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Why we might not get the iconic 'photo on the steps' with Meghan, Harry and their baby

Photo credit: Karwai Tang - Getty Images
Photo credit: Karwai Tang - Getty Images

From Cosmopolitan

2018 is nearly out, and we've got a lot to look forward to in 2019. Namely, another royal baby.

We're pretty used to the routine of it all now. First comes the announcement, then more of a specific estimation of when the baby is due. Then we all watch on excitedly as the royal bump grows and, hey presto! A few months later, we're rewarded for our hard work and dedication with an appearance of the new regal baby and its proud parents on the steps of the Lindo Wing.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

But hang on a sec. According to new speculative reports, we might not get to see Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's freshly-birthed offspring when it's born in spring next year. Why? Because the Duchess is reportedly considering a home birth.

Speaking to Vanity Fair, an inside source close to the royals revealed Meghan is considering "options" for her birth plan that will make her experience different from previous royal wives. One of those options, royal correspondent Katie Nicholl reports, is a home birth - although she does clarify that "given this is her first baby, doctors will likely advise a hospital birth".

Photo credit: Samir Hussein - Getty Images
Photo credit: Samir Hussein - Getty Images

If Meghan and Harry do opt for a hospital birth, it might be the case that they still decide to stray from tradition and pick one nearer their home which, by that time, will be in Windsor.

In recent years, it's become tradition for royal babies to be born at the Lindo Wing, an exclusive maternity ward at London's St Mary's Hospital. It's where Kate Middleton gave birth to all three of her children, and patients are thought to pay more than £7,500 for the privilege of having a baby there.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

Princess Diana also gave birth to both William and Harry there, in 1982 and 1984 respectively. The Princess of Wales was the first member of the royal family to choose a hospital birth, breaking a long-held tradition of home birthing.

But who knows? Perhaps Meghan Markle, almost four decades later, will be the one to revert back to the custom of giving birth at home.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

As we well know, the Lindo Wing is located up some steps which have provided the perfect photo opportunity for new royal parents, who over pose at the top of the stairs for press pictures with their newborn.

But we know how Prince Harry feels about maintaining an element of privacy in his life, and when you consider the intense recent scrutiny of Meghan Markle in the media, it wouldn't be surprising if the pair felt strongly that they want the birth of their first child to be away from the glare of the public eye.

Photo credit: Jonathan Brady - PA Images - Getty Images
Photo credit: Jonathan Brady - PA Images - Getty Images

And with so many questions unanswered about the future baby Sussex - its gender and the anticipated month of its birth being just a couple - the whereabouts of its birth will probably be added to the list of 'things we won't know until it's born'.

Well, it all adds to the excitement, doesn't it?

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