Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry’s royal baby hasn’t yet arrived, but it already has a legion of fans and admirers the world over.
Of these, none will be more so enamoured by baby Sussex than its doting family – and we’re hedging our bets that Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland will be front and centre.
As the newlywed royal couple prepare to welcome their first child in the British spring this year, they’ll no doubt be firming up how to carry out those crucial first few weeks of parenthood – and it looks like Doria is set to play a key role.
Meghan’s mum Doria is set to play a pivotal role in baby Sussex’s life. (Image: Getty)
Ever since the royal pregnancy was announced, Doria has been excited about becoming a grandma.
“Ms. Ragland is very happy about this lovely news, and she looks forward to welcoming her first grandchild,” Kensington Palace said in the official statement back in October.
While reports that Doria would move to London from her current home in LA pending the arrival of the royal baby have not been confirmed, it is believed Doria will be a “hugely important” presence for Meghan during the first few weeks post-birth.
Royal commentator Victoria Murphy reiterated this crucial role on the Today Show, stating: “I think her mum is going to be hugely important to her in these first few weeks, like all mums are. It’s about supporting the mother as well as helping with the baby.”
And while Meghan and Harry have some close friends in London, Murphy insists that the royals will be relying on those they trust the most – and Doria well and truly falls in that category.
“With the royals, the biggest thing for them is this issue of trust and finding people who they can really trust,” she said.
“Of course, Meghan knows she can really trust her mum. Her mum is definitely going to be a pivotal figure.”
WATCH: Meghan Markle and Doria Ragland step out together in the UK ahead of the royal wedding. Story continues…
Meghan’s bond with her mum Doria has been apparent from the get-go, with the royal introducing her to Harry and his family long before she became a Sussex.
The ginger Prince hasn’t shied from expressing his admiration for the 62-year-old. In the royal couple’s engagement interview, Harry gushed that they had spent a lot of time getting to know each other.
“Her mum’s amazing,” he said.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Duchess Meghan’s mum, Doria Ragland
Doria and Harry get along well, a feat that would no doubt delight Meghan. (Image: Getty)
Meghan has also been candid about Doria’s kind and welcoming nature in past interviews.
The pregnant royal said: “For me to watch this level of lifelong sensitivity to nurturing and caregiving, but at the same time my mum has always been a free spirit.”
“She’s got dreadlocks and a nose ring. She just ran the LA Marathon. We can just have so much fun together, and yet, I’ll still find so much solace in her support.”
Much like her daughter, the royal grandmother-to-be also has some strong style game to pass onto baby Sussex! (Image: Getty)
You can also be sure that the way Doria raised Meghan will heavily influence the way she will raise her own baby.
Taking to her former blog, The Tig, Meghan wrote: “Both my parents came from little, so they made a choice to give a lot… performing quiet acts of grace – be it a hug, a smile, or a pat on the back to show ones in need that they would be alright.”
“This is what I grew up seeing, so that is what I grew up being.”
Doria had a positive influence on Meghan as she grew older. (Image: Getty)
