Meghan Markle And Prince Harry To Keep Royal Birth Private, Shirking Tradition — And Awful British Press

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A very interesting practice that’s become something of a tradition for the Royals, is for new parents to pose with their newborn outside of the hospital. Princess Diana did it, Kate Middleton did it (and most recently did it just hours after giving birth), but Meghan Markle will not.

Kensington Palace released a statement on Thursday confirming that she and Prince Harry decided to keep their upcoming birthing experience private. No immediate post-birth photo shoots, or standing outside of anybody’s hospital wing cheesing when you’re actually…you know…wide open/in pain and trying to recover from the major act of birthing a child. The world will meet their child when they’re ready for the Royal baby to be seen — and not a minute earlier.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very grateful for the goodwill they have received from people throughout the United Kingdom and around the world as they prepare to welcome their baby. Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private. The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family.

The move makes sense, and not just for the obvious reasons. It’s been clear that the press in the U.K., the tabloids specifically, have not been kind to Markle. Coverage of her, from the moment she was revealed as a romantic interest of Prince Harry, has been negative and even racist at times. Not to mention, many stories have been written attempting to pin Markle and Middleton against each other. In all of these instances, Kensington Palace has had to speak out. So one can imagine the couple’s desire to protect their unborn child from the scrutiny, comparisons and online abuse for as long as they can.

The Palace said it will be announced when the Duchess is in labor, and the birth news will be shared. However, they’re not confirming where they’re having the baby, and it likely won’t be at St. Mary’s Hospital, which has been Middleton’s facility of choice.

Whatever happens, Markle and Prince Harry are excited and preparing for the arrival of their child (or children? You never know!). They moved into a new home in the country, Frogmore Cottage, and a source told PEOPLE they’re looking forward to starting this next chapter.

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