Meghan Markle ditches four decades of tradition to shun Lindo Wing where Kate Middleton and Princess Diana gave birth

MUM-to-be Meghan has broken a four-decade royal tradition by shunning the hospital where Kate and Princess Diana gave birth.

She and Prince Harry have decided not to have their baby at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.

Instead, the couple have opted for a maternity unit closer to their Windsor home.

Kate and Prince William posed on the steps outside the Lindo following the births of their three children.

Last year the Duchess of Cambridge looked immaculate as she emerged just hours after Prince Louis’ birth.

A source said: “This child will not be born at the Lindo.

“The talk of all the senior clinicians there is that Meghan doesn’t want to copy what Kate did.

“Harry and Meghan realise there is intense public interest but this baby is not a direct heir to the throne and they want the birth to be as private as possible.

“Meghan is nervous about complications such as an emergency Caesarean and doesn’t want the pressure of having to look immaculate on the hospital steps just hours later.

“Like any anxious first-time mum, she’s worried about the birth itself.

She just wants a normal, natural birth and to bond with her baby

“As she is over 35, she is considered a slightly older mum — which sometimes can lead to some complications.

“Meghan also has the added stress of the world’s attention on her — everyone wants to catch the first glimpse of the new royal addition.

“She and Harry have decided that rather than go somewhere as public as the Lindo they will allow Meghan to recover somewhere more private.

“She just wants a normal, natural birth and to bond with her baby, without being primped and blow-dried to within an inch of her life just for the pictures.”

The link between the Lindo Wing and the Royal Family dates back to 1977. The Princess Royal had her first child Peter Phillips there, followed by daughter Zara in 1981.

Diana chose it for the births of William in 1982 and Harry in 1984.

Kate followed in 2013, 2015 and 2018 with George, Charlotte and Louis.

Last year actress Keira Knightley, 34, criticised 37-year-old Kate’s seemingly perfect post-baby appearances.

'UNREALISTIC AND NOT ACHIEVABLE'

She said the fact that Kate “was out of hospital seven hours later with her face made up and high heels on” felt unrealistic and not achievable for a lot of women.

Los Angeles-born Meghan, 37, is focusing on her love of modern wellness remedies to help with her anxieties including pre-natal massages.

She is said to be worried about her age as a first-time mum. Anyone over 35 is medically classed as geriatric.

Meghan — who follows a vegan diet during the week and swears by drinking green juice — is using meditation to help ease her nervousness.

The Sun on Sunday can also reveal that her mum Doria, 62, has been taking pregnancy massage lessons in LA. She has been learning about pressure points for pain relief and breathing techniques so she can assist Meghan when she goes into labour.

Doria is expected to fly to the UK in the coming days.

Meghan is dedicated to following New Age birthing techniques, including chanting and breathing routines using natural smells and sound therapy, it is claimed.

She has been taking her mum’s advice on the use of essential oils that help balance the female hormone system.

Other spiritual and wellness areas that interest the Duchess include the use of aromatherapy and healing using crystals.

Meghan is now also enjoying a range of caffeine-free specialised herbal teas.

A source said: “She has always been very spiritual and has a great love for yoga, good food and mediation.

“Now she is taking it all to another level to make sure she is in the best place physically and mentally for the birth of their baby.

“She’s been trying spiritual techniques aimed at pregnant women and Harry has been supporting her. He has come round to her way of thinking after seeing the huge benefits of inner wellness.”

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