Once you welcome your little bundle of joy into this world, how would you break the news to the whole world? Maybe you or your spouse would take to social media and announce the news. Simple, enough, right? Well, not all that simple if you’re a royal, like mum-t0-be Kate Middleton. Did you know there are strange royal baby birth rules that the members of the Royal Family must follow — including Kate?
6 Strange royal baby birth rules
Mum to two cute tots, Kate Middleton is already in her third trimester and all set to have her third baby in April. Here are royal baby birth rules that the new mum will have to follow after delivering her little one.
Royal Baby Birth Rules #1: The Queen must know first
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on
The Queen should be the first person who knows about the birth. So, before Buckingham Palace makes any official announcement, the Queen must be informed about the baby being born. At the time of the birth of Prince George, Prince William made an encrypted phone call to the Queen, according to reports.
The birth is announced to the public on an easel that is outside the Palace. But Prince William and Kate took to Twitter to make their own babies’ birth announcements and broke this rule.
Royal Baby Birth Rules #2: Hear ye hear ye
The news of a royal baby’s birth is broken to the public by the town crier, as the tradition goes. This dates back to the medieval period where information was passed on verbally to others.
Presently, Tony Appleton based in Essex is the unofficial town crier to the Royal Family. He announced the births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte from the steps of St Mary’s Hospital in London. He also announced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s engagement.
Royal Baby Birth Rules #3: Births must take place in the Palace
The tradition has that the births in the Royal Family must take place in the Palace. The Queen delivered all her children in Buckingham Palace.
But Lady Diana broke this rule. Prince William was the first baby to be born in a hospital followed by Prince Harry.
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on
Both were born in the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington. Even the Duchess of Cambridge gave birth to Prince George and Princess Charlotte in the same hospital. However, a little bird told us that she wants to have a home birth for her third baby.
Royal Baby Birth Rules #4: No dads allowed
Another important rule of the Royal Family is that the father is not allowed in the birthing room.
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on
But this rule was broken by Lady Diana when Prince William was born.
Royal Baby Birth Rules #5: Midwives
Midwives are an important part of birthing process, and in the case of Royal births, they are sworn to secrecy. They cannot divulge any details from the birthing room.
Royal Baby Birth Rules #6: The christening gown
All royal babies are made to wear the replica of a historic christening gown from 1841 that was first used for the christening of Queen Victoria’s eldest child, Albert Edward. The original robe was again worn by Prince Charles, Prince William and Prince Harry.
A post shared by Kensington Palace (@kensingtonroyal) on
The Royal Family has now carefully preserved the original, and they use a replica instead. Princess Charlotte was dressed in the Honiton lace and white satin gown for her own christening.
What should you keep in mind when delivering your baby?
Just like the Royal Family has royal baby birth rules, you can set some of your own rules to ensure your baby’s well-being. Here are a few suggestions.
- Never miss your appointments, whether it is with your gynaecologist or nutritionist.
- Get maternity insurance for all your babies, so that you can cover yourself for any type of emergencies.
- Check your birth plan details beforehand.
- Let your family and friends know if you are okay with visitors at the hospital or at home. If you are okay with your near and dear ones coming to visit you at the hospital, make sure that they know the timings in advance.
- Consult your doctor and spouse so that you can decide who will be with you in the labour room at the time of delivery.
- Do take a hospital tour to check the facilities available.
- Prep your baby’s room well in advance.
- Pack your baby bag in advance. After 34 weeks may be a good time to do this.
- Ensure that you have an appropriate carseat to bring your baby back home.
Sources: Express, The Sun
ALSO READ: What your baby feels during birth?
