It isn't everyday a new prince is born into the British Royal Family! And on St. George's Day, no less! Kate was admitted to the Lindo Wing today in the wee hours of the morning. According to the Palace and Emily Andrews, Kate arrived with Prince William by car "long before 6am." The Duchess delivered her third child, and second son, at 11:01 am. I am going to jump right in and say, I think Kate was induced, and I will delve into that just a little more later in the post.
When George was born, we got the parade of grandparents, which was delightful. Charles and Camilla, and Carole and Michael, made public entrances at the Lindo Wing and waved to the gathered fans, the press, and the world.
With the birth of the Cambridges' second child, though, the grandparents changed gears and drove to Kensington Palace in the afternoon to meet the little princess in more privacy. In their place, another special person took center stage on the Lindo Wing steps. I remember when Charlotte was born I was most excited to see Kate, but honestly seeing George almost stole the show.
He was such a wide-eyed sweetie that morning, staring at the cameras that were furiously clicking, while he gave a perplexed wave from the safety of his daddy's arms.
Today,
we got both George and Charlotte, and as George stole the show in 2015, little Charlotte stole the show today. She really is a firecracker. I think it was the Queen who told someone on a walkabout recently that Charlotte rules the roost at home, and bosses George around. It seemed the Queen said that with some pride. ;) [See post with pictures and video of the kids arrival
here]
Baby George is definitely not a baby anymore. It's crazy how fast he has grown. He was shy today, but still smiling. Apparently, George went to school today, but Charlotte stayed home (does she have this week off? She might), which is why he is in his uniform, but she is not.
Today was a high-speed day. Kate delivered, William went and got the kids, and after they arrived Kate was out on the steps in less than an hour. This family was on a mission to get home! Kate delivered Charlotte at 8:34am after being admitted at 6am, and I believe she left the hospital later (if memory serves). This time, she delivered at 11:01am and left the hospital earlier (again, I think she left earlier). I agree with those who say she looked a little tired. Half the shots show a quasi blank face, before she rallies and gives the cameras a smile. She seemed tired, but genuinely joyful...as seems pretty natural.
Kate again chose a bespoke Jenny Packham. We kind of knew she'd go JP, and that is both because Jenny Packham is that Tier I headline label for Kate, but I also think that Kate has been very intentional in maintaining continuity for each of her children. For each child, Kate has chosen the same designer for her own dress and wrapped her newborn in the same style G.H. Hurt & Son blanket. George didn't get more hoopla in that respect than Charlotte, nor did those first two get something other this third. At the same time, Kate made each day unique by wearing a color that will instantly stick out and identify which Lindo Wing appearance it is. George will always be the blue polka dots, and Charlotte the sweet buttercups, and this little prince the St. George's Day red and white. It's nice how each appearance has been equal, but also unique.
Ok, so here is my theory. I am sure Kate is more comfortable in the privacy of her own palace, as is entirely understandable, and does not want to spend the night at the Lindo Wing. Plus, the inconvenience to the hospital with the security that accompanies such a world-famous mother and child must be considerable. But to get everything done (announcement, kids arrival, her appearance, etc.) takes time. You need to get started early. And she did. Kate arrived in the pre-dawn hours "long before 6am," according to royal reporters, and she delivered at 11:01am. I think she absolutely scheduled this. When trusted royal correspondents claim they have a scoop, they generally have an actual scoop, not because they are telepathic or just incredibly lucky with their guessing game, but because they have an actual source. Emily Andrews said over a month ago that Baby Cambridge was due on April 23rd. And here he is, over a month later, arriving just on schedule, early enough to get George and Charlotte over for their appearance, and get Kate dressed (in St. George's Day red and white, no less) and on her way home before sunset.
I don't have any problem at all with Kate inducing, I am just explaining why, when I look everything over, I think that's what happened here. I don't know--maybe Kate has exceptional luck and Emily Andrews should chuck her reporting job to be a wonder woman on the stock market, but I think this was not entirely unplanned. Seeing her in St. George's red and white really sealed the deal. Kate does love those little tributes. I say well done to her. She certainly looked ready to deliver a month ago, so if she planned April 23rd as the drop-dead date, more power to her!
Kate looks absolutely fantastic in red. I loved this dress and she looked magnificent this afternoon. Every Lindo Wing presentation is special, filled with that natural fatigue and exuberant joy. I join several readers who have already expressed the comment...bring on a fourth! :) In the meantime, I hope all of you (checking your phones in the early hours for the Lindo Wing status) get a restful sleep tonight.
