Prince Harry’s First Royal Trip Away From Meghan Markle and Baby Archie Was ‘Very Difficult’

Just a little over two weeks after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first royal baby, son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, the Duke of Sussex has returned to his royal duties. The proud dad spent the first night away from son and wife since Archie’s arrival after jetting from London to Italy on May 23.

Even though the 34-year-old was all smiles as he visited Rome for the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup, a source close to the royal family dished that the trip was apparently everything but a walk in the park for him. “Harry left for Italy and it was very difficult for him to leave Archie and Meghan,” the royal insider dished to Us Weekly. “He wants to spend every second he can with them.”

The source added that, although it was hard to leave, Harry knew his superstar wife had everything under control. The 37-year-old beauty “has really taken to motherhood,” the insider explained. “She’s so soft and gentle with Archie.” As for her husband, so far Harry has “been a very hands-on dad.” Aww!

Baby Archie has already met a few members of the royal family as well as some of Meg and Harry’s closest friends. Sadly, the little tot will not get to meet his late grandmother, Princess Diana, who “would’ve adored” her newest grandson. Harry’s beloved mom tragically passed away almost 22 years ago and the red-haired royal plans on honoring her in the sweetest way.

“Diana was a fantastic mom and very hands-on,” a source exclusively told Closer Weekly. “Harry remembers all the fun times they had as a family — Trips to Thorpe Park, skiing in Europe and much more, and wants to follow in her footsteps when it comes to raising Archie — always being there for him and giving him a loving, normal upbringing.”

The insider added, “He couldn’t have asked for a better mom and even though she isn’t here today knows she would’ve been proud of him.”

We can’t wait to watch Baby Archie grow up!