“It is completely understandable,” royal author Ingrid Seward tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “The Lindo Wing has become too much of a circus.”
PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images
The tradition of giving birth at St. Mary’s Hospital – and the public getting their first glimpse at the new royal family members – began in 1977, when Princess Anne welcomed her son, Peter Phillips. She opted to go to the same hospital to give birth to her daughter, Zara, in 1981.
Princess Diana continued the trend the following year, welcomingPrince Williamand introducing him to the world on the steps outside to much public fanfare. She also gave birth toPrince Harrythere.
All three of Prince William and Princess Kate’s children were born in the same place as their dad – and Prince George, 5,Princess Charlotte, 3, and Prince Louis, who turns 1 this month, gave their first royal waves on the steps for a crowd of well-wishers and photographers.
From left: Kate Middleton with Prince Louis (2018), Princess Charlotte (2015) and Prince George (2013).Shutterstock (2); Getty
Instead, they announced that Meghan and Harry will take part in a photo op with their new son or daughter on the grounds of Windsor Castle in the days following the birth.
While they may be stepping away from the modern tradition, the parents-to-be might follow an older way of doing things: a home birth atWindsor Castle’s Frogmore Cottage, where they recently moved.
Queen Elizabethwas born at the London home of her maternal grandparents and welcomed all four of her children at home as well. Her three sons – Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward – made their entrance to the world in grand fashion – at Buckingham Palace! The monarch’s daughter, Princess Anne, was born at Clarence House, where she and Prince Philip lived while Buckingham Palace was undergoing renovations following damage it suffered during World War II.
Meghan Markle.Tim Rooke/REX/Shutterstock
“People are delighted that Meghan is doing things differently,” says Seward. “She was under no pressure to do things the same.”
source: people.com
