Meghan to 'snub Lindo Wing' ditching four decades of royal tradition

Photo: Getty
Photo: Getty

It seems after much speculation, it has finally been let slip that the Duchess of Sussex has opted to snub over four decades of royal tradition and not give birth at the famous Lindo Wing in London.

Instead Meghan Markle, who wants to keep the birth of her first child as “private as possible”, will opt for a maternity unit near her and Prince Harry’s home in Windsor.

Friends of the former actress have revealed she has chosen to remain close to Frogmore Cottage to avoid the stress and pressure that comes with the huge interest in her pregnancy.

“Harry and Meghan realise there is intense public interest but this baby is not a direct heir to the throne and they want the birth to be as private as possible,” a source told the Sun.

“Meghan is nervous about complications such as an emergency Caesarean and doesn’t want the pressure of having to look immaculate on the hospital steps just hours later.”

Instead she wants to spend those precious first few hours with her newborn.

“She just wants a normal, natural birth and to bond with her baby, without being primped and blow-dried to within an inch of her life just for the pictures,” the source said.

Prince Harry and Meghan want to avoid the public fan-fair around the birth. Photo: Getty
Prince Harry and Meghan want to avoid the public fan-fair around the birth. Photo: Getty

It was also claimed that Meghan’s decision to skip the fan-fair at St Mary’s Hospital, is so she is not seen to be copying her sister-in-law Kate, who welcomed all three of her children at the famous wing.

Princess Anne was the first royal to give birth in the Lindo Wing when her son Peter Phillips was born there in 1977. Since then, both Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge have also given birth there.

The Lindo Wing in London has welcomed plenty of royalty. Photo: Getty
The Lindo Wing in London has welcomed plenty of royalty. Photo: Getty

The famous Lindo Wing

No doubt royal fans will be disappointed that they won’t be able to catch a glimpse of the next royal baby on the steps of St Mary’s Hospital, London.

There were rumours Meghan would opt to do things differently, as she has done throughout her pregnancy. But given how incredible the exclusive Lindo Wing of the hospital actually is, the decision may not have been an easy one.

The Lindo Wing offers suites with private en suite bathrooms, artwork, fresh blooms, a ‘world-class’ nursing staff and chef cooked meals – and it also comes with a pretty big price tag.

In its current brochure online, The Lindo Wing advertises a range of private, modern rooms, or actual ‘hotel-like’ suites and deluxe accommodation.

Both Prince George and Princess Charlotte were born there. Photo: Getty
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were born there. Photo: Getty

There is free TV, radio, an in-room fridge and wifi, just like any other hotel, and a choice of daily newspapers each morning.

But it’s their extensive chef-cooked menu that really takes the cake – if you haven’t had the joy of trying hospital food before, don’t hold your breath.

The Lindo Wing brochure offers 'world-class' maternity care. Photo: Lindo Wing
The Lindo Wing brochure offers ‘world-class’ maternity care. Photo: Lindo Wing

A normal double standard room costs $10,500, plus $2,000 for an additional night, according to the most recent pricing listed online.

Of course, deluxe rooms and suites are more expensive with both the deluxe package and the price of a suite of two rooms (only available by application) come in at $11,500 each for a one-night stay.

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