When Kate Middleton and Prince William welcome their third child in just a matter of weeks (or days!), they’ll debut their new addition to the world on the steps of the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s Hospital in London.
The post-birth appearance on the Lindo Wing steps has become something of a royal tradition: It’s how Princess Diana and Prince Charles introduced their sons to the world, and William and Kate followed in their footsteps. But although the Lindo Wing is synonymous with royal births today, even just 50 years ago, that wasn’t the case.
Up until the 1977 birth of the first of Queen Elizabeth’s grandchildren, Peter Phillips, royal births occurred at home. And in centuries past, they were events attended by courtiers, political officials and even the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Prince William and Kate Middleton with Princess Charlotte
Queen Elizabeth gave birth to all four of her children at home at Buckingham Palace— but still managed to break protocol by declining the presence…
