The start ofMeghan Markleand Prince Harry‘sSouth Africa tourmarked a major return to public life for the Duchess of Sussex, who had been on maternity leave since welcomingArchieon May 6.
Behind the scenes she was quietlyworking on her capsule collection for the Smart Works charityand gearing up for the launch of her new foundation withPrince Harry, Sussex Royal, early next year. But mostly she was enjoying the time off with Archie at the family’s Frogmore Cottage home in Windsor.
“Meghan is so chill and relaxed as a mom,” a friend tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue.
The Duchess of Sussex, 38,debuted her laid-back California mom styleduring a family outing in July when she brought Archie to Harry’s charity polo match along withKate Middletonand her three children.
Meghan Markle and Archie.HENK KRUGER/AFP/Getty Images
“She was doting on him, there’s no doubt about that,” an onlooker told PEOPLE. “She was kissing and stroking him and bouncing him up and down.”
A friend previously told PEOPLE that Meghan’s “California roots are coming through” as she prepared to welcome her first child.
Samir Hussein/WireImage
The couple have been looking forward to their first tour with Archie for months. “They are both excited about Africa,” a source adds. And when it kicked off in Cape Town on Monday, they made it clear how personal this trip is for them.
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle and Archie.PA Wire/PA Images
HENK KRUGER/AFP/Getty Images
“While I am here with my husband as a member of the royal family, I want you to know that for me I am here with you as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of color and as your sister,” Meghan said to cheers from the crowd on Monday.
Meghan is officially balancing motherhood with her royal duties on tour. After a beach outing on Tuesday, Meghan left to go check on Archie (who is with his nanny while his parents tackle their busy tour schedule), while Harry went on a solo outing with the Cape Town Marine Unit. The coupleshared a sweet kissas they got into separate cars.
Shutterstock
Later in the day, Meghan opened up about life with Archie as she had tea with local residents in Bo Kaap.
“Our plate is so full with a 5-month-old at the moment — so busy!” she said.
She also revealed that “parenting” is a new strength that she and Harry are learning, and added that Harry is “the best dad,” while Harry responded, “No, she’s the best mom.”
Archie wasn’t far from fans’ minds during Monday’s outings. An excited onlooker hugged Meghan and Harry as she asked them: “Where’s Archie?”
Harry told her with a smile, “He’s sleeping.”
“He’s not grouchy, just exhausted!” he revealed.
On Wednesday, they tookArchie on his first official royal outingto meet human rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
During the meeting, the royal couple had a lively laughter-filled chat with Harry revealing that Archie “constantly wants to stand.”
Meghan added, “He’s an old soul!”
“I think he is used to it already,” Harry said of his son.
source: people.com
