Royals

Rumours of a home birth were rife, but this is where Duchess Meghan actually gave birth second time around

The Duchess and Duke welcomed their daughter on Friday, June 4.
Loading the player...

And just like that, another royal baby has arrived!

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan welcomed a new baby girl, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor on Friday, June 4, but it is only now, more than two days later details are being released.

Keeping such a high-profile birth quiet has been no mean feat – but with the official statement, we are now getting deeper information.

Where Meghan Markle gave birth

Duchess Meghan gave birth at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, at 11.40am on Friday, June 5.

As per the Sussexes spokesperson, baby Lilibet Diana was welcomed “in the trusted care of the doctors and staff” at the acute care hospital.

The cream-stone building boasts a Spanish-mission-style architecture which is so prevalent in California – and while it is meant to offer the height of comfort, Meghan and Lili didn’t stay in long.

The statement today said mum and bub have both returned home aare now settling in at the Duke and Duchesses Santa Barbara mansion.

Meghan gave birth at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

(Google Maps)

Meghan and her baby daughter are reportedly both healthy and well as they spend their first few days together.

It’s interesting to note that Meghan decided to give birth at a hospital.

In recent weeks, reports have swirled around Meghan wanting to have a home birth. However, at the age of 39, her birth could also have been considered more “high risk”, so a hospital would have been recommended.

The Duchess returned home with her baby girl over the weekend after giving birth on Friday.

(Getty)

When Meghan welcomed Archie just over two years ago, she was still based in Windsor.

Again, numerous rumours were rife suggesting the Duchess was to have a home birth at the time, but it eventuated that she actually gave birth at London’s Portland Hospital. This is a well known hospital for UK A-listers, with the likes of Sarah Ferguson welcoming her own royal babies Princess Eugenie and Beatrice there.

It was initially reported Meghan was planning a home birth.

(Misan Harriman)

This time around, the California hospital would have provided a very different outlook for the royals after a bustling London-based maternity ward.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is smaller and specialises in children’s heath, with a children’s medical centre also located on-site.

The hospital is located in the heart of sunny California.

(Google Maps)

With the Duke and Duchess now happily nesting with their new daughter back at home, expect them to keep a very low profile over the next few weeks.

But with any luck, we’ll soon see the first photos of the little one – stay tuned!

Want more news on the royal baby? Check out the stories below!

This is how the royals celebrated the birth of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s new baby girl

She’s here! Duchess Meghan & Prince Harry announce the birth of their second child – a baby girl!

Meaningful and unique: The meaning behind the baby name Meghan Markle & Prince Harry picked for their little girl

This time around, Duchess Meghan is going where no other royal has gone with her maternity style

Princess, Duchess, Lady…? Here’s the go on what title Harry & Meghan’s baby girl will take

Meet the Markles: The other non-royal side of Baby Sussex’s family

The fascinating story of Baby Sussex’s doting new Grandma: Doria Ragland

Here’s what Meghan & Harry looked like as babies – so we can imagine exactly how Baby Sussex number two will resemble them

Get ready to swoon: A definitive timeline of Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry’s love story

Related stories