Meghan Markle has opened up in a passionate letter to US Congress calling for paid paternity leave after feeling "overwhelmed" by the birth of baby Lilibet.
- Meghan Markle has written to The United States Congress to encourage new policies that give paid leave to all new parents.
- The mother of two gave a rare personal statement on how becoming a parent is overwhelming and has called for family-first policies.
- This royal news comes after The Queen cancelled royal work commitments after being given a medical warning.
Meghan Markle has revealed she and Prince Harry were overwhelmed after welcoming their second child, Lilibet, in an emotional letter to The United States Congress on paid paternity leave as well as maternity leave.
In the letter, written to the House of Representative's Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, Meghan said she was writing on "behalf of millions of families".
Prince Harry and Meghan, who have been officially named the two most influential people in the world, have undertaken several ventures since stepping back as senior royals in 2020, including the launch of their Archewell foundation and several other charitable, humanitarian projects.
Meghan, who shares two children with Prince Harry, Archie and Lilibet, explained she was writing to Congress "as a parent".
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."
She continued, “No family should be faced with these decisions. No family should have to choose between earning a living and having the freedom to take care of their child."
Meghan concluded her letter writing, "If we’re going to create a new era of family-first policies, let’s make sure that includes a strong paid leave program for every American that’s guaranteed, accessible, and encouraged without stigma or penalty.
"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."
