One of the funniest things about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcoming their Montecito princess is the fact that no one got a whiff of the news as it was happening. There were no TMZ reports or California-based gossip bloggers with hot tips that Meghan was giving birth a week ago on June 4th. They were able to check into the hospital, deliver Lili Diana, come home and announce the birth completely on their terms. This goes against every scenario the British press claimed would happen. The British press claimed that California was a place where no one had privacy, where the tabloids would be getting briefings from Meghan’s doctors, that H&M went from the frying pan into the fire. As we can see now, the British media are the ones who looked like complete a–holes back in 2019, with their hysterical demands to “show us your baby” and “how dare you keep the birth private!” Anyway, People Magazine did a story on how everything was kept low-key for the Sussexes:
On June 4, Meghan Markle welcomed her baby girl, Lilibet Diana, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, a short drive from Meghan and Prince Harry’s Montecito, California, home.
“They looked at several hospitals before they settled on the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital,” a source tells PEOPLE in this week’s issue. “Meghan loves that it’s female-founded.”
Meghan’s care was overseen by Dr. Melissa Drake, with remote support from Dr. Gowri Motha in the U.K., who helped oversee the care during the birth of Archie at London’s Portland Hospital. The facility’s state-of-the-art childbirth center offers a family-centered, individualized approach to birth. (In addition to a menu to order room service and a comfy sofa for Harry!)
“Security and privacy were also priorities,” the source adds. “They had a big security team that the hospital needed to accommodate.”
In March, the couple spoke to Oprah Winfrey about the stress of introducing their son Archie to the world just days after his 2019 birth in the U.K.; this time Meghan was able to quietly deliver the baby two days before sharing the news, with no pressure for a public press conference.
“Meghan and Harry are both very thankful for how smoothly things went,” the source adds. “They could enjoy the birth in peace.”
But as they embrace their new status as a family of four, they plan to concentrate on life at home for a while. “Meghan and Harry are taking time off to focus on their family,” the source adds. “They want to have a long summer break together as a family.”
One of my concerns was that the only way Meghan would feel that she could get the privacy she wanted was to do a home birth. I’m glad that she wasn’t cowed by the media and I love that nothing leaked. They got to have a quiet birth completely on their terms. I also love that we don’t know the details of the birth at all, like C-section, anesthesia, all of that. If moms want to talk about it, sure, that’s their right. I don’t think Meghan wants to talk about it, which is her right as well.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red, Backgrid.
I am so, so glad M got the birth experience she wanted. Comparing this report to the old photos above with her hair done, and her belly still big from Archie, and WEARING HEELS! That couldn’t have been fun. I hope she is relaxing and just enjoying her baby. No need for ridiculous ‘you and your baby belong to US!’ photocalls. Sweats and slippers! Hurray!
Me too! The terrible tragedy that they experienced last year was so heartbreaking and the fact that they were able to have a quiet and obviously lovely hospital and staff was outstanding!! They deserve the best that life has to offer and I hope and wish nothing but the very best for them for the rest of their lives!!
And me too! It’s enough that after our private parta or stomachs get stiched we are handel a baby to take care of. Expectation that a woman should immediately get dolled up and show herself to The world is so insane… I would like to see a man after appendicitis get up the same day and put on a suit for a photoshoot…. enjoy your sweats Meghan!!!
and me too! This is so lovely, after all of the BS they went through with Archie, and Meghan’s miscarriage last year, I hope it was a day for just the two of them.
I’m so happy our Montecito fam is doing well. Wonderful news!
Yes, it’s so nice that Meghan and Harry but especially Meghan was able to have quiet birth on their terms. Not only were they getting enormous pressure from the press the last time but the Palace and it must have been really disheartening to go through that. The Palace tried to do the same this time with the name issue but luckily Harry nipped that in the bud quickly.
Im still not over the fact that the palace refused to give archie a courtesy title and instead of telling the truth they lied and said that it was the parents choice.
I also think that the erasure of meghans name on her son’s birth certificate isn’t talked about enough
@Cecilia: The Palace did everything in their power to make it a terrible experience for Meghan. It’s really upsetting when you think about it. Even the issues around the photocall were lies propagated by the Palace. I also believe they made Meghan attend Teooping when she wasn’t ready.
Yeah feel the same @cecilia. Also the whole Lindo thing and how they refused to present Archie there was used against Meghan relentlessly in the present and in reality they weren’t even asked! Did the palace actually say they would put her name back on the birth certificate? I thought they just threw out a bunch of reasons for the change but maybe I missed?
@Amy Bee: i would 100% believe that about trooping. Remember that meghan said in the oprah interview that the baby on the steps of the hospital thing wasn’t offered to them? The couple got blamed for so many things that they weren’t in control over its actually disgusting.
I am wondering if Meghan and Harry have gotten Archie an American birth certificate. I wonder if they are able to do that? If so, her name is certainly on it.
“I’m still not over the fact that the palace refused to give Archie a courtesy title”
@Cecilia – I think you are confusing “title” and “style”. Archie can use the courtesy title “Earl of Dumbarton”. Meghan & Harry choose not to use this title. What Archie does not have is the style of HRH.
James, the son of the Earl & Countess of Wessex, has the courtesy title Viscount Severn and uses it, When Edward receives the Dukedom of Edinburgh, James will move up a notch so then be able to hold and will probably use the courtesy title, Earl of Wessex. If and when James has a son, this son’s courtesy will be Viscount Severn if Edward is still alive. James son will NOT be entitled to the the style of HRH.
James has had the style of HRH since birth but his parents choose not to use it during his childhood.
@BayTampaBay
In your response to @Cecilia you said:
“….I think you are confusing “title” and “style”. Archie can use the courtesy title “Earl of Dumbarton”. Meghan & Harry choose not to use this title. What Archie does not have is the style of HRH.”
Why do folks insist in saying things so decisively when in fact theyre only speculating, not knowing what the facts are? Remember when EVERYONE, including myself, thought H&M had DECIDED not to give Archie a royal title, or the HRH style? This information CAME FROM THE PALACE, complete with plausible explanation about H&M’s DECISION about A’s name and title, etc. And yet it all turned out to be a LIE!!!
Bottomline: we do. Not. Know. that H&M are ALLOWED to use ANY titles for Archie. We do not know if, in fact, they “can use the courtesy title “Earl of Dumbarton” for Archie, as you so glibly state.
@cameron
Considering they address the title situation in the Oprah interview. Its okay to assume that had they been told they couldn’t use the styling as well that they would have said so then because that would have added more to whole not given a title situation.
I think considering almost like 90% of anything to do with the windsors or HM is speculation that most people toss out ideas until otherwise corrected officially. So just relax.
They really are running a tight ship thankfully. Only the best kind of friends and colleagues. Their new life must feel like such a joy and blessing. So happy for them.
Same! Like most, I’m so eager to see a picture of the smiling family and new little one, but I’m also super impressed that none have leaked a full week later. I’m sure there are paps buzzing about but clearly the hospital and all friends and loved ones currently involved are very trustworthy. Must be such a huge relief for them.
This birth sounded so much better than the pap frenzy surrounding Archie’s birth. They def made right call to leave the uk. It was neither safe or sane.
I’m excited for whenever they decide to release a photo or two.
I love how everybody calls the baby by her full name Lilibet Diana lol.
Im happy that meghan (and harry) got to do this on their terms. No pressure from media bullies who all but demand a live stream of the birth.
i admit the name has really grown on me. so cute!
It’s wonderfully mellifluous, isn’t it? Lots of vowels!
@booboocita, “mellifluous” is the most perfect description of the name!
No one should have to go through what Meghan and Kate did with the births of their children. The ownership other people feel over these women’s bodies and children is awful. I’m glad Meghan got the privacy and space she deserves.
kHate has leaned into it so you dont have to “both duchesses” the fact that british ghouls were demanding that M “show us your baby.” In her very-first-podcast-after-10-yrs-on-the-job, kHate told the interviewer that she was happy to get all dressed up and made-up mere hours after giving birth to pose on the steps of the hospital and show her babies because she wanted to show her “gratitude” to the people.
The ownership other people feel over both Kate and Meghan’s bodies is misogyny. Full stop. It doesn’t matter how Kate feels about it. She’s chosen to embrace it, which is a more complicated situation than can be analyzed in a comment here. But her feelings don’t change reality.
Meghan, meanwhile, had the awful situation of experiencing both misogyny and racism, as many WOC do. Again, I’m glad that she’s somewhere now where she can protect herself and her family. She deserves to be happy and safe, and do Harry and the kids.
Kate wasn’t required to pose on the hospital steps, after bringing in her glam team for hours to get her ready. Other royal women, including working royals in the BRF, have chosen not to do the stairstep thing. Kate made the choice to pose, as she herself said.
What the British media don’t seem to understand is that California has extra protections against paparazzi, AND it’s actually easier for public figures to avoid them than people think. Anyway, also super happy that Harry and Meghan avoided TMZ’s attempts to figure out their plans. I hope they continue to enjoy their new status as a family of four despite the howling from across the pond.
The British media is not concerned with the truth. They don’t care about Paparazzi laws in CA or anywhere else. Their only goal is to make Meghan -and by extension, Harry- look bad. They want the British people to believe that everyone in America is like the Kardashians, willing to do anything for publicity and that Paparazzo are hanging on every corner. Weren’t they among the first to predict that Meghan would use her RF connections to demand to star in blockbuster movies? I’ve read that several places and I thought it started with them. They are truly horrible people.
This has always been my impression (or recent impression I should say.) there are lots of celebrities that we never see, or only see when they are at big LA hotspots, like having lunch at the Ivy (is that still a thing? is that still a hotspot?)
Harry and Meghan have not been shut away in their mansion for the past almost-year and yet they have only been papped a handful of times and I think only twice in Santa Barbara – Harry on the beach and Meghan taking Archie from preschool. Maybe leaving a restaurant once? can’t remember if those times were LA or Santa Barbara. Regardless – I said this when they moved there in general – there are so many celebs in that area that while H&M are hot items right now, the interest is going to wane and they are going to be able to almost hide in plain sight with the other celebs.
I’m sure right now the paparazzi are desperate for pics, as drone footage and the incidents with trying to get into their property show, but I think that will die down with time and as H&M keep on suing people.
Anyway i’m glad they were able to have a peaceful birth with none the wiser.
I think people in Montecito are probably happy that they live there, but it’s full of rich and famous people and British royalty is probably a bit farther down on the list of sightings that would excite people. Also it’s a small very exclusive area and paparazzi wouldn’t last very long loitering outside of homes or restaurants.
I am sure that TMZ feels thwarted by failing to get that scoop so we can bet that that nasty levin charlatan must be working every contact he has and every trick in the book to someway, somehow get a copy of any of H&M’s hospital documents abt their baby’s birth.
Keeping that quiet in a US hospital seems Amazing given the hospital leaks we’ve seen in the past
Well her mate’s really famous wife gave birth in a hospital parking lot and nobody knew until they decided to tell eeybody what happened 3 weeks later
LOL Troian is in no way “really famous”.
Callibration, I think this hospital has probably dealt with a number of celebrities, so this wouldn’t be that unusual–although, a big security force might have been a bit different. Also, under HIPPA, the hospital would be hugely liable if anyone leaked who worked there and they know that. I think their staff simply follows the law. I think you will find this is true in the US. I have no idea if they have similar laws in the UK?
Don’t forget the criminal liability for both the hospital and the staff. American hospitals take HIPAA very seriously because the feds will not hesitate to prosecute. Not counting the civil liability and the PR nightmare that will follow.
Her parents are reeeeeealy famous then .
Yes her Dad was a big Hollywood figure.
Electronic health records are so advanced now that IT teams are proactively notified of security breaches (anyone attemping to look up records they have no reason to access). Someone this high-profile would have an alert set up if ANYONE accesses their records, because there would be a break-glass feature set up with password protection.
Someone inappropriately accessing records of this nature would be fired from a hospital within hours in the US, and probably arrested before the end of the day.
It must be a huge relief that this time they can enjoy their new baby in relative peace. I hope all four have a lovely summer.
This was the part of the news of Lili’s birth that I enjoyed the most. They got two days to settle home with their newborn baby before sharing the news with the world. Two full days and zero leakage from their whole team, ‘t’s impressive and they 100% deserve this after that nightmare in the UK.
I gained a better picture of what the birth might have been like by reading about the Maternity Ward on the hospital’s website. Privacy is always expected and HIPPA Rules discourage leaks. I’m so happy Lilibet is here and I hope she and Arche their parents smiling 24/7.
I gave birth to my kids in an average American hospital, nothing fancy like Meghan’s. The security at the natal and birthing units immense. Only the parents allowed on the floor and visitors had to get listed by the parents before they could come on the unit. Each baby was also fitted with an ankle alarm and you could not take the baby past a certain point. So yes pretty strict.
I have many nurse friends and family. Birth wards often have separate security codes and key requirements. Even if you work in the hospital, if you do not work in the birth ward, your key will not allow you on the floor (via elevator) or through the staff only doors (security doors). iirc Wiglet Watcher can tell us more from her work experience.
I’m glad they had a pleasant experience. Such an interestingly crafted story. Female-founded hospital, shout out to the doctors and the amenities of the hospital, big security team, mild dig at the UK media, and a clarification of the “personal” leave. I continue to be impressed by the people H&M have working for them.
@Eurydice
Such an interestingly crafted response. I continue to be impressed by H & M.
The rabid media is never going to stop —— I see years of over-the-top intrusion and ugliness, so I’m just glad they have top notch lawyers and an outstanding security team. I hope they both — via family, friends, therapy, and their own inner strength —– become more and more adapt at shutting out the endless BS and continue to live their best lives.
as long as the monarchy and its supporters continue to struggle to define and defend its purpose in this 21st century, sadly h&m will continue to be tormented as a deflection tactic. expect the relentless bashing to keep coming – as long as (old) brits have someone to hate, the monarchy could keep going for a few more years.
problem is:
a) the cracks can only be covered for so long and only to some extent (anyone can see what’s underneath all the pomp and circumstance ain’t pretty); more ‘bombs’ could drop anytime – investigations into palace practices (eg the guardian), ghislaine’s inevitable testimony, etc. spin and sycophantic press coverage can only go so far in covering up for this toxic, archaic institution
b) the future is uncertain for the british monarchy – they’re losing support with young people and they know it (though they won’t admit it); the monarchy may not collapse entirely, like, next week, but it does have a serious (ir)relevance and enthusiasm deficit problem; and no amount of deflection, h&m bashing, kate mandela ‘peacemaking’, and youtubing can save them now.
grab the popcorn.
I’m waiting to see what happens when the queen passes. The BM rely so much on her presence as a beacon of nostalgia and also as a whipping rod–as we’ve seen in their treatment of H&M. But Charles is not the beloved figure that Liz is. When she passes and Charles is king, it will be a whole different kind of ball game. It will be interesting to see what path they take in order to survive. Whatever it is, I hope H&M are left alone in peace.
Today in the Daily Fail there was a story about Princess Anne, her father Prince Philip and moving forward for the future with direct quotes from the Princess. This story generate about 400 comments in 7 hours.
The “Lili Windsor” story in the Daily Fail, appearing I believe on Monday, generated 17.5K comments in about 6 hours.
What does one think the Daily Fail will really do in regards to reporting on Royals?
The Daily Fail will NEVER leave the Sussexes alone unless the “Rose Gardening” story or another type of “Crop Rotation” story sees the light of day in the Daily Fail or other British tabloids.
And ironically IMO the H&M bashing is hurting the monarchy among younger people and among POC, who either 1) can see the racism for what it is, or 2) just dont care about the things that the RRs and “palace sources” rant about endlessly – like whether meghan broke the queen’s heart by wearing dark nail polish. It just furthers their demise. (I don’t think the monarchy is going anywhere anytime soon, but I do think things will look very different in a few years.)
@Bay you are right but I think it also goes to what L84Tea says – after the queen passes, I do think there will be a shift. It might not be the tabs, not initially, but the press is going to be less interested in protecting the royals and we know that some of those RRs know a LOT of the dirt.
@Becks1, I agree that the bashing of H & M is harming the monarchy more(not H & M) and especially with younger people. A lot of royalists will be aging out. The monarchy is less likely to survive if some big changes are not made within The Firm’s system and British Media. Showing support for Harry & Meghan in general and with Lilibet’s name would be a good baby step in the right direction. I hope this story has a wave effect in other UK universities and places.
https://www.npr.org/2021/06/09/1004715773/students-oxford-college-magdalen-remove-queen-elizabeth-portrait-colonialism
Happy that Meghan was able to have the private birth experience she deserves and it’s a positive that hospital Covid protocols are still in place too keeping any unnecessary media people casually snooping around.
Rabid UK media will not stop, but US media probably isn’t going to care very much after a while. New York or California is where a public personality should want to be because personalities are a dime a dozen.
There will always be interest in the Sussexes over here in America but they’ll be able to live a relatively normal life rather than if they had stayed in the UK.
This is the point. In the UK, the hysteria was impossible to avoid/fully shut out and they couldn’t do anything about it since the RF was working with the media to encourage it. Here in the US, there will never be such an obsessive focus on them. We have such a loaded news docket practically every day that most news stories that break on Monday will be on their way out (if not already done) by Wednesday.
I gained a better picture of what the birth might have been like by reading about the Maternity Ward on the hospital’s website. Privacy is always expected and HIPPA Rules discourage leaks.
I’m glad she got to enjoy the privacy even for just a few days. She never really got that with Archie
I can’t think of any other couple especially this lady Meg that deserves the right to a peaceful delivery and birthing experience. The uk press or what they pretend to be press is truly evil for all they put a pregnant woman through
I keep thinking about the Oprah interview (i think this is the source) where they said they would have done the – leaving the hospital photos for the press on the steps- but the palace (the men in grey) wouldn’t let them.
The later photocall wasn’t what they were comfortable with, it was what was allowed.
Am i mis-remembering that?
I remember it as just another palace sabotage and effort to keep them from being adored and outshining the inbred rich people with all the money and power.
I think this is not quite right.
Meghan told Oprah they weren’t asked to do the post delivery leaving the hospital photo call. Don’t think she said anything about whether they would have done it or not.
My recollection is they were okay with the later photocall, and my impression is, it was their choice to do that, because there was so much public interest. I don’t recall if the RF had any input into that taking place. But they had control over that – Meghan had had a couple of days to recover from the birth, and I believe there was only one reporter and photographer (same as for Harry’s announcement by the stables), not a crazy scrum of media people like there would be at the hospital.
windyriver, that’s what I remember, too. I think the only reason it was even discussed during the Oprah interview was because the BM went crazy with the stories that she refused to do the photo call like Keen. Puts an entirely different spin on it when you know that they weren’t asked to do that. Just something else to beat them up with that was a lie. I think what they did was a much better idea, but I’m sure they would have preferred to put that off for a couple of weeks.
Now they get to do what they want. Isn’t it interesting that their haters keep saying Meghan wants to be in the spotlight, but in reality she does everything she can to stay private unless it has to do with business?
I think there was also a concern about safety for Archie. They didn’t want to be standing on the street with their newborn and no security for him.
When I lived in LA, I saw countless celebrities at the grocery store, mall, flea market, the movies, etc minding their own business and not getting bothered. The one time I saw a pap frenzy was with Britney Spears. That was really sad.
Celebrities can live fairly normal lives in California if they want to.
I remember a few years ago the family was going to Mastro’s. When we came out, there were a few paps there. I asked who were they there for, and one guy told me THEY WERE CALLED to pap David Beckham coming out. Now, this is a very high end restaurant, so I don’t think *they* would damage their celeb rep by calling the paps; I’m pretty sure that Beckham’s PR called.
I grew up in Beverly Hills, and have lived in this area most of my life. There are *always* celebs everywhere. While there might be some sneaked looks and excited whispers (mostly by tourists; locals let them be), they were mostly never bothered. I can only remember a few times some were actually approached, and that’s when they looked “dressed” for the stroll.
So there you go.
Only crazy pap situation I ever saw was leaving Nobu Malibu after lunch and Kim K was arriving in some over the top outfit and she had paps running through the parking lot yelling hey Kim. During lunch Kanye was sitting a few tables away and Kylie and Kendall were wandering through the bar area with friends when they clearly should have been at school (this was 6 or 7 years ago). Whole thing was gross. I live in SB and I have never seen paparazzi milling around, ever. Also I don’t think that interest in British royalty is the same thing as stars/tv personalities that people see on their TVs in the US.
I remember reading an interview of Daniel Radcliffe, back when he had just completed the fifth Harry Potter movie (Half-Blood Prince). He was asked how he dealt with all the press and paparazzi interest. He said that it was easy to deal with — just avoid the “hot” spots where celebrities go to see and be seen, and you’re fine. He said he’d never go to certain bars in LA, NYC, or London, and that he had a list of favorite restaurants and drinking establishments in each city where he could go with friends and be assured of privacy. Somehow, I can’t see H & M hanging out at 1Oak, Chateau Mormont, or some other celebrity magnet-type place. They should be fine.
Did anyone just hear the royal baby news Jill Biden broke? Apparently Kate and William have not yet FaceTimed Meghan and Harry and seen Lili
I do not think anyone will be surprised at this information.
Go! Dr. Jill! Go!
The Hilarious part is Khate’s face when she was asked the question. It revealed much about how she felt about it. Lol. She was not prepared and it just goes to show how much more astute American journalist are at their jobs. The BM are nothing but sycophants.
Yeah, I forgot how much yelling there was that CALIFORNIA WILL BE WOOOOOORSE!!
hahah, nope. The US hasn’t obviously been perfect, but airtight lock on a baby from the most famous couple in the world is pretty amazing. I hope Meghan never has to wear heels again in her life, if she doesn’t want to.
I’m glad to hear everything went smoothly with the birth. I am Meghan’s age, have also had previous miscarriages and am due to give birth to my first child 9 weeks from today. This gives me some comfort.
Best wishes Sara!!
Wishing you all the best for a safe delivery, Sara!!
Oooh, many well wishes on your great expectations!
Very late here, but still sending MAJOR LOVE your way!!
Glad they got the privacy they deserve to have Lili in peace. Really surprised no one sold them out. Kudos to the staff of the hospital.
Hey I have the same ob-gyn as meghan! She is the best doctor in town so that makes sense.
Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t revealing the name of the doctors violation of medical privacy. I remember the Sun ran an article with the name of Meghan’s doctor when Archie was born. The article was taken down almost immediately. But I do recall the name and the person listed in the people magazine article is not the one that was listed in 2019. So I am skeptical about this article. People magazine and US weekly are doing the most to try to prove the have inside info after missing out of any info about the birth. I’m side eyeing all of it.
I don’t know that it’s a violation if the doctor and patient both agree to revealing the names – we’ve seen doctors named in the US press many times. And the UK doctor they mention “helped” oversee Meghan’s care, so maybe was part of a team? I think this is legitimate because of the way the article is worded, with great care to praise the hospital and doctors.
It’s only a violation of US law for a healthcare provider (a hospital/clinic/medical facility) or the entity’s employees to reveal the identity of a patient.
If the press announces this info, it’s not a HIPAA violation because the press is not a healthcare provider. If a doctor or doctor’s employee leaks this info to the press (and the patient hasn’t consented) that would be a HIPAA violation. But only the healthcare provider would be charged, not the press.
I find it most interesting that they had the UK doctor on standby…wouldn’t that doctor have some royal connection since they were present for Archies birth? And this entire pregnancy took place in California, it’s not like the baby arrived while they were on a trip and they looped in their obstetrician….
Meghan did not use the royal OBGYN for Archie. She chose her own birth team, including doctor, and maternity hospital.