Becoming a dad was the fulfillment of a longtime dream forPrince Harry.
The Duke of Sussex, 34, welcomed his first child —a son, named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor— on Monday. And though it’s just been three days since he and wifeMeghan Markle, 37, have been parents, it still feels like a bucket list moment.
“He has wanted this family life for a while, and he’s going to love it” a source close to the royal household tells PEOPLE in this week’s cover story. “He’s always enthusiastic with children, and now he will have his own little world that he has dreamed of for a long time.”
Emma Forbes — a U.K. journalist whose father, filmmaker Bryan Forbes, had ties to the royal family — agrees. She predicts Harry’s longtime desire to be a dad mixed with his other personality traits will make him the perfect dad.
“Harry will be an incredible father,” she says. “He’ll be one of those fathers that gets the balance right between being hands-on and taking adventures. I could so see him traveling with a son at his side.”
When asked about parenting, Harry said: “It’s great. Parenting is amazing. It’s only been two and a half days, but we’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy.”
Wearing a white sleeveless trench dress, Meghan was glowing as she stood next to Harry. She said that Archie, “has the sweetest temperament. He’s really calm.”
Harry joked, “I don’t know where he gets that from!”
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He got a lot of love too, not just from the public but also from his family.
Queen Elizabeth, great-grandmother to the newborn, added her welcome to the newest member of the family in a statement from Buckingham Palace on Monday, adding that she was “delighted with the news.”
Prince WilliamandKate Middletonalso had sweet things to say about their new nephew on Tuesday.
William said he was “absolutely thrilled” for his brother and sister-in-law, adding he was “looking forward to seeing them in the next few days when things have quieted down.”
“I’m very pleased and glad to welcome my brother to the sleep deprivation society that is parenting!” he joked.
Kate reflected on what it’s like to be a new parent. “It’s really exciting for both of them,” she told reporters on Tuesday. “These next few weeks, it’s always very daunting first time around so wish them all the best.”
The mother of three added that she’s experienced with having children this time of year (Prince Louiswasborn last yearon April 23, whilePrincess Charlottecelebrated herfourth birthdayon May 2).
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The black and white photo featured a photo of Meghan, Harry, Archie, Harry’s grandmother,Queen Elizabeth, grandfather, Prince Harry, and Meghan’s mom, Doria Ragland — all huddled around the child.
Simon Perry
source: people.com
