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Five rules Meghan Markle shouldn’t break – and the one she’s actually broken already!

She must follow Royal protocol when it comes to her new baby

By Practical Parenting team

October 16 2018

While pregnancy brings a whole host of do’s and don’ts for all women, Meghan Markle has an extra set of rules she needs to abide by as a member of the Royal Family, reports the Daily Star newspaper.

1 The baby’s gender stays secret

As a general rule, royals wait until the birth of their baby to find out whether it’s a boy or a girl. During the Duchess of Cambridge’s pregnancy with son Prince Louis, the world had to wait to find out the gender, and even William and Kate were reported to have waited until the birth to find out. So it’s very likely that Harry and Meghan will not find out the gender of their first child.

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2 Travelling overseas is generally a no-no

Royal women who are expecting a baby generally avoid going overseas as a safety precaution, however seeing as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are currently in Australia, this rule has clearly been waived. Kate Middleton did travel to Norway while pregnant, however she kept flying to a minimum during her pregnancies.

Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019. Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public. 📷PA

3 No baby showers

Throwing an elaborate baby shower is not allowed, according to Royal expert Victoria Arbiter. Given their wealth, a "lavish baby shower would be seen as highly inappropriate… There’s nothing they can’t go out and buy themselves.”

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4 The Queen must be the first to know the good news

When Harry and Meghan’s first child is born, the Queen should be the first to hear the happy news, even before the baby’s grandparents.

At the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge, The Duchess of Sussex joins The Queen to watch a performance by local schoolchildren #RoyalVisitCheshire

5 The baby will be given three to four names

Meghan and Harry will have to think of three or four names for their baby, according to Royal protocol. For example, Prince George is Prince George Alexander Louis, while Princess Charlotte’s full name is Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana.