Congratulations are in order for Michelle Keegan, who has welcomed her first child with husband Mark Wright.
And it would appear that the newborn entered the world in style at a swanky hospital favoured by members of the royal family.
Palma Elizabeth Wright was born on March 6, with delighted new mum Michelle sharing a sweet black and white picture via Instagram, where she and Mark can be seen gently clasping their daughter’s hand. The proud parents wrote: “Together we have a new love to share – our little girl”.
Baby Palma was born at London’s world-famous Portland Hospital, a private maternity hospital which offers the sort of experience you’d expect from a five star hotel.
Located in upmarket Westminister, a stone’s throw away from parliament, the exclusive Portland has long won the approval of famous parents, from Molly Mae Hague to Victoria Beckham, Jools Oliver to Dani Dyer.
Even royal mums have given birth here, with Sarah Ferguson, Meghan Markle, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie all giving the hospital their royal seal of approval. Of course, these luxurious birthing experiences don’t come cheap, with A-List mothers expected to shell out at least £15, 000.
As shown in the 2018 BBC documentary, Five Star Babies, this princely sum is the very minimum of what is expected. The show followed Chinese ‘ it-girl ‘ Liu Hui, who splashed out approximately £30, 000 overall.
The Independent reports that expectant mums can choose from either a midwife-led or consultant-led maternity package. The starting price begins at £5, 950 and can go up to £8, 900 depending on how early in the pregnancy the purchase is made. Each subsequent night spent in the hospital can cost up to £2, 180, meaning the total bill can quickly skyrocket into the tens of thousands.
Michaela Paul, maternity services advisor, said that these packages enable mums-to-be to have “flexibility and control over their pregnancy, choice of birth and birth plan, so they enjoy a truly individual experience”.
Patients can expect much more than a simple slice of toast after the birth. Celebratory meals on offer include champagne, lobster and foie gras, OK reports, and the treats don’t stop there.
Little ones are gifted £3, 500 Moses baskets from opulent furniture brand Dragons of Walton Street, plus £14, 000 four-poster Little Duchess cots. Privacy and comfort are prioritised, with no squeezing into cramped, noisy wards. After the birth, mums are left to recuperate in private rooms, which include beds for partners, as well as en suite bathrooms stocked with slippers and Molton Brown toiletries.
Rather than being rushed out, they receive round-the-clock care from midwives, who can feed their newborns in the hospital’s nursery if the mum needs her rest. They will also receive physiotherapist visits, who will provide support and suggestions regarding postnatal exercises.
Hospital food doesn’t exactly have the best reputation, but this certainly doesn’t apply at the Portland, where kitchen staff headhunted directly from the legendary Dorchester hotel. Head chef Sam Tadjadit told The Independent: “We offer an extensive choice within our menus which change seasonally. All food is cooked to order, taking into account individual dietary needs, and our team of chefs is available to meet with women to discuss specific requirements. We are also able to cater for partners and visitors”.
Before heading home, new mums are handed goodie bags reportedly stuffed with champagne, posh toys, and even invitations to a professional mother and baby photoshoot. However, for mums in the public eye, it’s not just the plush treatment that appeals – it’s the all-important security.
Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand write in their 2020 book Finding Freedom, which explores Meghan and Harry’s marriage: “Portland Hospital offered not only state-of-the-art care but also an underground entrance where blacked-out SUVs driving in and out were the norm”.
As per the biography, Duchess Meghan “never considered” giving birth to Prince Archie at the Lindo Wing where Princess Kate welcomed Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, as she “wanted something more discreet”.
Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia. banim@reachplc.com. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply