Where Did Meghan Markle Give Birth?

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry did not go to the Lindo Wing, but it seems the Duchess of Sussex’s hopes to have a home birth were dashed earlier this week. The 37-year-old reportedly had to give birth in a hospital, but it was still a swanky suite.

According to the Daily Mail, Meghan was taken to Portland Hospital for Women and Children on Sunday. The outlet reports that a “basic” labor and delivery costs over £15,000. The private hospital in London was also where Sarah Ferguson gave birth to Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.

Vanity Fair notes that Portland is all about luxury and tries to make new parents feel like they’re in a hotel. Both champagne and sushi are available, and packages can cost up to £20,000.

The hospital was a surprising choice. It had long been rumored that Meghan would not go to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Paddington. It’s also a private hospital in London, but it seems like Meghan may have mostly wanted to avoid the media circus there. Though she and Prince Harry said they wouldn’t take photos immediately after labor, surely the paparazzi would’ve caught a glimpse of her if she went to the hospital where both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton gave birth.

The rumor had been that Meghan and Harry would instead go to Frimley Park in Windsor. The public hospital is the closest to Frogmore Cottage, the new home base for the Sussexes, and the Countess of Wessex previously gave birth there. However, Meghan and Harry apparently opted to avoid the widely-rumored choice.

Vanity Fair claims Frogmore had been set up for a home birth. The yoga studio supposedly even had a birthing pool ready. It isn’t clear why exactly the plan changed, but Buckingham Palace has confirmed that both mom and baby are healthy. Meghan gave birth at 5:26 a.m. BST on Monday.

The new parents have not confirmed a name but are expected to reveal more info when they pose for their first photos, most likely on Wednesday.