Meghan Markle "takes risks," reveals Prince Harry as the Duchess withdraws | Royal | New

The 37-year-old Duchess of Sussex will reduce her royal obligations during the couple's first joint tour as pregnancy fatigue sets in, Prince Harry said.

Six days after the start of the tour, the couple has hosted thousands of royal fans, Invictus Games competitors and top Australian officials.

The Kensington Palace announced that Meghan was expecting a baby next spring in a statement at the beginning of the tour, but confirmed today that she was going to cut some of her commitments.

Kensington Palace said: "After a busy schedule, the Duke and Duchess have decided to slightly reduce the duchess for the next few days, before the last week and half of the tour."

And Prince Harry, 34, confirmed that his wife was "resting at home".

"Being pregnant takes its toll," he added.

According to one source, the palace helpers "are just trying to do things in their place" after a busy first week and before the last week.

Kensington Palace added that Meghan was not sick but tired with his busy schedule.

A royal assistant said, "She feels good but is resting."

Prince Harry attended the solo road cycling tests this morning.

The Royal was spotted helping competitors get ready before watching them race at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney and award medals to the winners.

Meghan joined Harry in the afternoon for sailing, where the couple surprised the family of a competitor who did not know they would welcome the Duke and Duchess to Farm Cove in Sydney.

Prince Harry and Meghan – who both seemed in good spirits – went side by side with a 40-foot Hanse 400 yacht where they boarded to meet an American couple watching their son's race.

The yacht is owned by Cam Wayland, who works with the Royal Australian Naval Sailing Association, and her partner Aisleen Patterson. The couple volunteered to use the boat to watch the Games with family and friends.

Carrie and Bill Novack, from Illinois and also on board, were informed only on Monday that they would be joined by two distinguished personalities and that it would remain secret.

The couple's son, Ryan, 26, was first lieutenant in the US Air Force before injuring his spine in 2006.

Ms. Novack said, "They were really adorable. Harry asked what Invictus meant for our family, about our son's trip – and he also asked for his sanity. It was so easy to talk to them. Harry said that it was good that he was integrated into the program from the beginning – people can reach a plateau or downward spiral.

"Meghan was asking where we were from, she had gone to the university near us in Chicago and had said that she loved Chicago."

Before Harry and Meghan boarded, security crews swept the boat with a trapping dog and divers were sent underneath.

Since they reached Australia on October 15, the couple held a full schedule: Opening of the Invictus Games, opening of the Anzac Memorial for deceased veterans, meeting of a charity dedicated to the ocean at Bondi Beach and a charity dedicated to children's mental health, and attending a reception with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

The Royal Palace has not yet announced its intention to modify the Duchess's program for the remainder of the tour.

But Harry and Meghan have to fly to Fiji and Tonga, where the difficult climate could force the Duchess to be absent from several official duties.