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.
Duchess Meghan’s post-birth media appearance will not be like her brother and sister-in-law’s. (Images: Getty Images)
Her choice in hospital
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.
Some 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.
Though St Mary’s is a public hospital, one night in the Lindo Wing will cost you a whopping £5,900 (about $AUD10,780) but for that price you can expect chef-made meals, a champagne list and high-speed internet.
New reports have surfaced that the American-owned Portland is also an option, the same place where Sarah Ferguson, Victoria Beckham and Jools Oliver have given birth.
WATCH: What it’s like to give birth in the Lindo Wing. Post continues…
Home is where the heart is
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 told Vanity Fair 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.
READ MORE: The weird royal pregnancy rules Duchess Meghan must follow.
Princess Diana was a royal rule breaker herself when she gave birth to Prince William and Prince Harry at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital. (Image: Getty Images)
Keeping it refreshingly real
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, according to royal correspondent Emily Andrews, the Sussex duo want something far more private and low-key seeing as their child won’t be a direct heir to the throne.
“Meghan is nervous about complications such as an emergency Caesarean and doesn’t want the pressure of having to look immaculate on the hospital steps just hours later. Like any anxious first-time mum, she’s worried about the birth itself.”
“She 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.”
At 37, Duchess Meghan is also an older mum so there’s the potential for some complications as well as the added stress of having the world watching her every move.
“She and Harry have decided that rather than go somewhere as public as the Lindo they will allow Meghan to recover somewhere more private,” Andrews added.
WATCH: Duchess Meghan’s best maternity fashion moments. Post continues after video…
If Meghan does choose to make a public appearance with Prince Harry and her new bub though, we have a theory that she will follow the example of another high-profile figure, 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.
Could Meghan follow Jacinda’s more casual approach to birth? (Image: Getty Images)
But despite this holistic and free-spirited attitude, Duchess Meghan’s reputation has fallen faster than you can say ‘Difficult Duchess.’
Ever since Kensington Palace announced that Harry and Meghan will be making the move to Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, she’s gone from the smart, independent Suits star and feminist to a demanding diva who allegedly threw a hissy fit about a tiara and made her husband quit drinking tea.
Whether you believe the rumours or not, she’s hardly the most popular woman in the world right now and needs an image makeover, stat.
Even Duchess Catherine, who is arguably the more popular female royal at the moment, was slated in the press for her post-birth appearances so imagine what they’ll say about ‘Me-Gain’ as she’s been recently labelled.
If she’s dressed down in a public hospital and showing the real side to being a new mum, Meghan is far more likely to have support from the masses and make herself way more popular.
It’s an unfair conundrum for any new parent to face and no matter what option she picks, the obvious importance here is the health of both mum and bub.
When Baby Sussex is born, whether she’s dressed by Givenchy or Glassons, we’re keen to see Meghan’s original twist on royal parenting.
Can the royal baby repair Meghan’s tarnished image in the press? *(Image: Getty Images)
Want more on the Royal Baby?
The real reason why Duchess Meghan cradles her baby bump
All the signs that Meghan Markle is having a baby girl
Duchess Meghan Markle’s best maternity fashion moments
Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry reveal their due date
Royal baby album: Here’s what Meghan and Harry looked like as babies
The surprising way Duchess Meghan’s hair has changed throughout her pregnancy
What will Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry’s royal baby title be?
Everything Prince Harry has said about the royal baby
Where will Duchess Meghan give birth? All signs point to here
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