Royal baby private birth plan provokes mixed reaction from public

Buckingham Palace has revealed Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will keep the birth of their baby private.

It is understood that there will not be a photo call outside a hospital. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stood on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s in Paddington, after the births of each of their three children.

Instead, it is likely that photographs of Meghan and Harry’s baby will be released a few days after the birth.

“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,” a statement from the palace read.

“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.”

Mixed reaction from the public

The news has received a mixed reaction from the public, with many royal fans pleased with the couple’s decision to enjoy private time with their newborn, before announcing the birth.

Many also applauded Meghan’s decision not to pose for photographs hours after giving birth.

But other Twitter users did not appear to support the couple’s decision.

One tweeted: “They want royal privileges, taxpayers to fork out millions for their cottage renovation, security, pay for them and the baby for life but don’t want to share details until they are ready. Want privacy, sod off and fund yourselves [sic].”

Meghan and Harry’s baby could arrive any day now. In January, during a visit to Birkenhead, the Duchess revealed the child was due at the end of April or beginning of May.

The couple’s choice of hospital hasn’t been revealed nor have they confirmed reports that Meghan wishes to have a home birth at their new abode – Frogmore Cottage in Windsor.

READ MORE: How to have a home birth like Meghan Markle is rumoured to want

While there is global interest in Harry and Meghan, their child will only be seventh in line to the throne.

Their decision to keep the birth private is not too dissimilar to that of Zara and Mike Tindall when they had their two daughters Mia and Lena – in 2014 and 2018, respectively.The news comes after William Hill suspended all bets on the baby’s gender after receiving an ‘avalanche’ of bets that it will be a girl.

There have also been numerous bets on what name the child will be given, with Diana the top pick (4/1) followed by Victoria (8/1) and Alice (10/1).