As anticipation builds ahead of the newest royal baby‘s arrival, there are reports circulating that the Duchess of Sussex may have already given birth.
New Idea has learnt that not only could baby Sussex have arrived without fanfare, but Meghan and Harry may have disregarded all royal protocol and traditions in a bid to retain their privacy during this momentous time.
“There’s all sorts of talk in royal circles that Meghan and Harry have already had the baby,” divulges a royal source.
“No-one would be surprised if they had – after all, they’re such a private couple and have never done anything by the books. They could’ve had the baby and tucked themselves away in private, away from the spotlight – that wouldn’t surprise anyone.”
Despite the world’s focus on the couple throughout Meghan’s pregnancy, very little has been divulged about the newest addition to the royal family.
There has been speculation about Meghan’s actual due date, with official statements only stating the baby will be arriving in the Northern Hemisphere’s spring.
While it’s been assumed the baby’s arrival will be around the end of April or beginning of May, royal sources have recently hinted that Meghan is due much earlier.
There have also been conflicting reports over which hospital she’ll give birth at, with word that she favours the Mulberry Birth Centre at Frimley Park in Surrey over the traditional modern royal choice of the Lindo wing at St Mary’s Hospital in London.
However, this may cause contention as the current Surgeon-Gynaecologist to the Royal Household, Alan Farthing – who led the delivery of Kate’s children – is based in London.
Others point out that Meghan may even prefer the more American-style private hospital The Portland, which is where Sarah Ferguson gave birth to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
“They’ve been so elusive about their due date and the impending birth and everyone – including the senior royals – have been kept in the dark,” adds the insider.
Meanwhile, it’s been reported that Meghan and Harry have vacated their temporary rental farmhouse in the Cotswolds as they prepare to move into their new home, Frogmore Cottage, which is still undergoing extensive renovations.
The couple’s security team were photographed in the grounds of the 10-bedroom property practising what looked like a security drill, confirming the new family are taking the protection – and privacy – of their new baby very seriously.
Prince Harry is reportedly “angry and upset” after a new wave of criticism from the British media targeting his wife.
Harry is also said to be not happy that the Queen has rehired former aide to “keep an eye on Meghan”.
After backlash amid rumours of feuding and Meghan’s family’s behaviour, the couple want to stay out of the public eye as much as they can. “They’ve wanted to make the birth as private as possible,” adds the source.
“Harry and Meghan have the flexibility to do whatever they want with the birth of this baby, which is why no-one would be surprised if they’d had the baby and kept it under wraps.”
Usually, royal births follow strict protocols, which includes ensuring the Queen is the first person told about the arrival.
However, as the Sussex baby will be further from succession than his or her Cambridge cousins, there’s the possibility certain traditions may not be followed.
“With their new baby further down the chain in terms of being seventh in line to the throne, there is less need for formal announcements and doing everything by the book,” explains the royal source.
“Harry is very protective of Meghan and wants to keep her happy and do everything how she wants to do it. She told her minders several weeks ago that they were considering keeping the birth private for a few weeks before announcing it to the world – and that just might be what’s happened.”
WATCH! We know what Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will call their baby!
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