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Meghan Markle’s mother helping out with new baby Lilibet and Archie

Via

News Desk

Updated on June 15, 2021

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Doria Ragland, Meghan Markle’s mother, is “overjoyed to welcome her new granddaughter,” according to Page Six.

The 7lb 11oz baby, whose middle name is Diana, was delivered in Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California on Friday evening, British time, at a private hospital where deliveries may cost up to £20,000.

One of the biggest benefits of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s move to California? They are close to Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who is a close associate of both Sussexes. An insider informed Us Weekly that with the birth of her second grandchild, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, Ragland is offering crucial assistance to the new parents of two.

Doria even reportedly took grandparenting lessons known as the ‘Baby Sleep Fairy’ among Hollywood mothers, for £5,000.

“They’ve had lots of lovely gifts sent from friends and family members including Doria, but the most special thing she’s provided is her time,” an inside source said. Ragland has been helping out at the Sussexes’ Montecito home with newborn Lili and new big brother Archie Harrison, according to the source. “Meghan’s so grateful to have her mom to lean on, and Harry just adores her.”

Doria, who lives near Meghan and Harry in Los Angeles, went to London to assist Meghan prepare for the arrival of her first child, Archie, in 2019.

She was seen smiling in a photo of the Queen and Prince Philip meeting Archie for the first time.

According to Meghan’s biographers, Doria was also the one who informed her ex-husband Thomas Markle about the birth of her first grandchild.

“Doria messaged Thomas with the news, which Meghan had asked her to,” co-authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand wrote in their 2020 book “Finding Freedom.”

Meghan and Harry are said to have declined to engage a huge crew to help with the baby and instead have a “scaled down team” which was made feasible by Doria’s help.

“They don’t yet have a nanny or a team of staff and there’s no chef,” royal expert Katie Nicholl told Grazia magazine.

“Doria has been helping out, she has been indispensable.”

Doria is said to be a consistent presence in the Sussexes’ California life, despite being described as exceedingly private.

It comes as specialists suggest Lilibet might be a ‘Band-Aid baby,’ assisting in the ‘return of the family to some sort of normality.’

Doria’s stepmother, Ava Burrows, also expressed her belief that she would be a very involved grandmother.

“In some families in the US, grandma is a big deal,” she told Mail Online.

“Historically, in our culture, the mother worked long hours and needed all the support with her kids that she could get.

“Doria is very important to Meghan, and vice-versa. So I’m sure she wants to be a big part of her life, and her baby’s life.

“She’ll be a wonderful grandmother.”

While discussing her tumultuous time within royal walls with Oprah, Meghan praise her mother, saying, “Look, they hunted my mom down, and you’ve never heard her say a word. She’s been seeing me go through this for four years with silent dignity.”