When a new British royal baby is born, there’s a lot that comes with it. From the name announcement to the godparents reveal, there’s just so much to unpack when welcoming a new heir into the world. But the most important of all? The first photo, of course.
An iconic message broadcast to the world, seeing the royal baby for the first time outside the hospital has become something of a right of passage for British royals. Whether it’s seeing Diana cradle Prince William for the first time in front of the press, or Princess Anne walk down those famous steps with Zara Phillips in her arms, we can’t help but love those first glimpses of the new baby.
As always, the outfit of the new mother is front and centre. Kate Middleton’s penchant for Jenny Packham was carried throughout her pregnancies and baby announcements, with the Duchess wearing the designer for all three post-birth photos. Diana opted for long, billowing caftans, and Princess Anne was all business with floral tea dresses. And while it might not be the most important element of the photo (hello, new baby alert!), it’s certainly of interest.
For Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s first child, however, the status quo has changed. Meghan, an open feminist, has confirmed the new parents will keep the birth private and release a photo afterwards. A modern approach — and one much fairer to the new mother — it means we can still expect to see a photo of Baby Sussex, it’ll just be a few days after the birth. Below, a look back at every royal baby birth outfit since 1977.
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