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The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, will take an American style maternity leave rather than following UK traditions, according to reports.

In the UK it is common for mothers, and increasingly fathers, to take up to a year off work after the birth of a child.

But in the USA a much shorter maternity leave is more usual, and sources claim that Meghan will be back at work in around 12 weeks, reports The Mirror .

A royal source told The Sun: “Meghan has made it very clear she wants to return to work as soon as possible.

"She has huge amounts of energy, is extremely determined and wants to be as hands-on as possible with her charities.

“She’s pencilled in three months, but she’ll most likely return to public life in six weeks on the Queen’s official birthday, Trooping the Colour, in June."

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

While the break may appear short, Kate Middleton took just five weeks off after the birth of Prince George in 2013.

Harry and Meghan are reported to be planning a long stay in Africa after the birth of their baby - where they will perform Royal duties.

Prince Harry has spent a lot of time in Lesotho, South Africa and set up the Sentebale charity there in 2006, which supports the mental heath and wellbeing of children and young people affected by HIV.

He has referred to Botswana as his "second home".