Entertainment
Rihanna’s best maternity outfits from her three pregnancies

Nobody does maternity style quite like Rihanna.
Ahead of the Met Gala 2025 on May 5, the style-savvy Bad Gal announced her third pregnancy with partner A$AP Rocky, with whom she shares sons RZA, 2, and Riot, 1.
On fashion biggest’s night, the “Diamonds” hitmaker debuted her baby bump in a sporty Miu Miu set from the label’s fall 2025 collection, later changing into a deconstructed Marc Jacobs suit for the red carpet.
Over the years, Rihanna has been known to redefine maternity style. During her past two pregnancies, she stepped out in one baby bump-baring look after the next, from a completely sheer black Dior dress at Paris Fashion Week to a sequined “microkini” at Cannes Lions.
“When I found out I was pregnant, I thought to myself, There’s no way I’m going to go shopping in no maternity aisle,” Rihanna told Vogue in 2022.
“I’m sorry — it’s too much fun to get dressed up. I’m not going to let that part disappear because my body is changing.”
But her bold, belly-framing outfits were about more than just having a good time.
“I’m hoping that we were able to redefine what’s considered ‘decent’ for pregnant women,” she told Vogue. “My body is doing incredible things right now, and I’m not going to be ashamed of that. This time should feel celebratory. Because why should you be hiding your pregnancy?”
Below, see all of the fashion and beauty mogul’s incredible maternity fashion moments.
January 31, 2022: Pretty (and pregnant) in pink
Rihanna sent fans into a frenzy when she showed off her bump for the very first time in a single-buttoned pink vintage Chanel puffer coat styled sans shirt. She paired the rare piece with ripped Vetements jeans, a colorful Christian Lacroix cross necklace from Archive Vintage, a vintage Chanel chain belt and additional jewels from Vintage by Misty and Briony Raymond.
February 6, 2022: All laced up
No tummy-hiding here! The Grammy winner showed some skin in a Jean Paul Gaultier lace-up cardigan and The Attico stirrup leggings, accessorizing with Jimmy Choo pumps, Balenciaga sunglasses and a Jacquie Aiche diamond bra worth a whopping five figures.
February 9, 2022: Fab hatter
Talk about a fashion flashback: The star’s fur-trimmed Fendi crop top, low-rise jeans, vintage patchwork Roberto Cavalli coat, Dior saddle bag and camo trucker hat looked straight out of the 2000s.
“The bump is now the focal point,” Rihanna’s stylist, Jahleel Weaver, told Vogue of the pair’s current approach to planning looks. “This is her main attribute at the moment, and let’s just highlight it as best as possible.”
February 11, 2022: Rainbow bright
At a Fenty Beauty event in LA, all eyes were on the mega-famous mom-to-be in this custom ombré outfit from The Attico comprised of colorful strands of sequins. Rihanna opened up about her daring approach to pregnancy style at the party, telling People she’s “enjoying” the “challenge” of dressing her changing figure.
“I’m enjoying not having to worry about covering up my tummy,” she said. “If I feel a little chubby, it’s like, whatever! It’s a baby!”
February 12, 2022: Lady in red
The star likely stopped traffic in the scarlet leather Alaïa look and matching Amina Muaddi sandals she chose for the Savage X Fenty store opening in LA.
February 13, 2022: Rooting for the Rams
Ahead of the Super Bowl, Rihanna showed her support for the LA Rams by wearing’s the team’s colors — a blue Balenciaga hood and bomber jacket trimmed with yellow faux fur and layered over a sporty Jetpack Homme shirt, to be precise.
February 15, 2022: Heart couture
For an outing just after Valentine’s Day, the star leaned into the theme by bringing back her iconic $15,500 heart-shaped Saint Laurent fur jacket, this time dressing it down with a Bulls jersey and patched-up Vetements pants.
February 18, 2022: Go Mets
She cheered on her favorite baseball team in a vintage Mets T-shirt, rhinestone-studded Martine Rose jeans and equally shimmery Amina Muaddi heels.
February 25, 2022: Gucci glam
To take in Gucci’s fall 2022 show during Milan Fashion Week, Rihanna rocked a latex crop top, dragon-embroidered pants, lavender faux fur coat and metallic headdress from the luxury label, along with a giant blinged-out Briony Raymond cross.
February 25, 2022: Disco fever
For the brand’s afterparty, she swapped her top and trousers for a sheer, logo-embellished LBD plucked from the Gucci archives.
February 28, 2022: Peachy keen
Joined by Rocky in the front row at Off-White’s show, Rihanna picked a little leather dress from the label, which she wore beneath a shearling Diesel maxi coat in the same shade. Her rapper beau even coordinated in a leather look of his own.
March 1, 2022: Sheer genius
It’s easy to see why the totally sheer Dior dress Rihanna wore to the fashion house’s show went viral in minutes.
“To me that dress is actually the closest thing to maternity clothes that I’ve worn so far,” she told Vogue. “And we hadn’t really done lady that whole time. So I was like, Let’s do lady!”
As for that strappy Savage X Fenty G-string? “Listen,” she joked, “they were going to see my panties regardless. So they’d better be mine.”
March 4, 2022: Cool cutouts
In between shows, she posed in Paris in a turquoise Stella McCartney catsuit that let her work, work, work, work, work that bump.
March 5, 2022: Bundled up
This all-sherpa-everything Y/Project getup is basically like a full-body Ugg boot.
March 10, 2022: Sexy snakeskin
Not many expectant moms we know would head to a weekday lunch in a python vest, bikini top and cowboy boots — but then again, not many expectant moms are Rihanna.
She accessorized with a gold Briony Raymond cuff bracelet stamped with both her and Rocky’s zodiac signs.
March 12, 2022: Shine bright like a diamond
The superstar sported a custom silver Coperni crop top and sparkling maxi skirt to celebrate Fenty Beauty’s launch at Ulta, blinging out her bump with a Messika diamond belly chain.
March 12, 2022: Moto mama
She made like a biker babe in a leather jacket and micro-miniskirt from Alexander Wang, along with a crystal bra top by the same designer. Thigh-high Amina Muaddi boots, Coperni x Gentle Monster shades and diamonds from Neil Lane and Nikos Koulis finished off the edgy ensemble.
“Best pregnancy style ever!!!” Kim Kardashian wrote of the look on Instagram — and we couldn’t agree more.
March 14, 2022: Living the dream
After a Target run to pick up some baby clothes, Rihanna piled on an airbrushed Awake hoodie, vintage Walter Davoucci shearling jacket, glittery The Attico miniskirt and Amina Muaddi heels.
March 22, 2022: Meow mix
A vintage whipstitched Dior fur coat, cat-print Knwls dress, strappy Manolo Blahnik sandals and plenty of diamonds made for a purr-fect night-out look.
March 23, 2022: Tulle time
Rihanna’s lace-trimmed tulle Simone Rocha dress looked light as a feather, while her Nike x Union Air Jordans brought the look down to earth. She also wore a $51,991 Annoushka charm bracelet from Rocky that appeared to hint at her due date: it included an emerald, the May birthstone.
March 25, 2022: Read between the lines
For a late-night shopping trip to Couture Kids in LA, she donned a pale pink crystal-striped Alexander Wang shirt, sequined Miu Miu socks and Saint Laurent mink fur mules, upping the shine even further with a bedazzled Balenciaga “Hourglass” bag.
March 27, 2022: Oscars opulence
Post-Academy Awards, Rihanna stunned in a sheer sequined Valentino Haute Couture gown and bandeau bra at Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s afterparty. Jewels from Wilfredo Rosado and Repossi served as the icing on the cake.
April 2, 2022: Feather weather
We dare you to look at this pink feathered Saint Laurent look without smiling. It’s just not possible!
April 6, 2022: Feeling blue
Rihanna’s denim-like ribbed Alaïa crop top and matching maxi skirt was the perfect mix of sexy and sporty, especially styled with Adidas and a matching baseball cap.
April 8, 2022: Sweet dreams
She put a new twist on pajama dressing in a silky vintage Alaïa top, Alexander Wang boxers and bejeweled Balenciaga bag with equally sparkly Nike Dunks.
April 11, 2022: Foxy lady
It sure seems like the Bad Gal’s hinting she’s having a girl; her latest all-pink look included a Bottega Veneta terrycloth bralette, Vetements jeans, Amina Muaddi pumps and a vintage John Galliano vintage fox fur stole, all in the same rosy hue.
April 12, 2022: Cover girl
Baby’s first Vogue cover! Rihanna fronts the fashion bible’s May 2022 issue in a red-hot lace catsuit, gloves and heels from Alaïa — one of many fabulous designer looks she modeled for the magazine.
April 18, 2022: Fit to be tied
In April, the couple took a trip — perhaps a babymoon — to Rih’s home country of Barbados for some R&R amid breakup rumors. The two proved they were still hot and heavy, with the singer putting on her sexiest lace-up Dundas dress for date night.
April 22, 2022: Beach babe
While in Barbados, the Bad Gal hit the beach, sparkling in a sequined bikini with a matching miniskirt and dazzling diamond necklaces.
April 24, 2022: Skin and sparkles
On their way back from Barbados, A$AP Rocky was arrested at LAX in connection to a shooting that took place in 2021. After the incident was resolved, the couple hit up their favorite restaurant, Giorgio Baldi, for a relaxing dinner. Rihanna sparkled in a Saint Laurent bra, Alexander Wang crystal-covered boxers and an embellished white button-down (left unbuttoned, of course).
May 9, 2022: Miu Miu mama
Less than two weeks before giving birth to her baby boy, Rihanna hit up Giorgio Baldi with Rocky once more in perhaps her most eye-catching maternity look: a silver mesh crop top and matching belted miniskirt by Miu Miu, layered over a satin bra and underwear. She even covered her bump in body glitter — the better to shine bright like a diamond.
February 13, 2023: Style touchdown
Rihanna revealed she was pregnant with baby No. 2 in an all-red Loewe ensemble topped with not one, but two different red leather Alaïa puffer coats — the latter of which paid tribute to her late pal André Leon Talley.
She accessorized with $1.2 million worth of jewelry, including a $72,000 Jacob & Co. watch with a ruby red dial, a sprinkling of diamond earrings from Messika and a $1 million Bayco ring set with a giant 19.47-carat ruby.
March 12, 2023: In the band
The first-time Academy Award nominee walked the Oscars 2023 red carpet in a custom Alaïa leather band dress layered over a semi-sheer bodysuit that made the most of her bump.
March 12, 2023: Dripping in bling
During the ceremony, Rihanna performed her nominated song — “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” — wearing a bejeweled Maison Margiela Artisanal bra top paired with sparkly brocade pants, leather opera gloves and plenty of jewelry.
March 12, 2023: Minty fresh
Backstage at the Oscars, she changed into a green silk bustier and skirt, shearling stole set and leather gloves by Bottega Veneta.
March 12, 2023: Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
She closed out Oscars night in sparkling style, accessorizing her silver sequined Valentino bralette and skirt and dramatic hot pink robe with more than 250 carats of sparkling stones from Bayco — including a diamond belly chain worth $1.8 million.
March 15, 2023: The right stripes
Leave it to the Bad Gal to turn a four-figure striped Loewe sweater in a crop top — to better to showcase that bump, of course.
April 5, 2023: Ooh na na, what’s his name?
One month before revealing she’d named her firstborn RZA — seemingly a nod to the famous Wu-Tang Clan frontman — the superstar dined at Giorgio Baldi with her baby in tow, dropping a hint with her ’90s jersey repping the hip-hop group.
April 23, 2023: Red hot
Rihanna heated up the streets of NYC in a sheer scarlet Alaïa bodysuit and matching skirted pants for a date night with A$AP Rocky, accessorizing with a red beaded Gucci by Tom Ford bag, crystal-buckled Saint Laurent heels and a furry black Louis Vuitton jacket.
April 27, 2023: “Smurfs” and sapphires
For a surprise appearance at CinemaCon in Las Vegas to announce she’s voicing Smurfette in an upcoming movie, Rihanna leaned into her role by donning head-to-toe blue.
Along with an over-dyed denim dress and matching over-the-knee boots from Y/Project, the star sported roughly 160 carats worth of Bayco sapphires valued at $1.825 million, plus a matching $480,000 sapphire-and-diamond watch from Jacob & Co.
April 30, 2023: Let the (fake) fur fly
Ahead of the Karl Lagerfeld-themed Met Gala, Rihanna nailed the dress code early by modeling a faux fur jacket and kitschy logo frames from Chanel’s fall 1994 collection. She finished the fluffy fashion moment with a white Coperni minidress and head-turning hat by Benny Andallo.
May 1, 2023: Met magic
The reigning queen of the Met Gala arrived fashionably late at the 2023 ball — but her blooming, bridal-worthy Valentino Haute Couture look was worth the wait.
After walking the carpet in a camellia-covered cape and white cat-eye shades trimmed with false lashes, Rihanna stripped off her outer layer to reveal a drop-waisted gown that both highlighted her bump and nodded to the night’s theme; honoree Karl Lagerfeld was known for closing his Chanel shows with spectacular wedding looks.
May 2, 2023: White hot
Post-gala, she partied in a custom-made Chrome Hearts look comprised of a single-buttoned shirt, high-slit skirt, sunglasses and jewels by Chrome Hearts.
May 3, 2023: Leather weather
Rihanna wore head-to-toe leather for a dinner date with Rocky at Carbone, nodding to “The Matrix” in a long leather coat from Acne Studios — worn open to show off her bump, of course — paired with a tiny Prada miniskirt and thigh-high Amina Muaddi boots.
She further accessorized with funky Ottolinger shades and a Miu Miu shoulder bag.
May 4, 2023: Yankees Pride
Rihanna showed the Yankees some love with her Mowalola jacket and miniskirt, which she styled with slouchy white boots and a multi-buckled Dior bag.
May 5, 2023: So fur, so good
The Bad Gal showed off another fabulous faux fur look, baring her bump in a fuzzy crop top, oversized stole and asymmetrical miniskirt from Loewe styled with lace-up snakeskin sandals by Gianvito Rossi and ski-style Chanel sunglasses.
May 7, 2023: Baggy blues
While out in NYC with A$AP Rocky, Rihanna bared her bump in a layered Vaquera fishnet bra and low-slung Agolde jeans, a faux fur-trimmed Y-Project jacket shrugged off her shoulders. She finished the laid-back look with Timberland boots, her Miu Miu bag and Louis Vuitton aviators.
May 18, 2023: Bejeweled bra
Rihanna thrilled her Navy with a sexy maternity shoot she playfully dubbed “Rub on ya titties,” clad in a bikini bottom and one of Jacquie Aiche’s famous four-figure diamond bras.
June 1, 2023: Cheeky tee
“This shirt is old…,” the heavily pregnant superstar playfully captioned snaps of herself modeling a Savage X Fenty tee ($70) advocating for safe sex.
June 21, 2023: Denim date night
The proud parents matched in all-jean outfits from Louis Vuitton at Pharrell Williams’ first runway show as the house’s men’s creative director in Paris.
June 21, 2023: “Microkini” mama
Rihanna heated up Cannes Lions by making a cameo at Rocky’s Spotify concert during the festival — and dropped jaws with her sequined Oséree “microkini” and see-through vintage Jean Paul Gaultier gown.
July 20, 2023: Coral cutie
She sizzled in her latest Savage X Fenty drop, modeling the Sheer X Demi Spacer Bra ($50) and matching Sheer X Thong Panty ($17) for her adoring Instagram fans.
July 22, 2023: All about the Benjamins
Bitch better have my money(-printed robe)! For dinner with baby RZA, Rihanna showed off her bump in a cash-inspired Keitt Kollection kimono teamed with baggy Balenciaga jeans and a pair of the label’s crystal-studded, pointy-toed mules.
May 5, 2025: Sporty chic
Rihanna set the internet on fire right before the Met Gala 2025 red carpet commenced, as she stepped out in New York City, showing off her baby bump in a ribbed Miu Miu set and announcing her third pregnancy.
The entrepreneur rounded out the street style look with a fuzzy shawl covered in diamond Briony Raymond brooches and coordinating heels.
May 5, 2025: Tailored to perfection
After giving a glimpse of her baby bump, Rihanna arrived (fashionably late) on the Met Gala red carpet, clad in a Marc Jacobs suit jacket, a form-fitting bustier top and a pinstripe maxi skirt.
“Rihanna’s outfit tonight is … I don’t know, whatever just really don’t cover her baby bump,” Rocky said to Extra before her big entrance.
May 6, 2025: Fun and frilly
Rihanna hit a Met Gala afterparty, hosted by A$AP and Ray-Ban, wearing a sultry, frilly black top and a maxi skirt.
She put her budding belly on display this time, keeping the ruffled top open for a bare belly moment.
Her skirt showed some skin too, with the sides lacing up and showing off her legs.
May 8, 2025: Got bread?
After recovering from the Met ball and her big, public announcement, the superstar was unafraid to show off her bare bump in public once again.
Just a few days after the red carpet event, she was spotted out and about in NYC wearing a cropped red polo shirt and low-slung baggy jeans. The best part of her outfit, however? The four-figure Fendi “baguette” bag she carried, shaped like a literal loaf of bread.
Perhaps she was hinting at her pregnancy cravings.
May 19, 2025: Smurfette takes Cannes
The singer and Rocky headed overseas for the Cannes Film Festival, hitting the red carpet for the premiere of “Highest 2 Lowest.”
Rihanna channeled her “Smurfs” character in an all-blue Alaïa halter gown that showed plenty of belly.
Rocky, meanwhile, went for a classic double-breasted suit.
May 20, 2025: Legs for days
The next night, the couple went out for date night, with Rih stripped down even more and showing tons of legs in a barely there black Alaïa dress.
Her gown included an asymmetrical neckline, large belly cutout and a slit that covered her just enough.
She showed off a huge swath of leg — and hip — with the fabric held together at her waist by just one tiny pin in true Bad Gal style.
May 21, 2025: Fringe circumstances
Still soaking up France, the mom-to-be went out for a solo shopping spree.
She hit up the Messika jewelry store wearing a black ribbed sweater dress with a tiered fringe skirt.
It’s unclear what she purchased, but we know she always shines bright like a diamond.
May 22, 2025: Bows for Giorgio Baldi
Back in the United States, Rihanna of course made a stop at her favorite restaurant, Giorgio Baldi.
She hit up the Santa Monica restaurant in a gray dress that featured an enormous bow over her bump.
Rih topped the look off with a Christian Dior purse and Tabi ballet flats.
Entertainment
Oprah’s Roomy Cargo Pants Are a Go-To Fall Style
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Welcome to The Blueprint, where we break down the celebrity looks we want to wear right now and build them back up, piece by piece.
Oprah Winfrey is committed to cargo pants, so it’s obvious I have to break up with my boring pocketless pants as soon as possible.
Last fall in New York City, the media mogul wore a pair of big-pocket pants (a style she’s worn before) that prompted a light-bulb realization: I fear I have not given cargos a fighting chance. And for what? Boring pants that only have hidden pockets, or, in many cases, faux ones that can’t even stash a phone.
Not long before Oprah showed off her brown cargos, Gwyneth Paltrow wore a navy blue pair with a cropped trench coat. That gives me another reason to feel confident about trying this offbeat pants style.
Raymond Hall/GC
The rest of Oprah’s look was grand, too: Her purple sweater was ideal for fall thanks to its three-quarter sleeves, plus her comfy sneakers finished it with polished comfort (she also wore heels with the outfit at another point in the day, but let’s keep it casual). We rounded up similar big-pocket pants, sweaters, and kicks inspired by the TV icon.
Oprah’s Outfit Blueprint
MoFiz Cargo Capris, $37 with coupon
Amazon
When I use regular pockets, I’m super careful because, most of the time, they’re not deep enough, so things tend to fall out when I’m sitting. In other words, they’re not that secure, and that’s why I’m picking out pants with pockets that have more room or more compartments.
These from Amazon are “very durable” and “silky” to the touch, per the reviews. Also, according to one shopper who wore them while hiking, “The pockets were big enough to hold my phone and Chapstick, so I didn’t have to carry a big bag.” They also have drawstring cuffs, so you can tie them up if you don’t want to dirty them when walking around outdoors.
Liyohon Turtleneck Top
Amazon
I can’t stand feeling like an overstuffed burrito with a thick sweater packed into an even thicker coat in the fall or winter. So, I usually choose thinner layers, but I want them to keep me at least a little warm. This turtleneck “feels more like a light sweater than a T-shirt,” according to one shopper, and it has been worn under dresses and blazers, per many others.
The purple shade here is a little lighter than Oprah’s, but the three-quarter-length sleeves are, in my opinion, the most important thing to focus on here.
Somiliss Leather Suede Patchwork Sneakers
Amazon
Oprah also pulled a sneaky move when she did a little shoe change. We don’t know which pair came first — heels or sneakers — but I personally am a “go comfortable or go home” shoe gal, so I’m choosing option B.
In my book, suede makes anything more fall-worthy, but it can be tricky on shoes. I don’t want to have to spritz a protectant spray all over, so a pair with just a little bit of the soft texture feels easier to manage long term. The soles on these look serrated like Oprah’s, which make me believe that they’d be incredibly grippy.
Keep scrolling to shop more Amazon finds inspired by Oprah’s outfit, including more brown cargo pants, purple three-quarter-sleeve tops, and white sneakers.
Moosehill Wide-Leg Cargo Pants
Amazon
Lepunuo High-Waisted Cargo Pants
Amazon
Dokotoo Striped Knit Pullover Sweater, $32 with coupon
Amazon
JomeDesign Three-Quarter-Sleeve Sweater
Amazon
Sernial White Platform Sneakers
Amazon
Entertainment
Karlie Kloss welcomes third baby with husband Joshua Kushner

Karlie Kloss’ brood just got bigger.
The model has given birth to her and husband Joshua Kushner’s third baby — a girl. Kushner announced the news via Instagram Saturday by posting a photo of the newborn and revealing her name: “Rae Florence 9.18.2025 🤍.”
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel announced her pregnancy news in a March Instagram post debuting her bump.
“Three’s a party 🥹🫶🎉,” Kloss wrote at the time.
The caption referenced her and Kushner’s eldest two children — sons Levi and Elijah — who appeared in the social media upload.
Levi was born in March 2021, followed by Elijah in July 2023.
While awaiting baby No. 3, Kloss continued to show off her budding belly at the Met Gala, WNBA games and more events.
She rocked a black off-the-shoulder gown to ring in Kushner’s 40th birthday at a star-studded bash in June.
“I have loved growing up together, and can’t wait to grow old together,” Kloss captioned a celebratory tribute to the “love of [her] life and best friend” via Instagram.
The Kode With Klossy founder and Kushner have been together since 2012.
The businessman got down on one knee in July 2018, and the duo walked down the aisle in upstate New York three months post-proposal.
The duo went on to have a second wedding ceremony in Wyoming in 2019.
Although the pair primarily keep their romance out of the public eye over the years, Kloss insisted to Net-a-Porter in 2018 that they “have nothing to hide.”
In May, she explained to “Aspire” podcast listeners that their “partnership is so solid” because they met when she was a teenager.
“We’ve grown up together,” Kloss gushed. “He’s always been my biggest champion.”
Entertainment
Prince Harry Made Secret Visit to Another Member of Royal Family During U.K. Trip
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NEED TO KNOW
- Prince Harry’s four-day visit to the U.K. included a secret visit to another member of the royal family
- According to Hello!, Harry visited Kensington Palace to pay his respects to Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, following the death of his wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent
- Harry “loved catching up with family, friends and colleagues” during his trip to Britain, a source said
Prince Harry’s four-day visit to the U.K. included a reunion with his father, King Charles, after nearly two years, as well as a secret visit to another member of the royal family.
According to a report from Hello! published on Saturday, Sept. 20, Harry, 41, privately visited Kensington Palace to “personally pay his respects and offer condolences” to Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, following the death of his wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent. She died on Sept. 4 at the age of 92.
Although Harry was not able to attend Katharine’s funeral on Sept. 16, as he had already left the U.K., a source close to the Duke of Sussex told the outlet that he “loved catching up with family, friends and colleagues.”
“His only regret was not being able to stay longer and see more people, but the meetings in Ukraine had been in the diary for a long time, and it mattered to him to be there in person to see the Invictus Games Foundation’s growing work and the progress at Superhumans,” the source added.
“The whole trip felt like a real success for everyone involved,” the source said. “His passion for his patronages and the causes he cares about hasn’t dimmed one bit — he’s already buzzing to get back and do more.”
Victoria Jones/Shutterstock
The Duke of Sussex made several public appearances during his U.K. trip, including at the WellChild Awards in London on Sept. 8, where he crouched to greet children, wrapped families in hugs and cracked jokes. In Nottingham the next day, he danced into a room at the Community Recording Studio (CRS), laughing and bantering with young activists.
“He’s still the same person,” said CRS’s Trevor Rose. “He wants to feel the energy here. He cares — and that’s the main thing.”
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One of the most newsworthy moments came when Harry arrived at Clarence House on Sept. 10, and disappeared inside for a long-awaited, private meeting with King Charles. He emerged just under one hour later — and experts were quick to point out that this visit could be the first step on the road to reconciliation with his father.
“It’s a massive step in the right direction,” Queen Elizabeth’s former spokeswoman Ailsa Anderson told PEOPLE following the historic meeting. “It’s a building of trust.”
Chris Jackson/Getty
Harry and the King, 76, have been estranged for more than 18 months. As PEOPLE previously reported, the meeting not only served as a chance for the Duke of Sussex to rekindle his relationship with his father, but also with his brother, Prince William.
While the encounter marked a hopeful step forward, royal insiders caution that a long road lies ahead before full reconciliation can take place.
“It shows the way forward,” an insider with ties to both sides told PEOPLE. “It is a good starting point.”
Just a few days after the meeting, Harry made a surprise visit to Kyiv, Ukraine, with his Invictus Games Foundation and spoke with The Guardian while there.
“The focus really has to be on my dad,” he said, while also acknowledging his past revelations in interviews and his memoir Spare. “My conscience is clear.”
When asked if he will ever bring his children to the U.K. despite his security concerns, Harry told the outlet, “Yes, I would. This week has definitely brought that closer.”
“Whatever has gone on in the past, it is good to see the family trying to repair itself or communicate at least,” a source with close ties to the palace added to PEOPLE. “Everyone has to have compassion for all sides.”
After visiting the U.K. and Ukraine, Harry returned to Montecito, Calif., to be with wife Meghan Markle and their children, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4. On Saturday, Sept. 20, Meghan, 44, and Harry stepped out together to the One805LIVE! concert, which supports Santa Barbara County’s first responders and was held at Kevin Costner‘s oceanside estate in California.
