Meghan Markle reportedly only wants to take three months of maternity leave.
The UK standard is six months to an entire year of maternity leave, but royal sources say the duchess plans to shorten hers so she can get back to work after the baby’s birth, according to a report published Wednesday by Page Six.
“Meghan has made it very clear she wants to return to work as soon as possible. She has huge amounts of energy, is extremely determined and wants to be as hands-on as possible with her charities,” a royal source told Page Six. (RELATED: Report: Meghan Markle Plans To Raise Child As Vegan, Queen Says Not Happening)
“She’s penciled in three months, but she’ll most likely return to public life in six weeks — on the Queen’s official birthday, Trooping the Colour, in June,” a source added.
Markle’s decision to only take three months reflects her American upbringing as it matches the average amount of time American women are given for maternity leave.
“Three months’ maternity is standard in the US for American mums — they don’t normally get the six or even 12 months women get here in the UK,” a source said. “So this is totally normal for Meghan.”
Prince Harry is reportedly also taking a paternity leave, but it is unknown when the royal plans to go back to work after baby Sussex.