From Mystery Births to Luxury Hospital Wings: How Royal Deliveries Have Changed Over time

As the British Royal Family anticipates the arrival of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan Markle’s first child this Spring, many fans are wondering whether the newlyweds will choose to deliver their baby in the royal hospital or opt for a natural birth at home. While the latter option seems bizarre or difficult to realize, especially since you need the right medical facilities and staff to perform the delivery safely, it isn’t the case when it comes to the royal family.

Meghan can just decide with a snap of her finger to labor inside their humble abode, and all the best doctors and medical professionals will usher to her home in an instant. After all, it won’t be the first time this happened in the royal household. Let us unveil the mystery behind the royal babies’ delivery and why most of them prefer to do it in their own homes.

The History

The history of delivering royal babies in their respective palaces and homes can be traced back to Prince Charles’ birth. According to sources, the Crown Prince was born at Buckingham Palace, together with his brothers, Princes Andrew and Edward. Meanwhile, Princess Anne was born at Clarence House, the royal family’s other official residence since the Buckingham Palace was being renovated at the time to repair the damages sustained in the World War I. Furthermore, the royal family wanted to modernize the Royal Palace’s design after the War.

Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II lived at Clarence House together with their children until 1953.

While hospitals already existed in England since the 11th century, its primary purpose was to cater to people who got injured and require healing especially in times of war. However, it also became a venue for pleasant occasions like births. Fast forward to the 20th century where Queen Victoria gave birth to her nine children in the hospital.

The Choice

According to the doctors, the Royal Family have different choices when it comes to the venue where they want to give birth to their heirs and children

However, the current British royal family says they’re content to let the doctors come to their house, either in Balmoral or Buckingham Palace. The Queen Mother even said it could be anywhere! Even Queen Elizabeth’s (as well as the Royals before her) exact birth locations remained a mystery due to conflicting data most biographers obtained.  The renowned biographer Grania Forbes speculated maybe Elizabeth’s father wrote the wrong location when he registered her birth in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

The Anticipation

The royal couple also opted not to know the gender of their first child first-hand since they want to be surprised once he or she is born.

Whether or not Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan decide to deliver their child in their home or at a local hospital, only the newlyweds know the answer to this question. The royal couple has been keeping mum about the details of the imminent arrival of their child. They didn’t even opt to know its gender nor reveal the names they’ll give to their first offspring. No matter what their decision is, the royal fans are praying for the baby’s safe delivery, and they cannot wait to meet the newest addition to the Royal Family.