Why Kate Middleton Left the Hospital So Quickly
This morning at 11:01 a.m., Kate Middleton gave birth to a healthy, 8-pound baby boy. Just seven hours later, she and Prince William left the Lindo Wing at St Mary's for the comforts of home at Kensington Palace.
The short stay definitely marked a departure from the typical birth. New moms in the U.K. spend on average a day and a half in the hospital, while American mothers usually rest up for two, according to The Guardian.
The quick departure may come from practice - Kate stayed at the hospital for 10 hours after Princess Charlotte's birth and overnight with Prince George - but she also has more reasons to get a move on than the non-royal mom.
With exuberant crowds of photographers and fans camped outside of her window, the tired mom can probably catch up on sleep more easily at home. She also probably wanted to curtail the noisy hubbub for the benefit of other mothers at the hospital, Harper's Bazaar notes.
More importantly, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have the benefit of a 20-plus person medical team. Consultant obstetrician Guy Thorpe-Beeston and consultant gynaecologist Alan Farthing oversaw the birth, the Telegraph reports, but additional pediatricians, midwives anesthetists, lab technicians, and other medical experts remain on standby in case any problem should arise. The couple doesn't need to remain in the maternity ward for top-notch care.
In fact, many media sources like Vogue speculated earlier in the pregnancy that Kate would give birth at home so she could avoid the media spectacle. The rumors alleged she wanted to spend time with her newborn and family without having to make an appearance right away.
Of course, the family ultimately opted to travel to the Lindo Wing and do the traditional photo-op afterwards. While her stunning makeup, blowout, and red Jenny Packham maternity dress wowed the crowds, Kate can now go home and put on the comfiest sweatpants she owns. She's definitely earned it!
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