Now that everyone knows that Meghan Markle is expecting her first child with Prince Harry, you would think that the British royal family would be celebrating the reins for her. The opposite is true, however, because during her pregnancy the Duchess of Sussex has to comply with many royal rules.
Harry and Meghan expect their first child in the spring of 2019, as the British palace announced earlier this month. The royal couple would have told the news to their families at the wedding of Princess Eugenie. Rumours about a possible pregnancy had been around for a long time, but the strict British court kept their lips tight, because of the protocol, and there are more rules that need to be followed.
1. Stay in the country as much as possible
Within the royal family it is rather the custom that the women continue to work until just before giving birth. However, one important rule here is: to reduce foreign countries to a minimum. To avoid as many risks as possible. Although Meghan lives with her family in America, she has to remain ‘at home’ as much as possible in the United Kingdom. The rule was broken in the past when Kate Middleton went to Norway during her prenatal pregnancy.
2. The sex of the baby must remain secret
There is a lot of speculation about the sex of royal offspring. Something that especially the bookmakers benefit from, because worldwide there is a lot of gambling. However, the baby’s sex must remain strictly secret until after birth. Prince William and Kate Middleton already made a state secret of the sex of their three children, and Prince Harry and Meghan will also have to follow this rule.
3. The Queen must be first informed of the birth
When the child comes into the world everyone must of course be informed. It is the rule that the Queen is first to be informed, and only after that the rest of the British royal family. The other lovers and friends come afterwards, follow the press and the rest of the world.
4. No baby shower
We already hear you think: with a new baby there is of course a baby shower or a drink. But the strict rules throw a spanner in the works. According to the protocol, the future mothers in the British Royal House cannot organize any party.
The official reason is as obvious as it is bizarre: it is forbidden because it would be inappropriate. After all, many (expensive) gifts are handed out on baby showers, and they do not necessarily need the British royals.
5. Meghan needs help
That Meghan would be well supported before, during and after her pregnancy is to be expected. A laundry list has been established for advisors, doctors and carers to assist her.
By comparison, Kate Middleton could count on two midwives, four surgical staff, three anaesthesiologists, four paediatricians, a laboratory technician for the blood analyses, two special care workers and three managers to manage everything in the right direction. The group meets every month to evaluate the situation and is ready 24/7 for the last three months of the pregnancy.
6. The baby can have a maximum of four first names
Not only the sex is hot topic, also about the name of the royal baby bets are made in advance. Earlier this week it became known that Meghan and Harry would certainly not call their child Diana, they had to have a daughter.
The children of Kate and Prince William each received only three: Prince George Alexander Louis, Princess Charlotte Elisabeth Diana and Prince Louis Arthur Charles. Prince Harry himself has four first names: his name is Henry Charles Albert David.
