Royal baby watch is in full swing, and as we wait in anticipation for the joyous news that Baby Sussex has arrived, there’s one thing that we can’t help but wonder: Which hospital (if any!) will Duchess Meghan choose to give birth?
It’s a question that could return a thousand answers. But fortunately, royals have always had a certain way of doing things that allow us to narrow down the options quite confidently.
What’s more, there are some very telling clues that have pinpointed four front runner locations.
If our calculations are correct, Meghan is due to give birth in mid-late April. Although like any expecting mum, it could really be any time from now.
So, in order to prepare for what is set to be the royal event of the year, we’ve weighed up the likelihood of each possible location, all of which are sure to be heavily watched over the coming weeks.
Keep scrolling as we delve into the likeliest locations for Baby Sussex’s arrival.
The Lindo Wing, London
Out of all of Meghan’s options, it’s the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hosptial in London that seems the most popular choice.
The birthplace of Kate and William’s three little tykes, it would be natural for Meghan and Harry to follow suit for their firstborn.
The hospital itself is also well equipped for a royal birth (which we know is no small production), with a pre-arranged and executed security plan mapped out.
The royal gynaecologist that Meghan is likely using is also based in London – so it would make sense for her to pick a hospital based in the same area.
Along with Kate, younger sister Pippa also opted for the Lindo Wing as the place to welcome her firstborn back in October 2018.
And if Meghan does indeed choose this plushy spot, we know that she’ll be in the best hands. A stay there, which usually starts at around £5,900 per night (about AUD $10,780) includes afternoon tea, post-delivery massages and champagne.
We wouldn’t blame her if this turns out to be Meghan’s ultimate choice!
Frimley Park, Surrey
Another option on the table for Duchess Meghan is Surrey’s Frimley Park.
Given Meghan’s penchant for going against the grain, even during her short time as an official royal, we wouldn’t be surprised if this was her choice.
A 750-bed public hospital, the The Sun reports the location is attractive to Meghan given it is run by the NHS.
The hospital offers 14 labour rooms with basic facilities such as and iPod dock, birth mats and birth balls – sure to do the trick!
The Portland, London
Another London-based hospital, the Portland seems an appropriate choice for Meghan given its ties with her homeland of the United States.
American-owned, the location is the very same place Sarah Ferguson gave birth to her two daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
The hospital is also renowned in the London circle as having a rather high-profile clientele, including Victoria Beckham and Jamie Oliver’s wife Jools.
With a basic maternity package starting at £8,000 (around AUD $14,700), this would be a very plushy choice from the royal.
Home birth
Some say it’s unlikely given the level of care and policing around the birth of any royal baby, but we can’t rule out a home birth for Meghan.
Indeed the royal has proved she can be a bit of a rule breaker when it comes to royal protocol (she did shut her own car door that time!).
But in all seriousness, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Duchess was hoping to keep things homely and grounded as she welcomes Baby Sussex.
Many have agreed that this is a valid option for Meghan, including her own mother, Doria Ragland.
In December, a source told Vanity Fair, “Doria will be involved and if she’s involved she will be encouraging Meg to go for a natural birth.”
What’s more, both the Queen and the Queen Mother gave birth to their children at home.
With all of the above in mind, there’s no questioning that Meghan and Harry’s new baby will be receiving a welcome for the ages.
And in the meantime, we’ll be waiting with baited breath for its grand arrival – we’re ready for you Baby Sussex!