Ever since Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry got engaged, the royal couple have gone against MANY royal traditions. This has put her in the spotlight, much like sister-in-law Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. Except, unlike Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle continues to defy many of these royal customs, rather than follow them.
For instance, she rejected the idea of announcing her birth plans. The royal couple also rejected the idea of posing for photos after the delivery outside a hospital. In fact, it is rumoured that she gave birth at her home in Frogmore Cottage. She and Harry also announced that they will be raising their son as a 'private citizen'.
While these are very lofty ambitions for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, what we're most impressed by right now is Meghan's postpartum photos.
Meghan's postpartum body shows us that it's okay not to be perfect
When Kate Middleton stepped out into the spotlight after her three deliveries, she sported a flawless, perfectly made up face and a barely-there tummy. Mummies all around the world began tweeting their own postpartum pictures and it showed the realness of childbirth. Not every mother steps out into the limelight looking like a superstar like Kate Middleton.
While Kate Middleton's postpartum photos showed us mums can't win, Meghan Markle's postpartum photos shows us the real side of childbirth - a side many more mummies can relate to. It showed us that it's okay to look less than perfect.
It showed us that yes, you're still going to have that postpartum belly after giving birth! Yes, you are not going to lose all your weight overnight. Yes, it's okay to smile and show off that double chin. It shows us that we don't have to live up to unrealistic expectations that Hollywood or Instagram demands of us.
Why we need this more than ever
In the age of Instagram-influencers, looks are everything. Most of us are never going to live up to Kate Middleton's perfect postpartum pictures. But maybe some of us will be able to run a brush through our hair and step out confidently after Meghan's example.
Having said that, Meghan is still regarded as one of the world's most beautiful women. Of course, her natural look might make some feel like they will never achieve that. But at least now, the bar is lower.
Maybe now we will feel better sharing photos of us postpartum with our huge bellies, our eye bags and less than perfect hair.
Read also: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcome their first child!