Meghan Markle is never one to do things by the book, so the birth of her first child was expected to be an occasion that bucked royal tradition and paved the way for a new, modern way of doing things.
It has been widely reported that the 37-year-old Duchess wanted to give birth at home, at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, and also wanted to have a water birth, with the assistance of a doula.
We knew that unlike her sister-in-law Kate Middleton and late mother-in-law Princess Diana, Meghan would snub The Lindo Wing in London and also refuse to step out in front of the world’s media just hours after giving birth.
And last month, a friend of Meghan’s revealed to The Daily Mail that a home birth was Meghan’s preferred option.
“It is her favoured choice,” the source said, “but it obviously depends on how things are nearer the time.”
The source also revealed that Meghan has “sailed” through her pregnancy and has practised yoga daily, which has kept her in good health.
As she is fit, strong and healthy, Meghan reportedly saw no reason why she could not give birth at home.
She was also hoping to give birth without any pain relief at all, as she prefers to live a natural lifestyle with limited interference from drugs.
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Meghan wanted to give birth at home and had researched hypnotherapy. (Image: Getty)
But it appears as though Baby Sussex, who Prince Harry confirmed was an “overdue” baby, was actually born in hospital.
According to the Mail’s royal sources, Meghan was whisked off to hospital in secret, with even senior royals unaware of her movements.
She was reportedly taken to London’s Portland hospital, which is about an hour’s drive away from Windsor, and remained there overnight before giving birth at 5:26am on Monday morning, as Prince Harry was by her side.
Suites at Portland cost a reported $28,000 per night.
Sources at Buckingham Palace confirmed to the Mail that a hospital delivery took place, but it’s unclear whether she was induced.
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All signs point to Meghan giving birth in hospital. (Image: Getty)
Here’s a timeline of exactly what went down.
First, Meghan was admitted to hospital on Sunday evening and remained there overnight, giving birth at 5.26 in the morning on Monday, but the Palace did not announce that Meghan had gone into labour until several hours after the baby had actually been born, at 1.40pm.
Then at 2.40pm London time, the official statement was released announcing that Meghan had given birth to a son.
Then at 4.45pm, the official easel was set up outside Buckingham Palace.
An overjoyed Prince Harry announcing the birth of Baby Sussex in Windsor. (Image: Getty)
Meghan and Harry did everything they could to keep the details of their son’s birth private.
Last month, Buckingham Palace released a statement indicating that we would not be receiving as much information as we did with the births of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very grateful for the goodwill they have received from people throughout the United Kingdom and around the world as they prepare to welcome their baby,” the statement read.
“Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private.
“The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family.”
WATCH BELOW: The adorable moment Prince Harry announces the birth of Baby Sussex. Story continues after video.
So what’s next for Baby Sussex?
Well, as Prince Harry himself said, we’ll soon be seeing some official photos of the new bub and his name will be released soon, probably within the next 48 hours.
We’ll also find out what his official royal title will be, as well as which of the couple’s A-list pals will act as his godparents.
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