Harry and Meghan Are Expecting, Baby Due Spring 2019

[Ista]

Originally Posted by Zaira

I honestly think now that it will not be Lindo and that they will indeed be having a completely private birth. They will post a photo on their IG, but that is it. I know tradition says they will do the photocall, but this may be an area where they finally actually buck tradition (despite the breathless media reports otherwise, they stick fairly firmly to royal family ways otherwise).

I hope I am wrong because I think that is the wrong approach from a public relations/media management/ect standpoint, but the utter lack of press information or briefing points to this for me.

I agree with all of this, including the bolded comment. I think that since we have been told that H and M are now at Frogmore Cottage, the birth is likely to be somewhere other than the Lindo wing, and unless there is information still forthcoming, the lack of any kind of briefing is indicating that they are planning to try to get in and out of a hospital under the radar. I sincerely wish them luck with that, but, like Zaira, I'm not sure it's the best approach from a PR standpoint. They are, of course, completely free to do whatever they think is best, but if that is their intention, it's unlikely to go over well.

[soapstar]

The permit issue/lack of logistical briefing + news of their move to Frogmore, makes me think that Meghan will have the baby at a private hospital near Windsor and then they'll release a photo on Instagram.

I don't think forgoing the photocall is the wrong approach. If they wish to slip in and out of the hospital without fanfare, then more power to them. At the end of the day, this is about the comfort of mom and baby. Meghan (or any new royal mom) shouldn't have to stand in front off the world getting their pictures snapped mere hours after giving birth.

[duchessrachel]

Originally Posted by soapstar

The permit issue/lack of logistical briefing + news of their move to Frogmore, makes me think that Meghan will have the baby at a private hospital near Windsor and then they'll release a photo on Instagram.

I don't think forgoing the photocall is the wrong approach. If they wish to slip in and out of the hospital without fanfare, then more power to them. At the end of the day, this is about the comfort of mom and baby. Meghan (or any new royal mom) shouldn't have to stand in front off the world getting their pictures snapped mere hours after giving birth.

This is gotten me wondering. Did Andrew/Sarah, Anne/Mark Phillips, Edward/Sophie have a photocall? Although I would like for there to be one, since this baby is not an heir to the throne like William and Kate's, it won't be a mistake to not have one.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by duchessrachel

This is gotten me wondering. Did Andrew/Sarah, Anne/Mark Phillips, Edward/Sophie have a photocall? Although I would like for there to be one, since this baby is not an heir to the throne like William and Kate's, it won't be a mistake to not have one.

I recall seeing photos of Sophie and Sarah with babies coming out of hospital. I think a nurse carried out Peter to show everyone?

[Pranter]

Sophie had her children, IIRC at a hospital in Windsor. I don't remember a photo call.

Andrew/Sarah I don't remember ...seems like they got pics of them waving as they were leaving the hospital?

Don't remember anything about Anne's children.

The photocall thing is rather new...starting with Diana. I can see why William/Kate did it..they are the main line of the family. I think it's fine if The Sussexes slip out the door and avoid it. They've not had an easy time of it with the media really...Harry seems (nowdays) less likely to tolerate them outside working engagements. Hard lines drawn.


LaRae

[Zaira]

Originally Posted by Pranter

Sophie had her children, IIRC at a hospital in Windsor. I don't remember a photo call.

Andrew/Sarah I don't remember ...seems like they got pics of them waving as they were leaving the hospital?

Don't remember anything about Anne's children.

The photocall thing is rather new...starting with Diana. I can see why William/Kate did it..they are the main line of the family. I think it's fine if The Sussexes slip out the door and avoid it. They've not had an easy time of it with the media really...Harry seems (nowdays) less likely to tolerate them outside working engagements. Hard lines drawn.


LaRae

I am fairly sure every working royal birth since Anne's have had a public presentation aspect. Definitely the Yorks and the Wessexes. Peter was presented by hospital staff, i believe but anne presented zara while leaving.

[Biri]

Around three (maximum - five) weeks to welcoming baby Sussex!

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by Zaira

I am fairly sure every working royal birth since Anne's have had a public presentation aspect. Definitely the Yorks and the Wessexes. Peter was presented by hospital staff, i believe but anne presented zara while leaving.

You would be correct. Hello has a compilation of the royal births since Peter in 1977.

https://www.hellomagazine.com/royalt...ital-photos/1/

[Roslyn]

Originally Posted by soapstar

The permit issue/lack of logistical briefing + news of their move to Frogmore, makes me think that Meghan will have the baby at a private hospital near Windsor and then they'll release a photo on Instagram.

I don't think forgoing the photocall is the wrong approach. If they wish to slip in and out of the hospital without fanfare, then more power to them. At the end of the day, this is about the comfort of mom and baby. Meghan (or any new royal mom) shouldn't have to stand in front off the world getting their pictures snapped mere hours after giving birth.

I agree. I think it would be a good idea to start a turnaround from the recent trend to put the new mother on show, complete with makeup and a hairdresser's touch, in front of the waiting press and public. It has come to be expected and I do not think that is a good thing. A woman who has just given birth does not owe the press and public anything and the public should not expect a display.

[O-H Anglophile]

I believe Kate is the only mother who left the hospital within hours of her children's births--and that was only with Charlotte and Louis. She stayed about 36 hours when George was born. And leaving that soon that was her choice, it seems she had fairly easy births, healthy babies and chose to go home quickly. And the heels were her choice as well.

I have mixed feelings. Some (much?) of the press are being jerks and few deserve any favors. But Harry and Meghan are in positions of great privilege and I think they do owe their grandmother's subjects something. People are interested in the baby. It is a happy occasion that people want to celebrate. If the Royal Family spurn the public they might as well let Britain cease being a Constitutional Monarchy.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by O-H Anglophile

I have mixed feelings. Some (much?) of the press are being jerks and few deserve any favors. But Harry and Meghan are in positions of great privilege and I think they do owe their grandmother's subjects something. People are interested. And if the Royal Family spurn the public they might as well let Britain cease being a Constitutional Monarchy.

Good thing press is no longer needed for such things in the social media age. Just saying.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by Biri

Around three (maximum - five) weeks to welcoming baby Sussex!

Three weeks would have it last full week of April. It seems more likely 2-4 weeks, a bit longer if she is over due.

I have mixed feelings. Some (much?) of the press are being jerks and few deserve any favors. But Harry and Meghan are in positions of great privilege and I think they do owe their grandmother's subjects something. People are interested in the baby. It is a happy occasion that people want to celebrate. If the Royal Family spurn the public they might as well let Britain cease being a Constitutional Monarchy

The reality is many of the queen's subjects don't read mainstream media anyways. If photos were released on social media people would be just as happy. Especially if they got better then just the baby's face as they come out. The only one upset will be the media who will be out a pay cheque.

[Sterling3763]

I agree with everyone that the lack of permit/no logical briefing/recent move to Windsor suggest the William-Kate approach won’t be happening.

While it’s possible they’ll simply opt to post something on Instagram, M&H could also provide a small press event a few days after the birth. They wouldn’t need to obtain permits for the entire month if their plan is to hold something 2-4 days after the birth. Staff can arrange a press event while mom, dad, and baby are resting.

[Rudolph]

Remember it wasn't just the William and Kate 'approach'.

The whole expectation of a country was on it. Especially for Prince George. This was the first royal birth since Eugenie. We had a month of the #greatkatewait. Literally hundreds of media organisations camped out in front of the Lindo Wing.

As with everything to do with Harry and Meghan, they have much more latitude.

[hel]

I disagree about social media being adequate. The demographic with the highest percentage of support of the monarchy are the Baby Boomers and elderly.

And those people are not on Instagram.

The royals still need to play to the audience who get their papers delivered; they can't afford to throw that support away just yet.

[jacqui24]

Originally Posted by hel

I disagree about social media being adequate. The demographic with the highest percentage of support of the monarchy are the Baby Boomers and elderly.

And those people are not on Instagram.

The royals still need to play to the audience who get their papers delivered; they can't afford to throw that support away just yet.

Whether something gets published in papers has nothing to do with if there is a photo call or official photo released through social media.

[Marlo]

Originally Posted by victor1319

German tabloid "Bunte" claims, Meghan will have a ceasarian cut and will give birth near Frogmore in a little hospital.

So, unlike Kate Meghan will not be able to greet the wellwishers.
https://www.bunte.de/royals/britisch...erschnitt.html

How do they know? Did Meghan's doctor talks to Bunte?

[ladongas]

Originally Posted by hel

I disagree about social media being adequate. The demographic with the highest percentage of support of the monarchy are the Baby Boomers and elderly.

And those people are not on Instagram.

The royals still need to play to the audience who get their papers delivered; they can't afford to throw that support away just yet.

Thanks. Their positions of exquisite privilege mandate notice by and attention of the papers of record in the U.K.

[Madame Verseau]

To introduce Baby Sussex to the world release the first picture on sussexroyal. A few days later a presser with the legitimate media: BBC, London Times, Guardian. The US is represented by the New York Times , the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times (Meghan's hometown paper). The historic nature of the birth would be the draw. Royal reporters and the tabloids that thrashed Meghan are out, so are TV shows whose talking heads were nasty. Location: Windsor Castle.

[Countessmeout]

Originally Posted by hel

I disagree about social media being adequate. The demographic with the highest percentage of support of the monarchy are the Baby Boomers and elderly.

And those people are not on Instagram.

The royals still need to play to the audience who get their papers delivered; they can't afford to throw that support away just yet.

You may be shocked at just how many baby boomers and grandparents are on social media. Great way to keep in contact with their grandkids.

And for those who aren't...… We know the press like the DM likes to use social media as a source anyways. Just means they will have second hand photos instead of flashing cameras in the face of the couple.

Lets not kid ourself. The media is not going to boycott the story in a temper tantrum that the couple don't do a photo shoot. They will borrow photos wherever they can get them. Even from social media.

And no the elderly and baby boomers are not who they have to 'play to' anymore. They need to get the support of the younger generation now.


Not that the baby is a tool to 'play to the public' anyways.

To introduce Baby Sussex to the world release the first picture on sussexroyal. A few days later a presser with the legitimate media: BBC, London Times, Guardian. The US is represented by the New York Times , the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times (Meghan's hometown paper). The historic nature of the birth would be the draw. Royal reporters and the tabloids that thrashed Meghan are out, so are TV shows whose talking heads were nasty. Location: Windsor Castle.

If they were to go that route you can rule out an American paper. Giving the exclusive to one paper is one thing, but to a foreign paper? No, if this was the case, it will be a British source.