It’s become an iconic shot – the moment that royal parents reveal their newborn to the world. But, thanks to the likes of the Duchess of Cambridge, it’s also become an iconic fashion moment. We all watched with excitement to see William and Kate's three babies for the first time - and to see what the Duchess wore!
Kate is a real pro when it comes to the ‘hospital stairs’ shot. For her first 'new mum' photo in 2013, incredibly just a few hours after the birth of Prince George, she wore a blue polka dot dress by Jenny Packham with her trademark nude wedges and a bouncy blow-dry.
From Princess Diana to Princess Anne, we look back at the outfits new royal mums have chosen as they leave the hospital with their little ones for the first time.
The Duchess of Cambridge
For Princess Charlotte’s birth in May 2015, Catherine was photographed wearing Jenny Packham outside the Lindo Wing again. This time, she chose a spring-yellow and white floral print shift dress which skimmed her tummy and showed off her glossy curls perfectly.
It was a hat-trick for Jenny Packham as the Duchess yet again chose her label for her first post-birth picture. This time, however, she swapped the spring-time colours of her two previous outfits with a patriotic red, very appropriate as Prince Louis was born on St George’s Day. The dress was perfectly finished off with a lace Peter Pan collar and, of course, some nude heels.
Princess Diana
Many eagle-eyed fans noticed the similarity between the outfit the Duchess of Cambridge wore for the birth of her second son, Louis, and the one Princess Diana wore for the birth of Prince Harry. Of course, Diana’s outfit came with 80s shoulder pads, which Kate decided against.
Princess Diana
The dress Princess Diana wore for the birth of Prince William in 1982 was a very roomy, polka dot green maxi dress. It came with a bow neckline detail and she accessorised it with some very sensible red flats.
The Countess of Wessex
The Countess of Wessex gave birth to Lady Louise Windsor prematurely so had to wait nearly three weeks before she could take her home. When the family made their triumphant exit from Frimley Park Hospital, Sophie wore a velvet jacket and pink scarf to keep herself warm in the November weather.
The Countess of Wessex
For her son James’ birth in 2007, Sophie wore a stylish double-fronted tweed jacket. Prince Edward was also dressed in tweed and the couple complemented each other as they showed off the new addition to the family.
Sarah, Duchess of York
Sarah Ferguson opted for this matronly floral print maxi dress for the birth of Princess Beatrice at the Portland Hospital in 1988. Her footwear choice was also very practical – some bow-detail black flats.
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Sarah Ferguson
For the birth of Princess Eugenie in 1990, Sarah chose a very different look, a baby-pink, black and white pencil skirt suit with oversized buttons.
Princess Anne
When Princess Anne gave birth to Peter Phillips in 1977 it was a bit of a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair. The princess didn’t want to show off and wore a headscarf and thick, heavy coat as she left the hospital staff with her newborn son.
Princess Anne
The same couldn’t be said four years later. Princess Anne looked extremely chic on leaving the Lindo Wing, following the birth of her daughter Zara Philips in 1981. As well as a cape-style coat, she wore a vibrant orange tiered dress with oversized collars.
Lady Sarah Chatto
Princess Margaret’s daughter, Lady Sarah Chatto, donned a yellow velvet tunic and loose white trousers, as she stepped out of the Portland Hospital and introduced son Samuel to the world in 1996.
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Princess Alexia of Greece
Princess Alexia of Greece opted for a loose aubergine-coloured trouser suit when she and her husband, Carlos Morales Quintana, welcomed their second daughter Anna-Marie.
Princess Alexia of Greece
A few years later, for the birth of her son Carlos, Princess Alexia again chose a loose, comfortable outfit but this time in white linen. She wore open-toe sandals on her feet.
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Princess Mathilde of Belgium
Princess Mathilde of Belgium gives the Duchess of Cambridge a run for her money when it comes to the ‘Leaving Hospital’ shot. For her first child, Elizabeth, Mathilde looked chic in a stylish white coat and pinned-back hair.
Princess Mathilde of Belgium
Two years later, for Prince Gabriel’s birth in 2003, she looked relaxed and happy, leaving the Erasme Hospital in Belgium in an immaculate pale pink suit, accessorised with sunflowers.
Princess Mathilde of Belgium
It’s 2005 and Mathilde is heading out of hospital again. This time she’s just given birth to Prince Emmanuel and she’s wearing a fashionable red-trim tweed coat with a wrap-around waist.
Princess Mathilde of Belgium
For her fourth child in 2008, Eleonore, Princess Mathilde went back to white, wearing this neat collarless suit with chunky gold earrings and bracelets (after four children, she definitely deserves that bling).