Entertainment

Meghan Markle Sent a Deliberate Message to the World With Her Postpartum Debut

EntertainmentPublished May 8, 2019
By Lauren Levy
Meghan Markle Prince Harry first baby photoGetty

There was no question that whenever Meghan Markle and Prince Harry decided to introduce baby Sussex to the public for the first time that they would do it their own way. The new parents have been breaking royal baby traditions throughout the pregnancy and already since the birth of their baby boy on Monday. But with their first photo call as a family of three, the new mom didn't just do things differently -- she also sent a very clear message to everyone who was watching.

Just like Kate and Diana before her, Meghan glowed when she showed off her baby boy to the world for the first time. But that's where the similarities in their photocalls end.-placeholder
Just like Kate and Diana before her, Meghan glowed when she showed off her baby boy to the world for the first time. But that's where the similarities in their photocalls end.
Getty

Just like Kate and Diana before her, Meghan glowed when she showed off her baby boy to the world for the first time. But that's where the similarities in their photocalls end.

Meghan didn't step outside for the public to scope out her post-baby body hours after delivering her first child. And when she finally did, she set a clear tone to embrace the beauty of the "fourth trimester" instead of putting on a show of instant perfection.

Meghan wore a white dress cinched at the waist to accentuate her postpartum body -- instead of trying to hide it.-placeholder
Meghan wore a white dress cinched at the waist to accentuate her postpartum body -- instead of trying to hide it.
Getty

Meghan wore a white dress cinched at the waist to accentuate her postpartum body -- instead of trying to hide it.

Not only did Meghan opt to wait longer than her sister-in-law or mother-in-law to face the cameras, it's reported that the new mom was against this tradition for the message it sent to other woman. So instead of following suit and pretending as if she didn't just bring a human into this world, she took time and embraced it instead of covering anything up.

Meghan proudly flaunted her curves along with her hair in natural waves instead of a stiff blowout or sleek updo to send a deliberate message: This is new motherhood, and women don't instantly "bounce back," nor should they feel pressured to for photos, whether it be on Instagram or inside Windsor Castle.  

Instead of wearing something flowing that offered plenty of coverage, Meghan opted for a sleeveless look with a V-neck that didn't attempt to hide her swollen and recovering body. She also lovingly placed her hand on her bump, in honor of the incredible gift her body just gave her. The result: an approachable new mom feel while still being thrust in the spotlight after giving birth.

When Kate and Diana unveiled their firstborn sons, these proud royal mamas did it with a completely different vibe.-placeholder
When Kate and Diana unveiled their firstborn sons, these proud royal mamas did it with a completely different vibe.
Getty

When Kate and Diana unveiled their firstborn sons, these proud royal mamas did it with a completely different vibe.

Both women stepped out for the first time with their newborns just hours after welcoming their sons, showing them off on the hospital steps of the Lindo Wing. Complete with hair, makeup, and flowing dresses that concealed their bodies, these women put on a show of "perfection" that left many women -- including Meghan -- unsettled by the fakeness and pressure it puts on other moms. They also both held their new bundles of joy, possibly in an attempt to cover their postpartum bumps. 

According to the Daily Mail, Meghan felt this display was "archaic" and didn't want to perpetuate that same standard of immediate postpartum perfection.

Instead, Meghan took control to do things how she wanted instead of simply following precedence while also clearly reminding everyone of her American roots.-placeholder
Instead, Meghan took control to do things how she wanted instead of simply following precedence while also clearly reminding everyone of her American roots.
Getty

Instead, Meghan took control to do things how she wanted instead of simply following precedence while also clearly reminding everyone of her American roots.

Not only did the new mom want more privacy during the photo op, which she and Harry achieved by limiting the press, they also sent a message with who they invited to be there. To the surprise of many, the couple welcomed CBS, the network where her friend Gayle King works, along with a small sampling of British media outlets to be present for the big moment.

Congratulations to the happy family and doing things their own way!-placeholder
Congratulations to the happy family and doing things their own way!
Getty

Congratulations to the happy family and doing things their own way!

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