In a move that has set tongues wagging across the globe, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have reportedly selected one of California’s most exclusive and expensive hospitals to welcome their third child. The couple, who have already made waves with their unconventional approach to royal life, are once again breaking tradition by opting for a facility renowned for its opulent amenities and cutting-edge medical care. While the Sussexes have not publicly confirmed plans for a third child, this rumored decision has ignited curiosity about their growing family and their continued embrace of a high-profile, California-centric lifestyle.
A Hospital Fit for Royalty
The hospital in question, speculated to be among California’s elite medical institutions such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles or a similarly prestigious facility, is known for catering to celebrities and high-net-worth individuals. Unlike the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where their daughter, Princess Lilibet, was born in June 2021, this new choice is said to elevate luxury to another level. Reports suggest that birthing suites at such hospitals come equipped with gourmet room service, spa-like amenities, and personalized care teams, with costs for a single birth potentially soaring to $70,000 or more for a cesarean section. Natural births are estimated to start at $30,000, reflecting the premium placed on privacy and comfort.
The Sussexes’ decision to opt for such a high-end facility aligns with their Montecito lifestyle, where they reside in a sprawling $14.65 million mansion. Their home, complete with 13 historic fireplaces and lush grounds, is a testament to their desire for both privacy and grandeur. Choosing a hospital that mirrors this ethos suggests a deliberate effort to ensure their third child’s arrival is as seamless and comfortable as possible, shielded from the public eye that has followed them since their royal exit in 2020.
A Growing Family in the Spotlight
Meghan and Harry are already proud parents to Prince Archie, born in May 2019 at London’s Portland Hospital, and Princess Lilibet, born in 2021 at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. Their journey as parents has been marked by a commitment to privacy, with the couple carefully curating the moments they share about their children. Archie and Lilibet, now 6 and 4 respectively, have been largely kept out of the public eye, with glimpses offered through their 2022 Netflix docuseries Harry & Meghan or select family photos.
The prospect of a third child, however, has reignited speculation about the Sussexes’ family plans. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Harry expressed contentment with their “family of four,” stating, “Now we’ve got our family, we got the four of us and our two dogs.” Meghan echoed this sentiment, saying, “Two is it.” Harry’s earlier comments to environmentalist Jane Goodall in 2019 further reinforced this, emphasizing a desire to limit their family to two children for environmental reasons. Yet, recent rumors suggest a possible shift in their plans, perhaps driven by their settled life in California or a desire to expand their close-knit family.
The Cost of Privacy and Prestige
The financial aspect of choosing such an expensive hospital underscores the Sussexes’ ability to operate independently of royal funding. Since stepping back from senior royal duties, they have built a multifaceted empire through Archewell, their nonprofit and production company. High-profile Netflix deals, including the docuseries Harry & Meghan and Meghan’s lifestyle show With Love, Meghan, have bolstered their financial independence. Harry’s memoir Spare and Meghan’s children’s book The Bench have also contributed to their wealth, allowing them to afford the premium costs associated with a top-tier hospital.
The choice of a high-cost facility also reflects their prioritization of privacy—a recurring theme in their post-royal life. Unlike traditional royal births, which often involve public photo calls outside hospitals like the Lindo Wing at St. Mary’s, the Sussexes have consistently avoided such spectacles. Archie’s birth at the Portland Hospital was kept under wraps until after the event, and Lilibet’s arrival was announced days later via a statement on their Archewell website. A third child’s birth at an ultra-secure, celebrity-favored hospital would likely follow this pattern, ensuring minimal media intrusion.
A Nod to Their California Roots
The decision to choose a California hospital for their third child, if true, further cements the Sussexes’ commitment to their adopted home. Since moving to Montecito in 2020, they have embraced the laid-back yet luxurious West Coast lifestyle. Meghan, a Los Angeles native, has leaned into her entrepreneurial ventures, launching her lifestyle brand As Ever in April 2025. Harry, meanwhile, has focused on his patronage work, including his charity Sentebale and the Invictus Games. Their choice of a local, high-end hospital reflects not only convenience—being just a short drive from their Montecito estate—but also a desire to root their family’s milestones in the community they now call home.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where Lilibet was born, was praised for its women-founded history and modern amenities, such as jacuzzi tubs and room service. However, the rumored new hospital reportedly offers even more exclusive features, including private security details and dedicated wings for VIP patients. This upgrade suggests the Sussexes are doubling down on ensuring their family’s safety and comfort, especially in light of ongoing media scrutiny and their high-profile status.
Challenges and Controversies
The Sussexes’ journey has not been without challenges. Meghan’s openness about her 2020 miscarriage, shared in a poignant New York Times op-ed, highlighted the emotional toll of their path to parenthood. The couple has also faced criticism for their departure from royal life and their candid discussions about family tensions, particularly in Spare and their Oprah interview. Rumors of a third child have sparked mixed reactions, with some fans celebrating the potential expansion of their family and others questioning the timing amid their ongoing rift with the royal family.
Environmental concerns, which Harry has championed, may also come under scrutiny. His 2019 commitment to a smaller family for the planet’s sake could invite criticism if the couple opts for a third child. However, their supporters argue that personal circumstances evolve, and the Sussexes’ dedication to philanthropy—through initiatives like Archewell’s support for online safety for children—demonstrates their broader commitment to global issues.
A Community-Oriented Approach
Despite their high-profile status, Meghan and Harry have shown a commitment to community engagement. Meghan’s appearances at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, including a 2024 gala where she connected with families and nurses, highlight her role as a hands-on philanthropist. Her comments at the event, praising the hospital’s staff and its care for families who cannot afford such services, suggest that any hospital choice would also reflect their values of supporting quality healthcare access.
The couple’s Archewell Foundation has also made strides in addressing social issues, from mental health to online safety. Their decision to choose a prestigious hospital could be seen as an extension of their advocacy for excellence in care, even as they navigate the balance between personal privilege and public service.
What’s Next for the Sussexes?
As speculation swirls about a third child, the Sussexes remain focused on their professional and personal endeavors. Meghan’s As Ever brand and upcoming Netflix projects signal a busy period ahead, while Harry’s global charity work continues to expand. Whether or not a third child is on the horizon, their choice of a luxury hospital underscores their ability to shape their family’s narrative on their own terms.
For now, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see how the Sussexes’ next chapter unfolds. Their journey—from royal rebels to California trailblazers—continues to captivate, and the potential arrival of a third child would only amplify their story. As they prepare for what may come, one thing is clear: Meghan and Harry are redefining what it means to be modern royals, one bold choice at a time.
