Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, is reportedly seeking refuge on a “remote island” with her family following her father’s distressing revelations about their strained relationship.
According to one insider, Meghan, 42, and Prince Harry, 39, are planning a summer of “relaxation and enjoyment” with their two young children.
The Duke and Duchess have faced a seemingly endless stream of negative press this year, including the controversy surrounding Harry’s brief trip to the UK in May and the ongoing reports of tension with Prince William, 42, and Kate, Princess of Wales.
The source alleges that the couple, who reside in California, decided to put their family troubles behind them on Independence Day (Thursday, 4 June), choosing instead to focus on the positive aspects of their lives – especially their children, five year old Prince Archie and three year old Princess Lilibet.
“As usual, she and Harry celebrated with the kids but she wants to use the next couple of months relaxing and having fun after a stressful year so far,” they shared with OK!.
“Meghan wants to escape with Harry and the kids to a remote island where they can enjoy family time without any external pressures and in complete luxury,” the source added.
The couple have been involved in a series of high-profile events and trips this year, including their packed joint visit to Nigeria, which followed closely on the heels of Harry’s solo trip to the UK for his Invictus Games anniversary.
His London sojourn risked being eclipsed by the fact he didn’t meet with his father, King Charles, who has been undergoing cancer treatment.
The first half of the year also saw Meghan launch her own lifestyle brand, American Riviera Orchard, which hasn’t always garnered the attention she was probably aiming for.
When she unveiled the brand in March – initiating it with a special-edition and extremely limited production run of jam – it received a mixed bag of reviews from both the public and some Royal observers, some of which reportedly left Meghan “in tears”.
In light of all this, our insider revealed that the mother of two is now determined to step back from the limelight and concentrate on creating joyful memories with her children and her husband – who is rumoured to be planning a surprise for her 43rd birthday in August.
“Archie and Lilibet are at an age now where they can engage in more adventurous activities and Meghan has even mentioned a trip to Disneyland as she knows they will be well cared for there and how much the children would adore it,” claimed the source.
“Lili is very fond of Disney princesses right now and would be absolutely thrilled.”
Meghan has reportedly been leaning on her tight-knit group of pals, particularly after the shockwaves from her father’s explosive interview last month where he expressed his sorrow over their estrangement and his disappointment at never having met Prince Harry face-to-face. Sources claim Meghan sought solace with her Montecito mates and her mother, Doria Ragland, during this tough time.
Insiders reveal that Meghan is putting her friends high on her agenda this summer, with plans for several getaways to unwind following a hectic and tense period.
Although the source insisted that “family time is the priority” for the couple, they also went on to disclose that the Duchess is also keen to spend more time with her friends this year, and may even enjoy a few “girly trips” away such as glamping in a National Park.
Despite the buzz around American Riviera Orchard since its online debut and social media splash in March, the brand’s offerings spanning dog treats, preserves, nut spreads, and oils remain off the shelves.
Meghan’s squad has dispatched exclusive samples to A-list acquaintances, including Harry’s polo chum Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Figueras and her ‘Suits’ ally and bestie Abigail Spencer, fuelling speculation about a grander launch post-summer.
“She knows she’s got a busy autumn coming up with lots of new work commitments so she just wants to concentrate on family and friends this summer as she won’t have as much time for it in the run up to the end of the year,” added the insider.
Meghan’s birthday is also due to take place in August, with the Duchess expected to once again be “surprised” by her doting husband, as in previous years.