10 Delightful Photos of Royal Baby Bumps Through the Years

By Jaclyn Anglis Updated: October 30, 2018

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The history of royal baby bumps in pictures is certainly a rich one. From Princess Diana’s iconic pregnancy photos to snapshots of Kate Middleton’s maternity outfits, it’s clear that the British royal family knows how to show off a baby bump with style. Considering the exciting news that Meghan Markle is now expecting a baby, it’s worth embracing the nostalgia that comes from royal pregnancies throughout the years.

Royal History of Baby Bumps

Who doesn’t love babies — including royal babies? It’s safe to say that the tiniest princes and princesses have been adored by countless fans for years. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that royal women didn’t always flaunt their pregnancies like they do today. It’s arguable that the main reason why that changed was the same reason why a lot of things about being a royal changed: Princess Diana.

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When the beloved late princess was pregnant with her first child, there were banner headlines declaring the “wonderful news” and details about how the mom-to-be and her then-husband Prince Charles were “delighted” about the new baby. Now today, that might not strike us as an odd declaration. But as People magazine pointed out in a 1981 article, Prince Charles’ birth in November 1948 could not have been proclaimed more differently: It was officially announced with a mysterious message that Queen Elizabeth would “undertake no public engagements after the end of June.” Wow — can you imagine if Meghan Markle tried announcing her pregnancy in such a manner today?

As you may recall, Princess Diana did not hide her baby bumps while expecting her royal babies, Prince William and Prince Harry. Even though it was later revealed that Princess Diana suffered terrible morning sickness with her first pregnancy, it was hard to see that at the time because of how radiant she looked in maternity wear. Of course, Princess Diana would go on to not only change the face of royal pregnancies but also royal motherhood — publicly showering her boys with love, affection, and emotional support. So when you look at the most recent royal history of baby bumps in pictures, remember to tip your fascinator to the woman who likely started it all.

Scroll below to see some of the most beautiful royal baby bumps in pictures below, then click on the circular buttons below your favorite image to share it instantly with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest!

Meghan Markle Baby Bump Photos

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Meghan Markle's Baby Bump

This photo shows Meghan Markle attending a reception given by the Governor of Victoria on October 18, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. She and Prince Harry were there for their official 16-day joint tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand. This event happened just two days after the royal couple announced Meghan's pregnancy. At this point, the duchess had just recently passed her three-month scan, so it's no wonder why her bump was still on the tiny side. We don't know about you, but we sure can't wait to see what Meghan Markle's maternity style looks like once she gets further along!
Kate Middleton Baby Bump Pics

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Kate Middleton's Baby Bump — Prince Louis

In this picture, Kate Middleton made quite a grand, gorgeous entrance at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA), which was held at the Royal Albert Hall on February 18, 2018 in London, England. The now-mom-of-three then embraced her growing baby bump with a striking green gown that looked absolutely gorgeous on the red carpet. (But, really, Kate Middleton's outfits would be beautiful anywhere, so we're not really surprised.) At the time this snapshot was taken, she had just two months to go before she would give birth to her third child, Prince Louis.
Kate Middleton Pregnant Pictures

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Kate Middleton's Baby Bump — Princess Charlotte

It's hard for us to remember that Kate Middleton had such difficult royal pregnancies. Unfortunately, carrying her second child Princess Charlotte was no exception. Similar to her other pregnancies, the duchess suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum — the scientific term for severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and electrolyte disturbance. But you wouldn't have guessed that watching her attend this Service of Commemoration to mark the end of combat operations in Afghanistan at St Paul's Cathedral on March 13, 2015 in London, England. At the time, she had just two months to go before she would give birth to her only daughter.
Pregnant Kate Middleton Photos

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Kate Middleton's Baby Bump — Prince George

All eyes were on Kate for all of her pregnancies, but by far the most publicly anticipated was her first royal baby, Prince George. After all, he will eventually be the king someday. But like us all, George was once just waiting in his mommy's (terribly upset) tummy to make his debut into the world. That said, it was one stylish baby bump, as evidenced here by an eye-popping print that the expecting duchess wore to attend the wedding of William van Cutsem and Rosie Ruck Keene at the church of St Mary the Virgin in Ewelme on May 11, 2013 near Oxford, England. She just had about two months to go before she gave birth to her eldest.
Sophie Countess Of Wessex Pregnant

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Sophie Countess of Wessex Baby Bump — James

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, was thrilled to be expecting her second child in 2007, especially since she thought that it would never be a possibility, according to The Telegraph. She had serious complications with a pregnancy before this one, a tragic experience with an ectopic pregnancy, and she was also in her early 40s when she became pregnant with her future son James, Viscount Severn. But obviously, it was clear that she was meant to be a mother — and a wonderful mother at that. It's such a blessing that she got another chance at parenthood!
Countess Sophie Baby Bump

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Sophie Countess of Wessex Baby Bump — Louise

Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who is the wife of Prince Edward and daughter-in-law of Queen Elizabeth, had to undergo an emergency C-section to deliver her first child in 2003 after suffering a placental abruption — a potentially life-threatening condition which caused her to lose several pints of blood, according to The Telegraph. Fortunately, both she and her precious child Lady Louise Windsor turned out to be just fine. Isn't it amazing how you can see so much light already radiating from the then-mom-to-be as she opened a new counseling center? Such a miracle of love!
Princess Diana Pregnant Photos

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Princess Diana's Baby Bump — Prince Harry

The late, great royal always had impeccable fashion sense — and the times she was pregnant were no exception. In this image, the princess shines in a fabulous outfit while expecting her second son, Prince Harry. At the time, she was attending the film premiere of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom in Leicester Square in London. Between the excitement of the event and Harry's impending birth in 1984, it's little wonder why the princess was positively glowing at the time. By the way, doesn't the color of her outfit remind you of Cinderella's ball gown?
Pictures Of Princess Diana Pregnant

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Princess Diana's Baby Bump — Prince William

It doesn't take an eagle eye to see that Princess Diana was only days away from the birth of her first child Prince William in this image, taken back in 1982. Pictured with her then-husband Prince Charles at polo in Windsor, the beaming royal looked like she was ready to welcome her bundle of joy at any second. We know she must have been so excited to finally see her eldest son's adorable little face at last. Unsurprisingly, her gorgeous pink maternity dress was striking to behold — and truly fit for royalty.
Pictures Of Princess Anne Pregnant

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Princess Anne's Baby Bump — Zara

Queen Elizabeth's only daughter Princess Anne donned a modest yet lovely outfit in public while she was expecting her second child, Zara. Can you believe this photo was taken back in 1981, just weeks prior to the princess giving birth? We have a hunch that the royal's pregnancy style would probably be a big hit with a lot of expecting moms today. Considering she was attending the wedding of her sister-in-law, there was probably a lot of stress over picking the perfect outfit — but if so, we have to say she absolutely rocked this look.
Princess Anne Pregnancy Photos

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Princess Anne's Baby Bump — Peter

There aren't a whole lot of Princess Anne pregnancy photos available out there, but we have to say that we thoroughly enjoy this undated and candid snapshot of the royal back when she was expecting her first child, Peter. Pictured at the Knowlton Horse Trials, the princess is preparing to drive her Range Rover four-wheel-drive car while being totally wrapped up in a cozy sweater. (Who else would like to wear a nice and warm outfit like that one on a chilly day?) She would later give birth to her only son in November 1977.