All of Britain and half of the world are overwhelmed with anticipation for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's new Royal baby. Just about everything about this pregnancy was covered in the media – bookies tried determining its name and its gender, traditions were broken, rumors and secrets surfaced. So many fascinating things were said about this Royal pregnancy, it was almost impossible to keep track of all of them. But stay calm, because we gathered all of them up for you! Here are the most unbelievable and mind-blowing facts about the new Royal baby, read on to make sure you know absolutely all of them:
Was the Baby Born Already?
Radio personality Chris Evans hinted that Prince Harry and Meghan's baby was already born. Evans told his listeners that he knew something and it's more than likely that a new royal baby was already born. He said that the fact that the Queen visited Meghan and Harry is proof that the baby has already been born. Several sources indicated that the Queen visited their new home (Frogmore Cottage) over Easter Sunday. She was given a tour there, and maybe, just maybe, saw the newest addition to the Royal Family for the very first time.
Prince William Won't Be the Godfather (!)
Some people mistakingly assume that Prince William will be the baby's godparent, but tradition won't allow it. It is common in the UK to pick a sibling to become the godparent of your child, but it doesn't really work like that in the Royal family. Prince William didn't ask Prince Harry to be the godparent of any of his three children, so the chances of Harry asking William to become the godparent of his baby are slim at best. A godparent or not, William will have a major part in the new baby's life.
Baby Diana or Baby Arthur?
Diana is the most likely name for the new Royal baby according to the bookmakers. Allegra, which is the name Princess Diana stated she would've chosen if she had a daughter is ranked as the sixth likeliest name. Lady Annabelle Goldsmith who was Diana's best friend said that Lady Di heard the name Allegra and thought it was really lovely. Arthur and Elizabeth are also names that are ranked high on the list, and Albert and Victoria are also viable options according to the bookies. Will the bookies get it right?
Meghan Wants An American Nanny
Meghan and Prince Harry are rumored to be searching for an American nanny. If they'll find one and hire her it would break the tradition of hiring a Norland nanny (British childcarers of choice, working for the rich and famous). They are using the services of a recruitment agency to help them find someone who can start as soon as possible. Meghan was the one who preferred an American nanny over a British one and wants to make him/her feel a part of the family and not just hired help.
The Queen's Schedule Is Surprisingly Empty These Days
Another hint that the Royal baby is due any day now is that Queen Elizabeth II cleared out her schedule for the next week in order to stay close to Harry and Meghan's new home in Frogmore Cottage. This could indicate a really enormous clue from the Queen that Meghan's due date is imminent. The Queen's diary shows that she will be staying in Windsor during the next seven days, a 10-minute drive from Frogmore Cottage. Kensington Palace never officially revealed the baby's due date or its gender so we'll have to wait for it patiently to arrive.
Prince Harry Is Responsible For Six Kids Already
Meghan turned 37 in 8.4.18 so she'll be almost 38 when she'll give birth around May. Prince Harry turned 34 in 9.15.18 so he'll be almost 35 when he'll become a dad for the very first time in his life. Harry said that being a godfather to six of his friends' kids, he was really waiting to have kids of his own already. Being responsible for six kids before even becoming a dad? That's quite a responsibility. But that could be expected from a Prince, Royals are supposed to take responsibility and set an example for others.
A Doula With Royal Connections
According to reports, Meghan will have a doula helping her out while she's giving labor. Doulas are birth coaches who also offer post-birth support, providing guidance during and post labor. They are not medically trained but do everything within their powers to provide a positive birth experience. It is rumored that the doula chosen by Meghan is a woman by the name of Lauren Mischon. The Duchess refused to neither confirm or deny the report. Curiously enough, Lauren is related to Lord Mishcon, whose law firm managed Princess Diana and Prince Charles's divorce.
Meghan's Mom Is In the UK Now
Doria Ragland is Meghan Markle's mom, her dog was pictured being walked by a dog walker, indicating that Doria in now in the UK, with speculations, rising, that the new Royal baby was already born. Doria is usually the one who walks her dogs, so her absence could very well point to the fact that she left the U.S to be with her daughter and perhaps also with her new grandchild. So is Doria really with Harry and Meghan already, staying with them at Frogmore Cottage and helping them adjust to their new responsibility as parents?
A Female Doctor Will Deliver the Baby
Breaking Royal tradition in this instance as well, Meghan Markle will appoint a female doctor to deliver her baby. Some were surprised by Meghan's choice - not wanting the male doctors that delivered George, Louis, and Charlotte (Guy Thorpe-Beeston and Alan Farthing), since they were considered to be the very best. We think that Meghan setting up her birth plan just the way she wants it is a very worthy and reasonable thing to do. With all due respect to the Queen's doctors, Meghan has the right to choose the doctors she'll feel the most comfortable with.
Will Meghan Breastfeed Like The Queen?
Meghan will have the support and help of her mother and of a nanny, and it's possible that she will breastfeed her baby – if she'll want to do so - with proper planning and the option to pre-pump milk. Breastfeeding among royal mothers is no longer a rare thing after being implemented by Queen Elizabeth II, who impressively breastfed all four of her children. But in the past, queens did not breastfeed - Breastfeeding was even thought to “ruin the bosom”, as Elizabeth Jane Timms, a royal historian, explains.
Planning to Break Tradition Regarding the Baby's First Picture
Traditionally, royal babies are being presented to the world very quickly after being born, sometimes even on the very first day. It is not only unlikely that Meghan will do that, but also very possible that she will be the one to release herself the very first photo of the new royal baby. That's already two traditions she is planning to break, and who knows what else is in store for us! Unlike Meghan, Kate Middleton followed this tradition with all three of her children, with the most memorable being the mini-storm that swept the world when she posed with baby Charlotte a mere seven hours (!) after birth, looking stunning.
Will the Baby Be American or British?
Many ask themselves the question – Will the baby have American or British citizenship? A doctor from the University of Bristol Law School (Dr. Devyani Prabhat) said that the baby will be automatically given both an American and British citizenship, something many can only dream of. This is because both countries grant citizenship through bloodlines for at least two generations. Both countries also allow their citizens to hold on to dual nationalities. With a little bit of planning maybe you would've been able to have British/American parents who are also Royalty and have a lot of money, class, and fame.
Fans Started Gathering Outside Windsor Castle
Dedicated Royal fans started gathering in Windsor, some of them camping outside Windsor Castle, near Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Frogmore Cottage home hoping to catch a glimpse of the new Royal baby. Some of them held signs welcoming the new baby into the world. Several sources reported that Markle will give birth at their Frogmore Cottage home, and in case of complications (god forbid), the Duchess will be taken to NHS Frimley Park Hospital, a 30 minutes drive from their home. Has the world ever waited in anticipation for a baby more than it does now?
The Royal Family Wants To Celebrate Alone First
Royal fans will have a way to know when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's baby arrives. Reports that the baby was already born could be false. The Palace promised in the past that they'll announce when Meghan will give birth by posting about it on their Instagram account @sussexroyal. They want to keep things as private as they possibly can, but they could still hold on to their promise. They launched a statement saying that they are excited to share the news with everyone, but they'll do it only after celebrating privately as a new family.
Oprah Already Bought Presents For the Baby
Oprah Winfrey is a woman who takes care of everything in advance, that's probably one of the secrets to her success. So, Oprah already bought presents for Prince Harry and Meghan's baby. Like everybody else, Oprah still doesn't know if it's a boy or a girl, but she promised that the baby will have enough books for a lifetime. Oprah and Prince Harry are currently working together on a project revolving mental fitness. Oprah who likes the Prince very much complained that he isn't especially quick in responding to her emails.
NY Baby Shower Studded With Stars
In February Meghan Markle flew to New York where she met some of her closest friends, including Serena Williams and Amal Clooney who co-hosted a luxurious baby shower for the Duchess at the Mark Hotel. The baby shower took place inside Mark Hotel's lavish penthouse. Other famous guests were Abigail Spencer, Jessica Mulroney, Gayle King, and Misha Nonoo who all got a flower arranging lesson. Meghan's next stop was Morroco where she traveled together with Prince Harry for a three-day Royal tour. They had so much fun there that they decided to stay another day.
The Real-life Game of Thrones
Another question everyone is curious to know is what place will the new Royal baby hold in line to the throne? Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's baby will be seventh in the British line of succession. As a result, Prince Andrew (the Queen's 2nd oldest son) will go down to the eighth place with his daughters Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice ranked ninth and tenth. The kids of Kate Middleton and Prince William (George, Charlotte, and Louis) will all stay ahead of Meghan and Harry's child just because Prince William is older than Prince Harry.
How About Twins?
The ultimate question is – is it a boy or a girl? Or maybe it's both? Many believe that Meghan is actually expecting twins. Royal twins would simply rock the British nation and the entire world. That being said, you'd expect Kensington Palace to confirm such rumors if true, or just announce it in the initial statement that let the world know there's a new royal coming. So, it's almost certain that Meghan and Prince Harry are expecting just one baby. Nevertheless, one baby can be a handful, as many parents already know.
British Or American Education, That Is The Question
It's never too early to plan education and Meghan and Prince Harry agree on that. Kensington Palace hasn't released any official statement about the matter, but some reports claim that Meghan and Harry's future kid will go to a school in England that will have an American curriculum. They are both in favor of providing their child with diverse education and Meghan wants her kid to be completely aware of her or his American heritage. They still don't know specifically which school it will be, but these are the main guidelines.
Top Priority: A Normal Life For The Baby
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want their child to have a normal life as possible. It's one of the most important things as far as they are concerned. But what about the child's title? If it will be a boy he's set to be called Earl of Dumbarton. If it's a girl her title will be Lady Mountbatten-Windsor. Harry and Meghan will want to obtain from giving a royal title for their child for as long as possible. With the amount of coverage, the child is about to get from the media, normal life isn't really what he or she will have, but we wish Harry and Meghan all the luck in the world to fulfill their ambition.