Here’s What We Can Learn From New Mom Meghan Markle

As a former UN Ambassador and unapologetic advocate for equality, Meghan has long championed the rights of women and girls – well before she ever laid eyes on a certain dashing red-headed prince. True to character, she's continued to make women's empowerment her main priority as a royal, even going so far as to admit that she plans to raise Baby Sussex as a feminist. "Boy or girl, or whatever it is, we hope that's the case," the duchess told journalist Anne McElvoy at an International Women's Day panel in March. With a Mum like Meghan, it's hard to imagine her son not following in her footsteps.

All new parents would do well to follow in her example with this.

Marrying into the Royal Family comes with its own unique set of rules and regulations that we commoners can only imagine. And, considering Meghan's career trajectory – from Deal or No Deal's "suitcase girl" to star of the legal drama Suits to duchess — she has navigated the intricacies (and not to mention the rich history) of the House of Windsor with grace and aplomb. However, she's also managed to shirk royal tradition on occasion, remaining tight-lipped on her birth plan and skipping the expected post-birth photo op on the hospital stairs in favour of some quality alone-time with her new little family. No doubt she wants to remain as down-to-earth for her son as she possibly can.

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Although the entire world is aware of the Markle family's dirty laundry (thanks, in large part, to her estranged father and media-hungry half-sister), it also means we know that Meghan has an undeniable bond with mom Doria Ragland, a California-based social worker and yoga instructor. Doria has been a pillar of strength for her only child as she's had to learn the grueling ins and outs of living the royal life. She was also present when Meghan gave birth to her son. There's no doubt that the duchess will lean heavily on her mom in the coming months, taking a lot of parental advice from the woman who raised her.

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This is a biggie — aside from being an avid yogi and health food enthusiast, Meghan has stressed the importance of "me time" ever since she managed her own blog, The Tig, while living in Toronto filming Suits. Combine that with Prince Harry's public acknowledgement that he struggled with mental health issues following the death of Princess Diana, it's a no-brainer that this self-care will be front and centre in the Sussex household.

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It's not easy to maintain a long-distance friendship when your life is suddenly uprooted, yet, Meghan has made it look incredibly easy since becoming a member of the Royal Family. From Serena Williams to Jessica Mulroney, whom she bonded with during her time living in Toronto, the duchess has continued to carve out quality time with those who knew and loved her before she ever married a prince. It's a fine example to set for her son as he grows up.

Granted, Meghan's already been doing this since day one — when she made her first official public appearance as Prince Harry's girlfriend during the 2017 Invictus Games in Toronto when she wore ripped jeans — a fashion choice that didn't go unnoticed by the scandalized British press who were more accustomed to Duchess Kate's comparatively demure ensembles. Negative feedback aside, she's gone on to rock dozens of messy buns, flowy gowns, dark nail polish and decidedly un-maternity maternity outfits. The duchess will no doubt shake up the world of mommy outfits in the coming months and years with her "California Cool" fashion sense.

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Meghan's new royal duties have allowed her to continue to pursue the causes closest to her heart, such as taking part in International Women's Day and her new Queen-appointed role as patron of the National Theatre (something the former actress and theatre major will undoubtedly tackle with great zeal). It speaks to the duchess's work ethic and passion that Queen Elizabeth herself has recognized her drive and determination. It will set a great example for her son.

Given the fate that befell the press-hounded Princess Diana, Meghan will raise Baby Sussex away from the glare of the paparazzi's lens in London, opting instead for the relative seclusion of Frogmore Cottage in Windsor. What better way to teach her son that his sense of self-worth should never be dictated by the bright lights of fame?

Given her own biracial heritage and the hardship she endured (and continues to endure) at the hands of the British press, Meghan will instill in Baby Sussex all the lessons and values she learned from extensively travelling the world over the years. From her UN Women's work in Africa prior to meeting Prince Harry to her tireless travel blogging when she managed her website The Tig, Meghan will demonstrate the importance of understanding and embracing other cultures and all that that entails.

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From the tradition-breaking personal touches she incorporated into her own Royal Wedding to her controversial decision to keep her birth plan completely private, Meghan continues to upend some of the stuffier royal traditions in favour of more contemporary and down-to-earth options. We can't wait to see what Baby Sussex will do as he grows up in her footsteps.

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