Back when she was Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex said, “I think that having the courage to step out of the norm is the most important thing.” And boy has she stepped out.
Whether she’s speaking publicly about women’s rights or (shock horror) closing car doors by herself, Meghan has been unlike any other royal we’ve seen and it’s clear that Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan aren’t your typical cookie-cutter royal couple.
In fact, compared to the more traditional Prince William and Duchess Catherine, they’re practically Kim and Kanye. Alright, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration.
But as the world patiently waits for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to introduce their first baby to the world, we’re gearing up for some royal baby firsts, especially that first moment when the new family of three steps out to meet the press. Hear us out and keep on scrolling:
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For starters, Meghan and Harry may not even welcome their baby at the famous Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, renowned for being a royal birthplace.
Recent reports from royal insiders claim that the parents-to-be will be having their baby at Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey. Not only is it a mere 25 minute drive away from their new home, Frogmore Cottage, in Windsor, it also appeals to Meghan’s left-wing principles.
With its 14 labour rooms and basic facilities, Meghan apparently “likes the fact the Surrey hospital’s maternity ward is run by the NHS,” a stark contrast to the privately-run Lindo Wing where Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis and most recently, Pippa Middleton and James Matthew’s son Arthur, were all born.
Before Frimley Park became an option, there were even whispers that Duchess Meghan would give birth at home sans drugs with mum Doria Ragland close by her side.
“Doria will be involved and if she’s involved she will be encouraging Meg to go for a natural birth,” a source said in December.
Given that this is Meghan’s first baby, doctors will most likely advise her to give birth in hospital, but both the Queen and the Queen Mother gave birth to their children at home.
It was Princess Diana (another royal rule breaker) who started the tradition of giving birth at the Lindo Wing.
And we bet it won’t just be the location that will be the opposite aesthetic to that luxurious Cambridge one.
Duchess Catherine made history three times over when she stood on the steps of the Lindo Wing post-birth, looking immaculate with her blow-dried hair, fresh make-up, designer dress and doting husband in tow.
However, we have a theory that Meghan will follow the example of another high-profile figure after she welcomes her baby, New Zealand’s prime minister Jacinda Ardern.
When she gave birth to her daughter, Neve Te Aroha Ardern Gayford, last year, Jacinda met the press as she departed Auckland City Hospital dressed down in comfy clothing, with little to no makeup and accompanied by her partner Clarke Gayford.
Seeing as both ladies share similar values and even had a secret meeting when Jacinda visited the UK on a recent official trip, we wouldn’t be surprised if the two talked birthing plans and Meghan may take a page out of Jacinda’s books.
The Duchess of Sussex has sought some professional help to get her through the last few months of her pregnancy.
Meghan has reportedly been working with a doula, often referred to as a “birth companion”, a non-medical assistant who provides emotional and physical support to an expectant mother during pregnancy, labor and immediately post-birth.
“Meghan is focused on calm and positive energy around the birth — she’s a big believer in that,” a source says.
The source also told the media that Prince Harry “is doing everything he can to make sure Meghan’s comfortable and happy.”
(Text: Rebecca Sullivan, Bauersyndication.com.au / Additional reporting: Natalya Molok)