Prince George turns 12: Inside the birth that sparked a frenzy - and why Meghan Markle 'felt sorry for Kate'

Daily Mail​

22-07-2025

The bells of Westminster Abbey rang out, landmarks were illuminated blue to symbolise the birth of a boy and gun salutes marked the occasion in London, Bermuda, New Zealand and Canada.
On this day 12 years ago, a wood-and-gold easel announced the birth that was celebrated all over the world as Prince William and Princess Catherine welcomed the birth of their son and heir to the throne.
Within hours of Prince George Alexander Louis, Kate appeared on the steps of the Lindo Wing looking immaculately put-together to greet the world's media camping outside.
The Princess of Wales - who was 31 at the time - radiated with happiness as she cuddled her newborn son and stood next to her proud husband William.
Prince George was born at 4.24pm on July 22, 2013, weighing 8lb 6oz, at the same Paddington Hospital where his father was delivered 31 years earlier.
Kate looked effortlessly stylish in a light blue polka dot dress, white heels and minimal makeup for her first public appearance as a mother.
Even though Kate was following in her late mother-in-law's footsteps with her Lindo Wing appearance, her glamorous look subsequently upped the style stakes for all royal mothers going forward.
But not everyone agreed with this decades-old tradition.
An insider claimed that Meghan Markle 'felt sorry' for Kate Middleton after her public appearance following the birth of Prince George and later Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, particularly the photo calls at the Lindo Wing.
This sentiment reportedly stemmed from Meghan's view that the public expectations surrounding these appearances were overly demanding for a new mother.
Meghan reportedly felt that the Lindo Wing appearances were a stressful and unnecessary tradition.
Some sources indicated that Meghan, a self-proclaimed feminist, may have viewed the post-birth photo calls as putting undue pressure on Kate and other women to present a perfect image shortly after giving birth.
Meghan and Harry chose to keep the birth of their son, Archie, private and did not participate in the traditional Lindo Wing photo call.
But others argued that Kate both honoured the tradition of the photocall, as well as providing a breath of fresh air by proudly showing her post-baby bump rather than hiding it.
Parents from around the world heaped praises on Kate with Netmums founder Siobhan Freegard saying the Duchess had dispelled the 'myth that all mothers should be perfect postpartum'.
'Kate shows what a real mum looks like – and natural is beautiful' she added
The Princess of Wales' blue polka dot dress has been widely regarded by many as a sweet nod to the late Princess Diana, who is pictured outside the Lindo Wing in 1982 after the birth of Prince William
The Lindo Wing was also used for the birth of William in 1982 and Harry in 1984. This is while in 1977 the Princess Royal had Peter Phillips there, followed by daughter Zara in 1981.
As such, the Princess of Wales' blue polka dot dress has been widely regarded by many as a sweet nod to the late Princess Diana.
What's more, the royal had her own glam squad on standby in the hospital - as she emerged on the steps with a beautifully styled straight blow-dry and radiant face of makeup.
During the hour the birth was announced 12 per cent of all the content read or watched around the world related to the new arrival.
Shortly after seeing George, Prince Harry said one of his duties as an uncle was 'to make sure he has fun'.
In 2018, Kate Middleton was seen on the steps of the Lindo Wing - just hours after giving birth to Prince Louis - looking equally as glamourous.
For the occasion, Kate wore a pretty red dress with a lace-trim Peter Pan collar and nude suede heels.
Her flawless appearance, neatly styled locks and full face of make-up in front of cameras was possibly regarded by Meghan as too much to bear just hours after delivery.
Seeing double! Diana and Kate matched once again. Diana is pictured leaving the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital following the birth of Prince Harry on September 16, 1984 and Kate is pictured in 2018 after the birth of Prince Louis
Prince Archie was born in the Portland Hospital in Westminster and his birth was only announced after the family of three had returned home to Frogmore Cottage
In the Queen's 2013 Christmas broadcast, she spoke about her great-grandson Prince George and said the birth of a baby allows people to think about the future with renewed 'happiness and hope'.
In her traditional message to the nation, the Queen also made an observation about the future for new parents - 'life will never be quite the same again'.
Opting for an entirely different approach, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry broke from royal tradition in May 2019 and kept Archie's birth a fierce secret.
Prince Archie was born in the Portland Hospital in Westminster and his birth was only announced after the family of three had returned home to Frogmore Cottage.
The couple decided to hold their carefully managed photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle - with just a handful of press present.
For the occasion, Meghan oozed glamour in a crisp white belted blazer dress by British designer Grace Wales Bonner.
She kept the look simple by pairing it with her pair of nude Manolo Blahnik BB pumps and kept her accessories to a minimum, wearing a simple Jennifer Meyer turquoise necklace.
And in a further break from tradition, the new parents used their Instagram account to announce Archie's name.
Over the last decade, the world has watched George grow from a cheeky toddler into a charming young man.
And while most 12-year-olds celebrate with cake and presents, this year George's birthday marks more than just a family celebration.
A rule set in place to protect the order of succession will come into place, meaning he can no longer travel on the same aircraft as another heir, in this case his father.
This right of passage marks a significant step towards his future role as King.
William and George showed their close bond during the men's singles final at Wimbledon
George will likely feel a sense of duty to uphold the traditions of the Crown, much as Kate did with the photocalls.
In February 2020, Kate admitted that she found it 'terrifying' to debut her three children to the world on the steps of the Lindo Wing.
The mother-of-three was speaking as a guest on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast when she was asked by host Giovanna Fletcher what it was like to stand in front of the crowds with a newborn baby in her arms.
Ms Fletcher, who was speaking about Kate's first appearance with Prince George in 2013, asked: 'What was it like knowing that there were so many people outside after you've given birth and you're in your little cocoon with your new family?'
The Duchess of Cambridge said: 'Slightly terrifying, I'm not going to lie.
'Everyone had been so supportive and both William and I were really conscious that this was something that everyone was excited about and we're hugely grateful for the support that the public had shown us, and actually for us to be able to share that joy and appreciation with the public, I felt was really important.