First-time dad tips for Harry
during one of their engagements. It was later, at the British ambassador’s residence in Berlin, that Charles made his speech in German at a reception to celebrate the Queen’s birthday.
The Queen, 93, has also showed her delight about the new royal baby. She was talking at a lunch for members of the Order of Merit alongside the Duke of Edinburgh, 97, making a rare public appearance since his retirement from official duties.
The royal couple, who have just become greatgrandparents for the eighth time, posed for a group photo at Windsor Castle. The Queen was quizzed about the latest addition to the family by former Prime Minister of Canada, Jean Chretien. Mr Chretien asked: “Life is good for Your Majesty?” The smiling Queen replied: “Yes, thank you.” Mr Chretien added: “Congratulations – another greatgrandchild.” The Queen replied: “Yes, I know.”
She was then asked “How many of them have you got now?” She replied “eight” and Mr Chretien said: “You beat me by one.” Harry could not contain his joy on Monday as he announced Meghan had given birth. She is understood to have had her 7lb 3oz boy in a private London hospital at 5.26am on Monday after being admitted on Sunday afternoon. Sources suggested it was possible she was induced into labour after being more than Harry and Meghan a week overdue. The new mum has had a team of midwives looking after her during her pregnancy and is still being monitored by medical professionals at home.
The baby will not automatically be a prince or be known as “His Royal Highness” unless the queen issues a decree.
However, when the Queen is succeeded by Charles, royal rules mean the boy would then have such titles.
Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, said: “It is possible that Harry might want his child not to have the burden of a royal title, but I think the rest of the world would like the child to have [one].
“Harry always says how much he didn’t want to be a prince and he’d rather be almost anything else, but when you’re in that world it’s very difficult to step out of it.” Top nosh 1) Go out and wet the baby’s head now. You have two weeks when the baby sleeps, and then it never will. 2) After that, let sleep go – you won’t ever sleep again (as your brother has kindly pointed out).
3) Have bowls of chocolate and fruit all over the house so Meghan can fuel up during and after feeds. 4) Take loads of photos and films – you will never remember quite how small a new baby is and you will forget so much through tiredness. 5) Make time to be alone with Meghan and your new son, and keep visitors at arm’s length – this is your time to be together.
6) Tell people who do visit not to bring toys but home-cooked meals, anything you can freeze – you will have no time or energy to cook.
7) Remember your mental health as well as Meghan’s – dads get post-natal depression too.
8) Be prepared to feel like a spare part – your job will come later. Now, it’s to support Meghan.
9) Take a break from work so you can spend some time at home.
10) Listen to all 50 episodes of the Daily Mirror’s First-Time Dads podcast series on iTunes. If you fancy being a guest, drop me a line.