The important first duty Prince Harry will fulfil when Meghan gives birth
Prince Harry is expected to adhere to royal tradition by fulfilling an important first duty after wife Meghan Markle gives birth.
The Duke of Sussex, 34, will need to directly inform Queen Elizabeth II of the sex of his newborn child immediately after the birth, before revealing the news to anyone else.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expecting their first child within weeks. PA/AAP
This includes telling the Queen before any other royal or member of Harry and Meghan’s families.
In a new ITV documentary, Secrets of the Royal Babies: Harry and Meghan, royal historian Kate Williams explained that this is because the Queen is “the head of the family.”
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"What normally happens is that there is an encrypted phone that cannot be tapped and he will tell her (whether it’s) a girl or boy,” said Williams.
After the phone call, the Duke and Duchess will get some private time with the baby before an official statement is to be issued to the public.
The couple will be able to spend quality time with their first child before the baby's name and gender are made public. AP/AAP
The royal protocol - which dates back generations - was also followed by Prince William when Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were born.
There is much speculation as to what other royal traditions Harry and Meghan will choose to adhere to, following reports the Duchess will not give birth at the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington.
Instead, the couple have reportedly chosen somewhere more private.
Meghan completed her last official royal duties on Commonwealth Day and is now on maternity leave. PA/AAP
It has also been suggested that Harry and Meghan won’t make a public appearance with the baby hours after the birth.
The royal baby, who is seventh in line to the throne, is expected to be born before the end of April.
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