Royal watchers are always on the lookout for royal baby news. From the first announcement of pregnancy to the growing belly until the royal members have given birth, fans keep their radars open. Being a part of the royal family means not only having royal blood but also following certain traditions that ordinary people do not do. Read on to find out the royal baby traditions you probably did not know about.
No gender reveal
The royals never announce the gender of their babies even after sonogram invention in the 1950s. The Cambridge couple chose to surprise themselves about the sex of their three children. Queen Elizabeth II did not even mention her pregnancy to the public, but just stated her absence for a few months.
Usually gives birth at home
All of Queen Elizabeth's four children were born at home. Like Queen Victoria, she brought their doctors and midwives at home. Other royals like Princess Anne, Diana, and Kate chose to give birth at the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital. Meghan Markle gave birth at the maternity ward of Portland Hospital.
See also: 7 Facts About Meghan Markle's Baby You Probably Did Not Know
Obstetric anesthesia was made popular
Queen Victoria hated being pregnant according to reports. At least two of her birthing, she used ether. She said it had "soothing, quieting, and delightful beyond measure" feeling. Because of her, other members requested "Chloroform a la Reine" when giving birth to royal babies. "The Crown" revealed that Queen Elizabeth had "twilight sleep" when Prince Charles was born.
Royal baby christening uses special water and the same bowl
The Archbishop of Canterbury gets water from River Jordan to baptize the royalties. They believe that it is where Saint John baptized Jesus. The ornate Lily Font was created for Queen Victoria to use for her first child's baptism. The silver-gilt bowl from circa-1840 looks like an expanded flower where three cherubs sit at the base.
Male heirs used to be above female heirs
Throughout history, male heirs were honored more than female heirs. In 2013, the custom was abolished, making male and female heirs of the same importance.
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Prince William became the first to attend a public school
Royal babies attend private schools growing up. Princess Diana was the first to break the rule; she enrolled Prince William to public school.
See also: Prince William and Kate Middleton Will Be Sending Princess Charlotte to School After Lockdown
Usually have three to four first names
The full name of Prince William's is William Arthur Philip Louis. His children Prince George is named George Alexander Lewis, while Princess Charlotte is named Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Prince Louis' full name is Louis Arthur Charles.
See also: 9 Unusual Royal Baby Names You Might Want to Consider
Breastfeeding is practiced
Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Diana breastfed their babies. Although not confirmed, it is reported that Kate also did the same. However, Queen Victoria did not like the idea. She found the practice a ruin of intellectual and refined young ladies, as reported.
Only two royal babies born each family
For the past 58 years, each royal family only had two children. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are the first immediate family of the Queen to have three children. The last time it happened was when the Queen gave birth to four children.
