Why Prince Harry and Meghan may find Valentine’s Day a little overwhelming this year
It’s their last Valentines Day before the baby arrives
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are probably a little overwhelmed as they approach their last Valentine’s Day without children… Here’s what the experts said.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are approaching their first Valentine’s Day as a married couple but it will be their last before their baby arrives. GoodtoKnow spoke to some experts to find out how they might be feeling…
The last few months have been whirlwind for the couple as they announced they were expecting their first child together just five months after they tied the knot in Windsor.
Harry and Meghan are both clearly looking forward to their little one’s arrival and last night, while at the Endeavour Fund Awards, the mum-to-be gushed that he will be “the best dad”.
But how are they feeling in their relationship? Next week is Valentine’s Day and it will the couple’s first as a married couple and their last before the baby comes.
GoodtoKnow spoke to some experts to find out how Harry and Meghan might be feeling ahead of their big relationship milestone.
The Baby Show’s expert, Lucy Shrimpton, aka The Sleep Nanny©, said: ‘Before the reality of parenthood kicks in, you just anticipate all the wonderful things a baby will bring into your world.
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‘A couple get to enjoy each other and the amazing connection over the little human they are bringing into the world - It’s a special time that only happens once. This can lead to overwhelming levels of love between a couple and Valentine’s is a great time to express it!’
The Baby Show expert, Dr Anna Machin, anthropologists and author of The Life of Dad: The Making of a Modern Father also stressed: ‘Hopefully they [Harry and Meghan] will be feeling particularly close this year and that should be celebrated, although if Megan is feeling tired it might have to be a bit more low key than usual and minus the glass of wine.’
She added: ‘Having a baby does change your dynamic because you are adding a new member to your team and however much you love them that can cause a bit of upset and conflict.’
It’s normal to feel concern though and Lucy explains: ‘I imagine most couples expecting their first baby over Valentine’s Day this year will be feeling nothing but positivity.
‘But perhaps some may feel concerned as it highlights the end of their time as a two. Some people worry that their partner’s love for the new baby will take away from the love and connection between the couple.’
Lucy explained that Valentine’s Day can be a great opportunity to turn the focus back onto your relationship and away from parenthood. She says: ‘If this is your last Valentine’s as a couple, enjoy it, make the most of it and celebrate the fact that your family is growing.
Read more: Starting to think about Valentine's Day recipes? We've got lots of delicious options.
‘It’s a date that might just become more and more important to you as an opportunity to turn your focus to each other when parenthood takes over!’
Anna also stressed: ‘Remember that the couple sit at the centre of the family, your relationship is the environment in which your baby grows and develops so make sure you nurture it.
‘Use Valentines to re-connect, even if it is supper in the kitchen, when the baby is in bed. And try to talk about your relationship – fun memories from the past or plans for the future – rather than spending all evening talking about your amazing baby!’
We hope Harry and Meghan get some good quality time together! How will you be spending Valentine’s Day? Head over to our Facebook page to share you plans…
Jessica is a freelance food writer, stylist and recipe tester. She previously worked as Senior Food Writer at Future. While at Future Jessica wrote food and drink-related news stories and features, curated product pages, reviewed equipment, and developed recipes that she then styled on food shoots. She is an enthusiastic, self-taught cook who adores eating out and sharing great food and drink with friends and family. She has completed the Level 1 Associate course at the Academy of Cheese and is continually building on her knowledge of beers, wines, and spirits.