South London News
Meghan Markle is to give birth at Croydon University Hospital
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex met with staff at the hospital to finalise arrangements last week
Sam TrueloveSenior reporter
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expecting their first child in the coming weeks (Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
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Meghan Markle is to give birth in Croydon, it has been announced.
The Duchess of Sussex is heavily pregnant and is expected to give birth to her royal baby very soon, thought to be sometime in April.
In preparation, Kensington Palace has confirmed the former Suits star, who married Prince Harry in May, will give birth at Croydon University Hospital.
It is believed no royal has ever given birth in the South London borough before, but The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said they made the decision after being "blown away" by the hospital's facilities.
A Palace statement said: "Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that The Duchess of Sussex will give birth at Croydon University Hospital, Croydon.
"Their Royal Highnesses have chosen this hospital following a number of successful meetings with staff and midwives. They were both blown away by the hospital's facilities, which include a world-class maternity suite.
"The Duke and Duchess of Sussex appreciate all of the support they have received from people around the world since news of the pregnancy became public and are now looking forward to the delivery itself."
The announcement puts an end to speculation about where Meghan will give birth.
The Duchess of Sussex will give birth at Croydon University Hospital (Image: Google)
Royal fans had predicted that the Duchess of Sussex would choose the Lindo Wing in Paddington as the place where she would give birth, mainly due to Kate Middleton giving birth to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis there.
The Lindo Wing offers mums-to-be the chance to indulge in afternoon tea, lavish menus and bottomless champagne to celebrate the birth.
While Croydon University Hospital may not offer the same perks, it has gained a reputation for making those who give birth there feel "comfortable and relaxed" during their stays.
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust, which manages the hospital, said in a statement: "We are delighted to confirm that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have chosen Croydon University Hospital as their hospital of choice for Meghan to give birth.
"The Trust and Kensington Palace have been in contact for a number of weeks, and we were pleased to welcome both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to the hospital for a meeting last week.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex wed in May 2018 (Image: Getty Images)
"Prince Harry and Meghan expressed their gratitude to hospital staff for making them feel so welcome.
"All of the necessary arrangements are now in place, and we will do our utmost in making sure their experience at the hospital will be one they can cherish for the remainder of their lives."
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Although Meghan's exact due date is not known, it is believed to be in late April.
Did you check the date? Sorry if we caught you out. We hope you've enjoyed our April Fool!
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