Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan may be the most famous parents to-be in the world but as Royal Baby watch reaches fever pitch, the couple are no doubt looking forward to ringing in all the normal milestones like any other family.
Whether it’s baby’s first tooth or learning to crawl, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have so much to look forward to.
But unlike your average family, the latest member to join the British Royal Family will be seventh in line to the British throne.
Indeed, being part of such an historical lineage comes with an instant set of traditions one must adhere to. However, as we know, Meghan and Harry are a very modern couple who are determined to give their baby the most grounded upbringing possible.
It’s a fine balance between duty and normality but if anyone can do it, it’s Meghan and Harry.
So, just what will the Royal Baby’s first year look alike?
Keep reading as we round up the biggest moments and most exciting milestones set for the Royal Baby’s year ahead!
We can’t wait to see the couple, pictured in Dubbo during the royal tour of Australia last year, in mum and dad mode. (Image: Shutterstock)
The Royal Christening
Following the initial announcement of the arrival of their baby, which will most likely be shared on social media followed by an official albeit low-key photo call in Windsor a few days later, the Sussexes will retreat to the secluded settings of Frogmore Cottage to settle in as a new family-of-three.
But when will we see the Royal Baby next?
Well, going off past patterns adopted by Prince William and Duchess Catherine with their three children, the next official outing will most likely be Baby Sussex’s christening, which should take place in early August about three months after his or her arrival.
The event will be a private family affair attended by senior royals, proud grandmother Doria Ragland and a VIP selection of godparents (royals LOVE a big list of godparents, we’re predicting about six) but we should get a glimpse of the new bundle if they allow a press pen to be stationed outside of the church to snap the party en route to the service.
The Royal Family will also release official christening portraits featuring the cherubic newborn.
In terms of locations, St. Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham is a popular venue for royal christenings as is St. James’s Palace in London.
Duchess Catherine beams as she carries in a sleeping and peaceful 11-week-old Prince Louis for his christening last year. (Image: AAP)
Baby’s first balcony appearance
Every year, royal watchers delight in the spectacle that is Trooping the Colour. The special event gives fans the chance to see the modern monarchy in their element – big hats, bright colours, royal waves and all!
The lavish parade and fly-over celebrates the Queen’s birthday and this year, it will fall on Saturday June 8th.
READ NEXT: Trooping of the Colour: A history
The Cambridge clan pictured at the 2017 Trooping the Colour. (Image: Getty)
This will most likely mark Duchess Meghan’s first official royal appearance since giving birth.
“I hear that Meghan, provided everything is OK with the baby and herself, will be at Trooping,” respected royal reporter Omid Scobie confirmed on his weekly royal podcast On Heir.
“Yes, indeed. It’s going to be her first public appearance. That will only be six weeks after the birth of Baby Sussex,” Omid’s co-host Emily Andrews added.
While Baby Sussex will probably be too young to join its family members on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, our eyes will be glued to the surrounding windows for a sneak peek of the bub.
Who could forget those sweet photos of a baby Prince George sticking his tongue out and watching on from the inside of the palace in the arms of his nanny, Maria Borrallo, in 2015?
We reckon Baby Sussex will definitely join cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis for Trooping the Colour in June 2020.
Bring on the adorable cousin antics!
LISTEN BELOW: Duchess Meghan’s attendance at Trooping the Colour 2019 has been confirmed. Post continues after the video…
Baby’s first overseas trip
While speculation is rife Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are looking to relocate to Africa on a sabbatical year abroad to further their charitable endeavours, the palace didn’t confirm or deny The Times‘ report, simply stating: “Any future plans for The Duke and Duchess are speculative at this stage. No decisions have been taken about future roles. The Duke will continue to fulfil his role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador.”
But we do know Meghan and Harry share a passion for travel and have friends all over the globe. While Meghan’s mother Doria is currently helping out at Frogmore Cottage, she hasn’t planned to relocate to England permanently so we wouldn’t be surprised if Baby Sussex jets across the pond later in the year for an unofficial meet-and-greet with Meghan’s close-knit circle of friends in LA, Toronto and beyond.
Besides, the baby is half American after all!
Meghan’s best friend Jessica Mulroney, who is also being tipped as a potential godmother, is based in Toronto, Canada, and has three young children, daughter Ivy, five, and twin boys Brian and John, eight, who would love to meet Baby Sussex.
A trip to LA could also be on the cards, not only to spend time with granny Doria, but introduce the bub to her circle of A-list friends.
Jessica and Meghan met while the actress was filming Suits in Toronto. (Image: @jessicamulroney/Instagram)
Baby’s first Invictus Games
The annual Paralympics-style event, which Prince Harry founded in 2014 to help celebrate injured service men and women, is the royal’s other baby and holds a special place in Harry’s heart.
The next Invictus Games will be held at The Hauge in The Netherlands and we’ll be crossing our fingers it’s a family affair with Harry bringing both Meghan and bub along for the fun.
Harry is a natural with kids and it would be amazing to see him share the magic of the Invictus Games with his little one. (Image: Shutterstock)
Baby’s first Christmas
Rounding out the year, Baby Sussex will celebrate his or her first Christmas and it’s highly likely the Sussexes may skip the Queen’s annual gathering at her private country castle, Sandringham House in Norfolk in favour of a more relaxed gathering with Meghan’s mother Doria, either at Frogmore Cottage or even in Doria’s hometown of LA.
They certainly wouldn’t be the first royals to sit out the Sandringham gathering. Prince William and Duchess Catherine have rotated their schedule over the years, often spending the holiday with Kate’s family in Buckleberry.
Another end of year treat we can look forward to is Baby Sussex taking centre stage in the Sussex’s Christmas card!
This is what Harry and Meghan’s 2018 card looked like. We can only imagine how amazing this year’s one will be! (Image: Chris Allerton / PA)
