trump. The US President visited the UK for three days this week, where he spent time with the Queen, Prince Charles and other royals. Meghan’s absence was explained as due to her maternity leave … only for her to attend a high-profile royal family event a few days later.
TOPSHOT – (L-R) Britain’s Prince William, Duke of Cambridge holding Prince Louis, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Britain’s Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Britain’s Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Vice Admiral Timothy Laurence, Britain’s Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Britain’s Princess Beatrice of York, Britain’s Princess Anne, Princess Royal,, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, Britain’s Princess Eugenie of York, Britain’s Lady Louise Windsor, Britain’s Prince Andrew, Duke of York,, Britain’s Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex,, Britain’s Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, James, Viscount Severn and Isla Phillips stand with other members of the Royal Family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to watch a fly-past of aircraft by the Royal Air Force, in London on June 8, 2019. – The ceremony of Trooping the Colour is believed to have first been performed during the reign of King Charles II. Since 1748, the Trooping of the Colour has marked the official birthday of the British Sovereign. Over 1400 parading soldiers, almost 300 horses and 400 musicians take part in the event. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)
But let’s not let that overshadow what really matters today: celebrating the 93rdbirthday of Queen Elizabeth. Name a more badass great-grandmother. I’ll wait.
