MEGHAN Markle revealed she and Prince Harry had been “overwhelmed” by the birth of second child Lilibet.
The Duchess of Sussex, 40, wrote a letter to two Democratic lawmakers in Washington DC, on behalf of new mums and dads around in a passionate plea for paid parental leave in the US.
America has no system for paid parental leave, although President Joe Biden has vowed to introduce it.
In her letter, addressed to Democrats Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi, Meghan discussed being lucky enough to afford time off with Harry after the birth of Lili in June.
She said: “Like any parents, we were overjoyed. Like many parents, we were overwhelmed.
“Like fewer parents, we weren’t confronted with the harsh reality of either spending those first few critical months with our baby or going back to work.
“We knew we could take her home, and in that vital (and sacred) stage, devote any and everything to our kids and to our family.
“We knew that by doing so we wouldn’t have to make impossible choices about childcare, work, and medical care that so many have to make every single day.
“No family should be faced with these decisions.”
Meghan, who grew up in California, also discussed being taken to the £3.60 ‘Sizzler’ salad bar as a treat by her parents, Hollywood lighting director Thomas and social worker Doria.
She also mentioned going to a salad bar at restaurant The Old Spaghetti Factory with her Girl Scout troop, because that’s all parents could afford.
Meg said: “What I do remember was the feeling: I knew how hard my parents worked to afford this because even at five bucks, eating out was something special, and I felt lucky.
“I started working (at the local frozen yogurt shop) at the age of 13. I waited tables, babysat, and piecemealed jobs together to cover odds and ends.
“I worked all my life and saved when and where I could – but even that was a luxury – because usually it was about making ends meet and having enough to pay my rent and put gas in my car.”
The duchess ended by saying that paid parental leave should be a “national right”.
She added: “I know how politically charged things can – and have – become. But this isn’t about Right or Left, it’s about right or wrong. This is about putting families above politics.
“So, on behalf of my family, Archie and Lili and Harry, I thank you for considering this letter, and on behalf of all families, I ask you to ensure this consequential moment is not lost.”
