Over the past few years, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have frequently been the subject of tabloid headlines, social media speculation, and unfounded conspiracy theories. Among the most persistent of these is a false narrative suggesting Meghan faked her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet, their two children. These claims, which have circulated on fringe forums and speculative blogs, have no basis in fact and have been widely debunked by reputable media organizations and verified public appearances.
This article aims to set the record straight by relying exclusively on substantiated information from authoritative sources, including BBC News, Reuters, Royal.uk, The Guardian, and the Archewell Foundation.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Family Journey: The Verified Timeline
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
- Born: May 6, 2019
- Location: Portland Hospital, London
- Announcement: The couple’s first child, Archie, was formally introduced to the public in a carefully documented photo call at Windsor Castle. His birth certificate was made public shortly thereafter, verifying Meghan as the mother and Prince Harry as the father.
- Source: BBC News
Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
- Born: June 4, 2021
- Location: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, California
- Announcement: Lilibet’s birth was officially confirmed by a spokesperson for the couple, with details about her name honoring both Queen Elizabeth II (Lilibet) and Princess Diana.
- Source: Reuters
Both births were covered extensively by international news outlets and official royal channels, and there has never been credible evidence to suggest that either pregnancy was fabricated or that surrogacy was involved.
Public Responses to the Rumors and Clarification Through Verified Channels
In multiple public appearances and interviews, including the widely viewed 2021 conversation with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan Markle acknowledged the emotional impact of constant media scrutiny and harmful narratives during her pregnancies. She shared her experiences with mental health challenges, underscoring how damaging false commentary can be for women in the public eye.
While Prince Harry and Meghan typically choose to maintain privacy regarding personal matters, the Archewell Foundation has been used as a platform for occasional statements or updates, including addressing misinformation related to their family.
Though they have not released any “ultrasound image” or media assets confirming a third pregnancy, nor have they issued statements declaring one, multiple outlets including People Magazine and The Guardian continue to confirm that no third child has been announced by the Sussexes.
Verified Source: People Magazine – Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Family Update
Misinformation, Digital Harassment, and Mental Health Awareness
The conspiracy theories surrounding Meghan’s pregnancies are part of a broader trend in online digital harassment, especially targeting women of color in public roles. Meghan, in particular, has faced disproportionate media bias, as documented in research published by the University of Southern California and in data compiled by BBC’s Panorama on royal media coverage.
The Royal Family and mental health organizations such as Heads Together, co-founded by Prince Harry, Prince William, and Princess Kate, have consistently emphasized the importance of protecting mental well-being from the harms of online misinformation and tabloid intrusion.
Verified Source: Heads Together – Mental Health Campaign
No Evidence of a Third Child or Recent Surname Changes
In 2025, there have been no verified reports from Archewell, Kensington Palace, or Buckingham Palace regarding Meghan Markle being pregnant with a third child. Additionally, there has been no formal change to the surnames of Archie or Lilibet. Both children retain the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, as per established royal naming conventions outlined on Royal.uk.
It is important to distinguish between credible journalism and speculative or user-generated content when interpreting royal family news, especially when that content involves children or personal health matters.
Support from Health Experts and Advocacy Groups
Mental health professionals and advocacy organizations have spoken out about the damaging effects of pregnancy-related conspiracies. According to Dr. Shola Mos-Shogbamimu, a UK-based lawyer and social justice advocate, targeting a woman’s maternal identity is one of the most insidious forms of gender-based defamation.
Groups like Mind UK, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and Every Mother Counts have all stated that misinformation around pregnancy contributes to public misunderstanding and personal trauma.
Verified Source: Mind.org.uk – Maternal Mental Health
The Importance of Responsible Reporting and Public Discourse
When covering royal family developments, it’s vital that publishers, influencers, and readers maintain media ethics rooted in truth, respect, and accountability. Reporting on unconfirmed pregnancies, particularly when used to challenge a woman’s bodily autonomy or honesty, perpetuates stigmatization and discrimination.
The Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) encourages media platforms to avoid speculation on medical matters and to uphold respect for personal dignity, especially for public figures with children.
Verified Source: IPSO – Editors’ Code
Conclusion: Trust Verified Facts, Not Viral Gossip
As of June 2025, there is no official confirmation that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting a third child. All available public records confirm that Meghan carried and gave birth to Archie and Lilibet, and any theories to the contrary are not supported by medical documentation, family statements, or credible journalism.
Rather than giving attention to misleading or sensationalized content, readers are encouraged to rely on official sources such as:
- Royal.uk
- Archewell.com
- BBC News
- Reuters
- People Magazine
By promoting respectful, accurate discourse, we help reduce the spread of online harm and support public figures’ right to personal dignity.
