Now that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially tied the knot [1], what's next for the royal lovebirds? Besides a romantic and secret getaway for their honeymoon [2], it's business as usual for the royal family, but that doesn't mean having kids isn't on everyone's minds.
Sure, the couple have yet to talk about an exact plan of when they'll start having kids, but they've both expressed their desires to have a family soon [3]. And now that Harry is the uncle [4] to three adorable children, perhaps becoming a father is closer than we think. But no matter when that time will come, we already know Harry will be an excellent father. In addition to being like a big kid himself, Harry has been involved with children's charities [5] for years and always makes visiting with children [6] a huge priority whenever he travels. Keep reading for all the reasons our favourite redhead will clearly be an incredible father.
He's Charitable
Not only does Prince Harry give back to his own community and underdeveloped areas, but he also frequently works with kids on a much more personal level. His charity work with both kids and adults shows that he knows how to put the needs of others ahead of his own, which is exactly what parents should do [8].
He Understands Discipline
His years in the military have given Harry an even better sense of what leadership requires and how discipline should play into one's life. This will be beneficial when trying to lay down the law as a parent.
He's Not Afraid to Be Goofy
Maybe it's because he's further down in line for the throne or because he's younger, but for some reason, Harry is much goofier than his older brother, William. He loves to play, joke, and laugh. Plus, he can make kids smile, which is a bonus when you become a parent.
He Picked a Good Partner
Raising kids is hard, but if you have a good partner or someone to lean on [9], you have the best kind of support system. Based on how these two lovebirds look at each other, it's clear they're deeply committed to being together through whatever life throws at them.
He's Always Ready to Support Others
Harry is pretty much the ultimate cheerleader. He's always present at big events and rooting for his country and his loved ones, which will definitely bubble over into an "excited dad" descriptor.
He Had a Great and Loving Childhood
Even though the Duke of Sussex lost his mother, Princess Diana, when he was young, her caring and loving nature has clearly rubbed off on him in his life and work.
He's Thoughtful
Harry has proven time and time again that he's a thoughtful man. From the simple way he proposed to Meghan to the nods to his late mother [10] during their wedding ceremony, Harry is always thinking of sweet and sentimental ways to show his loved ones he cares. Who wouldn't want that in a dad?
He's Close With His Granny
Everyone knows that if your partner treats their mother (or in this case, their grandmother) well, then they're probably going to treat you just as well, if not better. In Harry's case, his close relationship with his grandmother [11] Queen Elizabeth II proves that he's caring and sweet and respects his elders. All things he would ideally pass down to his kids.
He's Already a Great Uncle
As Prince William's little brother, Harry has been an uncle (and a pretty good one) since Prince George was born in 2013. He now has two nephews and one niece, and that's great practice for when he has a few little ones of his own running around.
He's a Team Player
Being a royal is all about serving the people while still being a person they can turn to. You have to be a team player (whether in a literal game or in a hypothetical situation), and that's where Harry excels.
He Has Good Role Models
In addition to his own parents and grandparents, Harry can look to his brother and sister-in-law for parenting tips and tricks. His close bond with both Prince William and Kate Middleton makes us confident he'll turn to them in times of trouble.
He's a Kid at Heart
It always seems like Harry is having a good time. Even when he's doing public appearances for the crown, he makes time for fun because he's a big kid. This is something that is key in raising a family.
He's a Gentleman
Chivalry is not dead. Sure, we expect a prince to be charming and a gentleman, but sometimes that's not always the case. Harry's proper upbringing and gentlemanly attributes point to the fact that he will be a respectful father and conscious of where the lines should and should not be crossed.
Everyone Seems to Love Him
Harry has a smile that lights up the room. He seems to make friends everywhere he goes, which leads us to believe that when he's not disciplining his children, he'll be one of their closest confidants.