Prince Harry and Meghan Markle hand her mum Doria key role in break from royal tradition

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly decided to keep childcare within the family, with the Duchess of Sussex’s mother Doria Ragland taking on the role of nanny

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have broken from Royal tradition with their choice of a nanny
While Prince William and Kate Middleton may have splurged on a highly-paid Norland nanny for their three children, it seems that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are taking things in a more traditional direction.

Insider sources reveal that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have opted to keep childcare within the family, with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, stepping into the role of babysitter.

Their decision comes after numerous unsuccessful experiences with professional caregivers over recent years, as reported by the Express.

An inside source revealed: “Harry and Meghan have employed various nannies in the past, but now that Doria has moved in with them, she’s stepped up to help with the kids.”

Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Doria Ragland, and Prince Archie
Meghan and Harry are said to have instated Meghan’s mum, Doria, as nanny to their children
“Although there’s sometimes additional assistance, Doria is working closely with Meghan to ensure the little ones are brought up in a tightly-knit and loving family environment”, reports the Daily Record.

The Sussexes initially hired Lorren Khumalo, a paediatric nurse and consultant, to take care of their son, Prince Archie, shortly after his birth.

At this time, they were living at Frogmore Cottage in the UK before making the big announcement to step down from their Royal duties and relocate to the Unites States.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
Meghan’s mum Doria is said to have been in charge of her and Prince Harry’s children during their tour to Nigeria
In an interview last year, Lorren reminisced about her first trip to Frogmore Cottage to meet Prince Harry and Meghan. Despite getting a speeding ticket on the way, Harry’s laid-back and friendly demeanour made her feel comfortable, describing the house as very much “normal” and Harry as one who favoured going “barefoot.”

It was also reported that Meghan and Harry were forced to dismiss a night nanny after an unsettling night time incident with Archie, which made them wary of subsequent hires.

This incident, detailed in Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand’s biography “Finding Freedom,” described how the couple had to let the nurse go on her second night for being “unprofessional and irresponsible.”

The experience reportedly left the Duke and Duchess of Sussex nervous about their next nanny, despite her competent performance. Consequently, they decided to handle night duties themselves while employing a day nanny who worked weekdays.

When living in the UK, Harry and Meghan preferred not to have their home filled with staff, opting instead for a nanny who did not live at Frogmore Cottage.

They valued their home being “cosy and private,” enjoying nights with just the family and, according to the source, this is the approach that the couple now takes with both Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, two.

Meghan and her mum are known to share a close bond
An insider claimed that Meghan feels “more comfortable” with her children being looked after her mother, as she and Harry are “extremely protective” of their offspring.

Doria is said to have been “instrumental” in taking care of Archie and Lilibet whilst Meghan and Harry undertook their tour of Nigeria.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Doria had moved into her and Prince Harry’s California mansion’s guesthouse to lend a helping hand.

The yogi and mother-of-one relocated to the Sussexes sprawling home in Montecito, bypassing the lengthy journey from her Los Angeles residence in View Park-Windsor Hills.

An insider confessed: “Doria spends nearly all of her time with Harry and Meghan. It’s basically a family of five,” before going on to say how Doria has a solid bond with the children, adding “She [Doria] is amazingly close to the children and helps Meghan daily. She also steps in as a nanny whenever they travel abroad without the children.”

This parenting style is a stark contrast to that of Prince William and Kate’s. The Prince and Princess of Wales, aged 41 and 42 respectively, have always relied on Maria Teresa Turrion Borrallo, a nanny from the prestigious Norland Agency, since Prince George was just eight months old.

Maria remains a staple in the Cambridge home, contributing to the raising of Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6, and plays an essential role in aiding Kate, especially as she’s now recovering from cancer at home.

In a graceful yet firm tone, Doria Regald, with her poise as unwavering as her convictions, speaks of her daughter with a maternal pride that transcends mere words.

She begins by dispelling any notion of impoliteness, asserting with a gentle authority that her daughter’s demeanor is not a reflection of rudeness but rather a manifestation of fearlessness—a trait she, as a mother, has cultivated with purpose and intention.

 

With a glint of determination in her eyes, Doria elucidates further, delving into the intricacies of her daughter’s upbringing. She articulates how every lesson, every word spoken in guidance, has been meticulously crafted to instill not just manners, but a profound sense of courage and resilience.

Her daughter, she explains, navigates the world not with timidity or hesitation, but with a boldness born from a foundation of love, support, and unwavering belief in her abilities.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Prince Harry and Meghan champion Invictus Game in Nigeria

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex could be set to travel to Ghana for another unofficial “royal tour” and head to the capital, Accra, it has been claimed

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, were in Nigeria for three days earlier this month and observers likened the visit to a royal tour. However, the Sussexes were in West Africa as private citizens and were not representing the monarchy

There is already a lot of excitement in Ghana as the country prepares for an expected visit, claims an insider. As reported in The Mirror, a source said: “There is already a lot of talk and excitement in Ghana, everyone is so keen for Harry and Meghan to come and experience the great culture and warmth.”

They added: “Several top names have already visited Ghana in recent years from Ed Sheeran to Naomi Campbell and One Direction’s Liam Payne.”

Ghana is the second most populous country in West Africa after Nigeria and is a member of the Commonwealth but is also a republic with its own president and no monarch as head of state.

If the non-working royals, who stepped away from the Royal Family in 2020, do accept an invitation to Ghana it will be without the permission of the British Home Office.

In Nigeria, the couple were there to continue the celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games and were invited by the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa. The duo participated in a range of activities while in Nigeria, including hosting a basketball clinic, with Meghan keen to express her “Nigerian heritage” throughout her stay.

Dr Pauline Maclaran at Royal Holloway University of London told Daily Express US: “There seems to have been great delight in Meghan’s revelation that she is 43% Nigerian and fans there are now referring to her as Nigeria’s ‘new princess’.”