The world is in the final hours of waiting for the much-anticipated arrival of Baby Sussex, the royal baby of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry.
And while details of the Sussexes’ first child have been kept firmly under wraps, reports have surfaced indicating that NHS Frimley Park Hospital is the chosen location for the Duchess’ delivery.
The Surrey-based medical facility has been placed on standby as Meghan prepares to give birth any day now, and it’s a rather unusual choice for the young royal couple.
The choice of Frimley Park – a 938-bed general hospital located roughly 30 minutes from Frogmore Cottage, the new home which Harry and Meghan moved to in early April – is so surprising because as a public facility it is free of charge, a world away from the ultra-exclusive, $11,000 AUD per night Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in London where Meghan’s royal sister-in-law Kate Middleton welcomed her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
Kate followed in the footsteps of Prince William’s trailblazing mother Diana, Princess of Wales, who broke with royal tradition to give birth in a hospital instead of at Kensington Palace.
It was Princess Diana who started the trend of giving birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s, welcoming her two sons with Prince Charles there.
It’s understood that Meghan – who has long planned for a home birth – will remain at Frogmore for as long as possible once she goes into labour, and will only be transported to Frimley Park should she experience any complications.
“The plan has never changed. Meghan has been very clear what she wants,” a source told The Sun.
Frimley Park has seen some notable births, some of whom are even related to Baby Sussex as part of the royal family!
Prince Edward – the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh – and his wife Sophie, Countess of Wessex welcomed their two children at Frimley Park.
Lady Louise Windsor was born there in 2003, followed by James, Viscount Severn in 2007.
England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson was also born at Frimley back in 1979, as were Boo and Walt Evans, the twins of TV presenter Chris Evans who arrived in 2018.
Following an inspection in August 2015, Frimley Park was one of only three hospitals in England rated Outstanding by the Quality Care Commission, so it seems both the Duchess and royal baby are in excellent hands.
According to Frimley Park’s official website, the hospital recently underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade and now offers “full en suite facilities on all labour rooms, more birth pools, better antenatal facilities and transitional care units for new babies who need a bit of extra support from mums”.
While the Duchess of Sussex is doing things very differently to her fellow Windsor wife the Duchess of Cambridge, at 37-years-old Meghan must face the reality that her labour will be treated with “increased care” due to her age.
Multiple midwives have claimed the former Suits actress will be regarded as a first time “geriatric” mum meaning she will be closely monitored to prevent any complications arising during labour.
Although The Duchess of Sussex may have some very slightly increased risk factors due to her age, induction of labour carries risks itself and these should be fully discussed as part of balanced discussion,” Liz Halliday, Deputy Head of Midwifery at Private Midwives told The Sun.
Meghan’s due date is imminent with some speculating the Duchess has already welcomed her first child.
WATCH this video for everything we know about the royal baby so far!
Meghan’s American mother Doria Ragland touched down in London on April 21 ahead of the royal birth, with a source telling The Sun: “Like all mums, Doria wants to be there for her daughter at this seismic event in her life.
“She has sometimes worried about being so far away but she is absolutely going to be there for her at the birth.”
Doria, a yoga teacher, is said to have secretly left her home in LA to fly to the UK and has hired a house sitter to walk her dogs.
New Idea understands Meghan, 37, has insisted that her mum Doria be in the delivery room with her as she prepares to deliver her baby.
Their Royal Highnesses Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s child will be seventh in the line to the British throne.
The Queen will be notified before anyone else about the arrival.