Exploring the Royal Baby Shower Traditions: Meghan Markle vs. Kate Middleton

Introduction to British Royal Traditions

For members of the British upper classes, especially those in the royal family, the concept of a “baby shower” is considered anathema - a term used to denote something considered to be extremely distasteful or offensive. In the UK, baby showers are not a traditional custom, though they are becoming more popular among the upper middle classes. The idea of having such an event is looked upon negatively; it’s not that Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, was banned from having one, but rather a matter of good taste.

Baby Showers in the Context of British Royalty

In the UK, baby showers are not part of the established royal traditions. Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, did not have a baby shower during her pregnancy with Prince George, nor is there any official record of her having one. It is a practice that is predominantly American, considered vulgar in the UK, and it doesn’t make much logical sense to claim that because a baby shower is considered taboo, Catherine was officially prevented from having one.

Official Royalty Protocol and Discretion

We must acknowledge that whether Catherine had a baby shower or not remains uncertain. If there was an event, it was organized discreetly by her family or close friends. Members of the royal family, including Catherine, are known for their privacy and discretion. For instance, if her mother, sister, or close friends organized a baby shower, this would not have been an official matter; rather, it would have been a personal celebration.

Meghan Markle’s Baby Shower Celebration

On the other hand, Meghan Markle’s baby shower during her pregnancy with Prince Harry’s son, Archie, was widely reported and celebrated within the media. The celebration was a mix of American traditions and modern royal practices. Normani Kordei, a close friend and former colleague of Meghan’s, organized the baby shower, which included a registry of items for baby Archie’s nursery. This event was more in line with American practices and was not officially sanctioned by the royal family but was a way for Meghan to celebrate the arrival of her first child in her own unique style.

Comparing the Traditions: Meghan vs. Kate

While Catherine maintained a traditional and discreet approach to her pregnancy, Meghan chose to embrace more modern and personal traditions. This choice to have a baby shower was not uncommon in the modern royal context but was still seen as a departure from the more formal and austere practices typically followed by royal families.

Conclusion

The contrasting approaches to the celebration of a royal baby shower between Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton highlight the evolving nature of royal traditions and how individual family members can choose to celebrate in ways that resonate with their personal preferences while still respecting the overall protocol and expectations within the royal family.

In the end, while Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle followed different traditions, both had their own ways of celebrating the joy of a new addition to their families. The variation in celebration styles reflects both the evolving nature of royal traditions and the personal choices made by members of the royal family.