Countdown to Baby
Meghan Markle is taking charge of final preparations for the birth of her and Prince Harry’s first child
Iout anyone with Karen church Sussex long “She she’s t’s since pregnancy by left said, amateur only the confessed services, Anvil realized. a to lot ‘ We’re palace, go,” Meghan been further after Karen was the During three photographer nearly “there but Duchess Christmas along confirmed Markle’s tweeted. it months wasn’t there!’ a turns than chat of That who’s excitedly days It until sounds is. in her Harry baby counting third soon Sussex’s and trimester, to me!” down Meghan, arrival the are which, ton the — not end Palace according around of March source, their to or is a early slated Kensing- one-year April for wedding as bump many has believed. anniversary grown, As so Meghan’s has in May her confidence about where in to making give birth, decisions how they’ll raise their child and more — whether those choices are in step with royal tradition or not. “As it’s her first, she’s excited but nervous about what lies ahead and wants everything to run smoothly without any hiccups,” a royal insider tells In Touch, especially after a rough couple of months plagued by rumors of bad blood with sister-in-law Kate Middleton and ongoing drama with her estranged father and half-sister. Still, adds the insider, Meghan, 37, “is doing things her way as she prepares for the arrival of her baby.” BREAKING She’s plan. Diana While starting and Duchess the TRADITION with late Kate her Princess birth both had Wing their at St. children Mary’s in Hospital the Lindo in London, explains the insider, “Meghan’s looking into a home birth.” Like her yoga instructor mom, Doria Ragland, she’s “a bit of a hippie at heart,” adds the insider, “and likes the idea of being in the comfort of familiar surroundings and having the freedom to control the birthing process.” But even though she’d have the best doctors by her side — just like Queen Elizabeth II, who had all four of her kids at home — Harry, 34, is not convinced, adds the insider. “He thinks it’s much more practical to have the baby in a good hospital.” They also haven’t agreed on what to call their child yet. “Meghan wants a modern name and likes Noah, Ethan and Ava,” says the insider, while Harry — and his famously uptight family! — are pushing for
more traditional monikers like Edward or Arthur. The parents will be spending the baby’s first few months primarily at their rented Cotswolds estate, says the palace source, while renovations are completed on their new home, Frogmore Cottage at Windsor. Remodel plans include a nursery, playroom and caretaker’s accommodations, though unlike Prince William and Kate (and most other royals), they have “no plans for a full-time nanny” the will Harry. insider be “says Meghan pitching notes the source, will in. that As ensure Doria will and that the he’s insider. a hands-on “He’ll dad,” be doing says night duty, diaper changes and cleaning up.” He’s up for the challenge. Speaking to a well-wisher during their royal tour of New Zealand on Oct. 30, Harry didn’t flinch when warned that newborns are hard work. “Oh, I know,” he said. “I’m ready.”
SHE WON'T FOLLOW IN DIANA'S AND KATE'S FOOTSTEPS