The Duchess of Sussex and another working mother have been compared for their similar approaches to family life despite very different circumstances. Both women are described as "submarine parents," a term that reflects their shared pattern of periodically stepping away from parenting duties, leaving male partners to take on the primary childcare responsibilities during those times.

The comparison highlights how Meghan Markle and Prince Harry plan to manage their family life upon their reported return to Britain. Meghan is expected to divide her time between California for business endeavors, including work on their production company Archewell, while Harry will primarily handle day-to-day parenting tasks. Reports indicate he will be the one preparing lunches for their children, Archie and Lilibet, attending their sporting events, and managing school-related activities such as PTA meetings.

This arrangement mirrors that of the other mother, a travel editor based in southeast London, who regularly travels for work and relies on her partner for much of the childcare. She compares her lifestyle, which involves frequent trips for journalism assignments including visits to locations such as an Airbus factory in Toulouse and events in New York, with Meghan’s reported bi-continental movement between Britain and California. While the scale and glamour differ — the editor uses a Lime bike and local acquaintances for support, whereas the Sussexes have multiple homes and employ a team of high-cost nannies — the underlying dynamic is similar.

Harry has publicly expressed a desire to be a "full-time dad," a role that entails coordinating family activities and parenting responsibilities despite the practical support from staff. The arrangement contrasts with traditional gender roles, as it places the father more centrally in childcare duties while the mother pursues professional commitments that involve significant travel.

Both families rely on additional support networks, though they differ in formality and scale. The Sussexes make use of their second home in Portugal and a cadre of professional caregivers, while the London family depends on after-school clubs, grandparents, and friends.

While this style of parenting may not suit all families, it reflects evolving gender roles and the balancing act faced by modern working parents, combining professional ambition with family life through cooperative partnership.