Kate Middleton and Prince William broke royal traditions during her pregnancy and the birth of their babies, according to royal experts. Amid rumors that the Duchess of Cambridge might be pregnant with her fourth child, royal observers recall how she and her husband handled her very delicate condition.
Reports from the Daily Express cited that Kate sparked another pregnancy rumor after Princess Eugenie confirmed she's expecting her first baby with Jack Brooksbank. Royal experts said that when Kate was pregnant for the first time, the Cambridges had to do away with royal practices.
According to royal historian Robert Lacey, Prince William was the first royal dad to be present during the birth of his first-born child, and subsequently his other children. Apparently, when Prince William was born in the 1980s, his dad, Prince Charles, was playing polo. Consequently, when Prince Charles was born in the 1940s, Prince Philip was playing squash at the palace grounds.
Lacey also said that Prince William was a very supportive husband especially when Kate suffered from extreme morning sickness. The second in line to the British throne was constantly with his wife during her hospital stay for hyperemesis gravidarum, as she required complete bedrest, along with nutritional supplements and hydration.
The historian said that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge didn't hide the pregnancy issues. The young royal couple was open about the process Kate had to go through, which also raised awareness about her condition.
Ingrid Seward of Majesty magazine said that while the royals might have been reluctant to announce Kate's pregnancy at that time, the matter was out of their hands. Because of her hyperemesis gravidarum, Kate and William had to be in and out of the hospital for the first trimester of her pregnancy and it was not something they can keep from the media.
According to Hello, Kate and William were prompted to announce the pregnancy earlier than tradition for all of the Cambridges' three kids. The Duchess of Cambridge had to give up on her royal duties temporarily as well. But once Kate got passed her second trimester, she was back to work while heavy with a child.
Meanwhile, first-time pregnant mom Eugenie could turn to Kate for advice during her pregnancy, or ask for parenting tips once her baby arrives. The Brooksbank live a stone's throw away from the Cambridges in Kensington Palace. The York royal is fortunate to have Kate's experience guiding her, according to reports.
