Meghan Markle reportedly gave birth at a London hospital and not at home
The Duchess of Sussex's birthing plans have been the subject of speculation after the announcement of a newborn son. Photo: Getty Images
Even though an “absolutely thrilled” Prince Harry fronted the media at the Windsor Castle stables to announce the birth of his and wife Meghan Markle’s son, British newspapers are widely reporting the baby was born in a London hospital.
In the weeks leading up to the May 6 birth of the 3.26-kilogram royal boy, speculation swirled Meghan had her heart set on a home birth to avoid the circus of a hospital delivery, and to make the process as natural as possible.
According to reports – some of which were no doubt wide of the mark – the expectant parents studied hypnobirthing techniques and hoped to have their baby delivered by an all-female midwife team.
But Britain’s Daily Mail insisted within hours of Baby Sussex’s arrival that the duchess had been whisked from Frogmore Cottage to hospital by Harry and a Scotland Yard security team on Sunday night.
By that stage, the former actress was a week overdue and had sparked public concerns that a 37-year-old, first-time mother might need a higher level of care than was possible at home.
The Mail reported that it “understands” Meghan was transferred to the London hospital “amid such secrecy that even senior royals weren’t told”.
It also reported that Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, a yoga teacher, was part of her birthing support team.
Rather than slipping into the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s in Paddington, where Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge delivered all their children, it is believed Meghan most likely was admitted to private maternity hospital, the Portland.
Known as the poshest facility of its kind in London, the Portland was chosen by the Duchess of York for the arrivals of princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
The hospital, where even a straightforward delivery and stay costs upwards of $28,000, is also where Meghan’s celebrity friends Victoria Beckham and Amal Clooney welcomed their babies.
Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson with Eugenie at the Portland in 1990. Photo: Getty
The Mail could not confirm whether Meghan was induced but claimed sources said she stayed there overnight before giving birth at 5.26am on Monday (British time).
While Buckingham Palace declined to comment after the Sussexes decided to keep their birth plans a secret, sources confirmed to the Mail that a hospital delivery had taken place.
In keeping with Harry and Meghan’s wishes for privacy, the palace did not say Meghan had gone into labour until 1.49pm on May 5, hours after their son was actually born.
Within an hour of that first announcement, a second statement was put out saying the royal couple had welcomed a son.
When the traditional easel was put up in the Buckingham Palace forecourt with the baby’s sex and weight, it did not include his place of birth or the attending doctor’s name.
If Meghan did give birth in London, she and Harry and the baby must have made the 45-minute drive back to Windsor soon after the little boy’s arrival.
By the time the baby news was posted to the Royal Family Instagram account, the new family of three was back at Frogmore Cottage, according to the palace statement.
After the Sussexes posted an ‘It’s a boy’ message on their own Sussex Royal social media account, they were sent a special message by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, who reposted the first post.
“Delighted” new uncle Prince William and aunt Kate Middleton said they “look forward to meeting the latest addition to the family”.
The infant was also welcomed in more lavish style, with the London Eye lighting up in colours of the British flag – blue, red and white – in honour of his arrival.
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