Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are named as environmental role models—for only having two children

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have been given a sustainability award for having a small family. 

• The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been named as environmental role models by a charity
• Population Matters, who campaign for a sustainable human population have said their decision to keep their family small is great for the environment 
• In more royal news, Prince William and the Queen have sent messages to the England football team.

Meghan and Harry have both spoken publicly about their plans to only have two children—with the couple recently welcoming their second child, little Lillibet, to their family. The couple tied the knot in 2018, with Meghan Markle's wedding dress and delighted smile capturing fans' imaginations as she walked down the aisle of St George's Chapel. Since then they have welcomed their son, Archie, who is now two and Lilibet.

In an interview with Vogue in 2019, the Duke said about the environment and having children, “I’ve always thought: this place is borrowed. And, surely, being as intelligent as we all are, or as evolved as we all are supposed to be, we should be able to leave something better behind for the next generation."

The charity, which has gifted Meghan and Harry with the award, called the couple's decision 'enlightened'. A spokesperson for Population Matters added, "In choosing and publicly declaring their intention to limit their family to two, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are helping to ensure a better future for their children and providing a role model for other families."

“Having a smaller family reduces our impact on the Earth, and provides a better chance for all our children, their children and future generations to flourish on a healthy planet.

“We commend the Duke and Duchess for taking this enlightened decision, and for affirming that a smaller family is also a happy family.”

The couple will win £500, to gift to any charity of their choice, as part of the award.

Last month the couple announced the birth of a baby girl named Lilibet 'Lili' Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. A message on the couple's Archewell website said, "On June 4, we were blessed with the arrival of our daughter, Lili.

"She is more than we could have ever imagined, and we remain grateful for the love and prayers we've felt from across the globe."