It’s been a tradition that has divided the masses, sparking heightened outrage and blissful joy all at the same time.
We are of course, talking about the traditional royal baby photo call, which takes place shortly following the birth of a royal baby.
The idea is simple – the new parents step outside of the hospital in which they welcomed their new baby, cameras flash, world loses it, life returns to normal.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana did it, as did Prince William and Duchess Catherine.
But as for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry? Well, it seems that might be a different story.
Will Meghan follow in Diana and Kate’s footsteps by doing a royal-baby photo call? (Images: Getty)
In an explosive claim from two respected royal reporters, Omid Scobie and Emily Andrews, Meghan is actually about to test the controversial photo call tradition in her own way by skipping out on it altogether and instead sharing the exciting news on her newly-launched Sussex Royal Instagram account, perhaps by posting a first family photo.
Kate set the precedent high as she stepped out after giving birth to all three of her children.
But her flawless appearance and quick turnaround sparked fury among some – particular new mums themselves who said she set unrealistic expectations on women.
According to Scobie, they have a point Meghan would likely agree with.
“Given what we know about Meghan, the optics of a totally glamorous, picture-perfect moment hours after giving birth are not quite in alignment with her views on the world,” he said during the podcast On Heir.
Meghan might choose another, less traditional route when it comes to presenting her baby to the world. (Image: Getty)
British correspondent Emily Andrews agreed, saying she understands that Meghan will not be doing that, especially given that Meghan mightn’t even give birth at the same place Kate opted for.
Up until now, it was widely touted that Meghan would follow in Kate’s footsteps by giving birth at London’s Lindo Wing. But this isn’t necessarily the case.
A telling sign? Now that Meghan is only weeks out from giving birth, it’s understood that parking restrictions around the hospital would be going up, as happened with Kate.
According to the Daily Mail, the council aren’t aware of any such restrictions being erected at the location.
WATCH: Kate and William step out of Lindo Wing following the birth of Princess Charlotte. Story continues after video…
Instead, other possible birthing locations have been predicted with plenty of clues to back it up, including the NHO-run public hospital of Frimley Park in Surrey.
Although an unlikely choice, Meghan has already proved she’s happy to go against the grain – her wardrobe choices for one aren’t something traditionally royal worthy.
What’s more, her passion for social change and advocacy could see her take the opportunity to make a statement.
We must say, it would be refreshing to see a royal opt for hospitality even vaguely on our level!
Meghan’s choice in where to give birth remains to be seen. (Image: Getty)
Other options include the American-owned Portland hospital in London, which has been known to host a slew of A-listers in the past including Victoria Beckham and Jamie Oliver’s wife Jools.
Or, Meghan could pull a real 180 on us and opt for a home birth – which would also explain why it’s been rumoured she won’t opt for a photo call.
Andrews reported previously that Meghan, “just wants a normal, natural birth and to bond with her baby, without being primped and blow-dried to within an inch of her life just for the pictures.”
Either way, we’ll be waiting with baited breath for the first glimpse of the royal baby, wherever and whenever that may be!
