to think that the four hour gap between birth and announcement...

[northlight]

was a bit much. I can quite see that the parents would want an hour or even two before they let the world in, so to speak, but the family do hold the position they do and this was also a public event. It was only an announcement, there was no expectation that the father would emerge to speak to the waiting press and it would not have affected their time with the baby in any way.

Was it a pop at the press? Understandable, given the history but there were ordinary people waiting outside the palace in the heat and it seems perverse to miss the early evening news slots.

In the interests of full disclosure, I'm not a monarchist but it's the institution, not the people, I dislike. Does anyone else find this a little off?

They were entitled to as much private time with their new baby as they wanted.

I thought it weird though that Kate's arrival at the hospital and the subsequent press release wasn't better thought through. Surely they would have known that they would be seen and that Twitter etc would circumvent the press embargo in place?

I felt so sorry for the poor woman labouring whilst knowing (as of course she would have done- she could probably even hear it!) that half the country was watching the clock and speculating on her performance. I don't know why she wasn't protected more.

OP, I feel your pain. I just hope that therapy can help you with the sense of alienation you must be feeling after being left for a whole 4 hours before being given the news.

Actually, no, scratch that, I don't feel your pain at all.

After two VBs I've not managed to get up on to the ward within four hours of the birth - the staff protected that initial bonding time in the halflight. Even giving them half an hour for checks/stitches, and an hour or two for trying a feed and having a cuddle and a cry together, they had scarcely long enough to make personal calls to the various close family members (greatgranny, grandparents x 2, siblings, which is six calls at an absolute minimum) before authorising the hospital staff to issue the official announcement.

I think four hours was, erm, fucking speedy and I wish they could have been allowed to wait longer.

I'm amazed she actually gave birth in that hospital with all the press outside. I thought it was really unfair to her and can't imagine the added pressure at a time when she should have been labouring in peace.

The 4h delay could have been due to issues post-birth, or maybe they just wanted peace to speak to their families, have a shower, gaze at their newborn. 4hrs isn't any time at all tbh.

I'd have been happier if the couple had managed to give birth in secret and spent at least a week completely alone and without the bloody media and weirdos that seem obsessed with the situation.

Oh, FFS.
And I get to do this! Hurrah, congratulations - my first ever biscuit under ALL of my name change guises on here!

How come everyone is always on their first biscuit huh ?
(Not doubting you BTW Elizabeth)
It's just I can rarely resist finishing off the packet - though generally with some help from the DC

I think given they are under public scrutiny 24/7 and will be constantly now the baby has been born, a four wait was more than reasonable.

...but there were ordinary people waiting outside the palace in the heat...

More fool them for not thinking of something more constructive to do with their time.

Well I think you are totally right OP.
Next time there should be a live webcam filming her crowning,then no one would be left waiting for news. Especially those idiots waiting in the scorching sun.

I reckon Will should have been on his iphone tweeting every step of the process.

4 hours seemed a bit short to me.

And why the everloving fuck would anyone stand outside all day? I genuinely do not understand.

I was surprised at how quickly it was announced and even more at how soon they appeared in public! I'd have expected the announcement the following day and an appearance a few days later

I was happy with 4 hours. Can't see the problem.

I'm bemused at your use of "public event"

Weird.

I thought it was lovely that they hopefully had their own time and its none of our buisness

YABU
I was looking forward to the announcement but you have to understand that they need as much time as what's right for them! I thought they were amazing and even had such good grace to speak to the press the day after! Don't think I could've done that

Well personally i agree with you OP. I'm still waiting for my personal telegram, it's a disgrace!

I mean the absolute cheek of the couple. How very dare they briefly enjoy the miracle of life they created together and make us wait!

I think four hours was fine before announcing to the whole world. Personally I would of not wanted the world to know I was in labour.

There would of been post baby checks to do and why not let them enjoy their baby privately before having the whole world stick their noses in. Even now there is a thread moaning about their choice of name.

Yes people were excited and waned to know asap but family should be told before journalists from Japan