Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s 2nd Baby Announcement Honored Princess Diana

On Valentine’s Day, news broke that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their second child, and the date may have more significance for the royal couple than just a celebration of love. It turns out, Buckingham Palace made a similar announcement 37 years ago.

“We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,” a spokesperson for the couple told People on February 14. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.” 

According to the United Press International archives, this happy news comes 37 years and one day after Buckingham Palace announced that Princess Diana and Prince Charles were expecting their second baby, Prince Harry. 

“Both Prince Charles and Princess Diana are delighted by the news—as are the queen, Prince Philip and all the members of both families,” Palace officials said in the announcement on February 13, 1984. A day later, on Valentine’s Day, it was front-page news. 

While it’s unclear if this was a conscious choice by the couple, it’s a very sweet coincidence at least.

Along with word that one-year-old Archie will soon be an older brother, photographer Misan Harriman, shared a new portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. “Meg, I was there at your wedding to witness this love story begin, and my friend, I am honoured to capture it grow,” Harriman tweeted alongside the image, which he took on an iPad. “Congratulations to The Duke and Duchess of Sussex on this joyous news!” 

Shortly after the announcement, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip, and Prince Charles shared their well-wishes in a statement. “Her Majesty, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and the entire family are ‘delighted’ and wish them well,” a Buckingham Palace spokesman told People. 

People online are also thrilled for the royal couple. “Sorry to anyone who spent a long time shopping for Valentine’s Day gifts,” author Emma Lord wrote on Twitter. “This picture of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Expecting baby number two is the best one anyone will ever receive.”

Congratulations once again to the happy couple.