Why Prince Harry Is Traveling to the Netherlands Close to Meghan's Due Date
It might be cutting it a little close?

A week after joining his sister-in-law Kate Middleton at the annual Anzac Day service in Westminster Abbey, Prince Harry is once again planning another public appearance, this time in another country. The dad-to-be is set to travel to The Netherlands next week to officially kick off the countdown to the 2020 Invictus Games. But wait—isn't Meghan due to give birth soon?
Earlier this year, Meghan all but confirmed the late April/early May arrival of Baby Sussex. It's officially the first day of May, so it's safe to say that we're probably in the final stretch of the royal baby watch (#SussexStandby). The big day is getting closer and closer, and here's how we know:
However, Harry's travel plans to appear at the launch of the Invictus Games next week are definitely throwing a wrench in all of our frenzied Baby Sussex predictions. On one hand, it absolutely makes sense for the prince to make the trip to the Netherlands for the countdown—the event is one of the causes closest to his heart.
Harry was inspired to found the Invictus Games after his 2013 visit to the Warrior Games here in the United States, where he saw wounded military veterans team up to compete in a series of sports events including cycling, wheelchair basketball, and powerlifting. The prince, who served in the British army for over ten years, was moved to create the Invictus Games in Europe, and the first international competition took place the following year. Harry has made it a point to attend every single Invictus Games since then and even serves as the patron of the Invictus Games' Foundation. It's clear that this event is very meaningful to him.
But what does that mean for Baby Sussex? Longstanding commitment aside, family has always been super important to Harry, especially the one he's started with Meghan. It's extremely unlikely that Harry will stick to his travel itinerary if the royal baby is born around that time—he doesn't seem like the type to miss out on the birth of his firstborn for anything.
Well #BabySussex had better hurry up! BP announce that the Duke of Sussex will visit The Netherlands next Wednesday and Thursday to launch the one year countdown to the Invictus Games The Hague 2020 #sussexstandbyMay 1, 2019
Is it possible that he's expecting Meghan to be in labor before he takes off? Or that the royal baby will have already arrived by that time? The couple did state that they won't be sharing the exact details of the little one's birth with the public, so we won't be absolutely sure of when the royal baby gets here—or if they're already here!—until after an official statement from the Palace (or the Sussex Instagram page) is released.
We're in good company, though; it turns out that even uncle-to-be Prince William is out of the loop when it comes to the imminent birth of Baby Sussex.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Even if Harry isn't able to make this particular trip, he and Meghan's pending international move will be sure make up for it.
The Royal Baby Watch continues!
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Unfollowed the Royal Family, Including Will and Kate—for a Special Cause
RELATED STORY
Kate Middleton's Prestigious Gift from the Queen for Her Eighth Wedding Anniversary to Prince William
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Gave the Coolest Wedding Gift to Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre
Lagos-born and Houston-raised, Ineye Komonibo is a writer and editor with a love for all things culture. With an academic background in public relations and media theory, Ineye’s focus has always been on using her writing ability to foster discourse about the deep cyclical relationship between society and the media we engage with, ever-curious about who we are and what we do because of what we consume. Most recently, she put her cultural savvy to work as a culture critic for R29 Unbothered, covering everything from politics to social media thirst to the reverberations of colorism across the African diaspora.
-
Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When William Received "Special Treatment"
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Styles a $7,500 Outfit With $100 Sneakers
The actress paired Prada and Celine with her $100 footwear.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When Prince William Received "Special Treatment" as a Child, Says Royal Butler
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization as Palace Didn't Want to "Cause Unnecessary Alarm"
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle and Her Makeup Artist Confirmed All Her Royal Wedding Beauty Products
And yes, you can shop them all here.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Why Prince Harry Is So "Torn Apart" Over Resigning From His Charity
The Duke of Sussex co-founded Sentebale in honor of his mother in 2006.
By Lia Beck Published
-
Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow Open Up About Their "Rift" Over Pie
Expect a Goop x As Ever collab in three… two..
By Lia Beck Published
-
Meghan Markle Confirms Skinny Jeans Are Back by Finally Revealing Her Favorite Frame Denim
It's never been easier to dress like a duchess.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
New Prince Archie Photo Proves He Takes After Dad Prince Harry in Two Very Important Ways
Father and son have much more in common than their vibrant red hair.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Shared a Rare Video Filmed by Prince Harry on Instagram
And she used her nickname for him in the shoutout she wrote in the video's caption.
By Kayleigh Roberts Published