Why Baby Sussex Didn't Make a Hospital Appearance Like George, Charlotte, and Louis
Meghan Markle will be giving birth to her and Prince Harry's first child any day now, but instead of following royal tradition and making an appearance at the hospital, the Duke and Duchess will exit privately with their baby. Find out why here.

On Monday, Kensington Palace confirmed the big news: Meghan Markle has had her first child with Prince Harry, a son weighing seven pounds and three ounces. While many of the details around the birth remain secret—Meghan Markle is at home in Frogmore Cottage, according to the Palace's statement, meaning that she either gave birth there or was able to quietly leave the hospital remarkably quickly—we do know the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are choosing not to have baby Sussex make its first appearance at the hospital, breaking royal tradition. According to royal reporter Rebecca English, Harry and Meghan will have a photocall around two days after the birth.
"Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private," Buckingham Palace said in a statement. "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 media will, however, be told when Meghan is in labor and when baby Sussex is born.
#HarryandMeghan say they are very grateful for “the goodwill they have received from people throughout the UK & around the world” and “have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private”. pic.twitter.com/jjrhTdZpp3April 11, 2019
Royal mothers including Princess Diana and Kate Middleton presented their children to the world by stepping out of the hospital after their births. Following Prince Louis' birth last year, Kate made an appearance outside of the hospital a mere seven hours (!) later, though fans criticized her for setting unrealistic standards for new moms.
Meghan, it seems, wants to take a more subtle approach (spending time with her child in private, then showing him or her to the world when she's ready), which is totally reasonable. Unlike George, Charlotte, and Louis, baby Sussex isn't directly in line to the throne. (It's seventh, and has a long way to go.)
Here's Will and Kate announcing the birth of Prince George in 2013:
And Princess Charlotte in 2015:
And Prince Louis in 2018:
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Though it would have been exciting to see baby Sussex right away, I'll just be over here patiently waiting for those first Instagram pictures.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORY
Rachel Epstein is a writer, editor, and content strategist based in New York City. Most recently, she was the Managing Editor at Coveteur, where she oversaw the site’s day-to-day editorial operations. Previously, she was an editor at Marie Claire, where she wrote and edited culture, politics, and lifestyle stories ranging from op-eds to profiles to ambitious packages. She also launched and managed the site’s virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. Offline, she’s likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop.
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Dua Lipa Pairs Her Snakeskin Trench With a Chanel Bag
The pop star's new rules scream loud luxury.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why One Former Queen Was Held "Prisoner" at Kensington Palace by Her Mother
She was forbidden "from reading popular books" or walking "downstairs without holding someone's hand."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Refused to Abide by a 350-Year-Old Royal Tradition on Her Wedding Day
She insisted on doing this one very important thing her way, according to a royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The New Weekend Hobby Prince George and Prince Louis Are Currently Obsessed With
"At weekends, we go from one competition to the next," Prince William revealed.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why Princess Kate and Prince William "May Need a Referee" Amid Major Differing Opinions
Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis could get caught in the middle, according to one royal expert.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kate Middleton Pairs a Sleek Navy Coat With $100 Earrings for Six Nations Rugby Clash
The Princess of Wales debuted the brand new pair of hoop earrings at the sporting event.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Princess Kate Might Miss an Important Family Milestone Involving Sister Pippa Middleton
The Princess of Wales's schedule may have forced her to make a difficult decision.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The Surprising Detail About Princess Diana's Earrings You Probably Missed at Kate Middleton's Latest Appearance
The Princess of Wales wore her late-mother-in-law's pearl drops for Commonwealth Day 2025.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
7 Times the Royal Family Broke Queen Elizabeth's More Understated "Rule"
These royal women are doing it their way.
By Kristin Contino Published