Meghan Markle Is Reportedly Planning to Return to Royal Duties 6 Months After Giving Birth to Baby Sussex

Considering she’s expected to give birth towards the end of April or early May, Meghan Markle has reportedly already begun her maternity leave. Though it was up in the air whether the Duchess of Sussex would take some time off, Buckingham Palace did confirm that she doesn’t “have any more official engagements scheduled, but will attend several private meetings” in the coming weeks.

The 37-year-old’s last planned appearance was for March 11, when she stepped out at London’s Canada House with Prince Harry and then attended a service at Westminster Abbey with the rest of the royal family on Commonwealth Day. Royal fans were then shocked when the former Suits actress joined her hubby during a surprise visit to London’s New Zealand House just days later to pay their respects to the 50 people who were killed in the mosque attacks in Christchurch on Friday, March 15.

Although we probably won’t see Meg until Baby Sussex makes his or her debut soon, the brunette beauty is expected to make a full return to her royal duties by October, according to Vanity Fair. Royal correspondent Katie Nicholl further revealed that Meg and Harry, 34, are set to attend the One Young World summit in London on October 22. “All being well with the baby, the timing is perfect for her to expand her Commonwealth work through this new One Young World partnership” with Queen Elizabeth‘s Commonwealth Trust, a source told Nicholl.

After their first royal baby arrives, Meg will not only be saying goodbye to royal engagements for a few months, but she will also be taking a break from having alone time with Harry. So to make up for the sleepless nights they’re going to have in the near future, the royal couple has been enjoying their last few weeks left as a duo before becoming first-time parents.

“Meghan’s making the most of her maternity leave and Harry’s easing up on his royal duties, too,” a source close to Meg and Harry exclusively told Closer Weekly. “That means making the most of their cozy nights in with fewer interruptions.”

The royal insider added that the royal duo has been “enjoying romantic dinners, movie nights and couple’s game nights with their close circle of friends.” Meghan and Harry have even been getting ready to move into their new home at Frogmore Cottage at Windsor Castle. “The renovations are almost complete and they can’t wait to settle into their new home before the baby arrives [in late April or early May],” the source dished. We can’t wait to meet Baby Sussex!