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Harry And Meghan Slammed For Announcing Baby News On Baby Loss Awareness Day

Harry And Meghan Slammed For Announcing Baby News On Baby Loss Awareness Day

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have announced that they are expecting their first child in Spring 2019

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been slammed for announcing their pregnancy - on International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

The Royal couple put out a statement this morning to say that they are expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019.

But hundreds were upset and criticised their timing online, saying the news couldn't have come on a worse day.

October 15 is International Pregnancy And Infant Loss Remembrance Day - and also marks the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week, held every October 9 to 15 to mark the lives of babies lost in pregnancy or soon after birth.

Triangle News

The week is spearheaded by the Miscarriage Association, which works with more than 60 charities to raise awareness amongst the public, healthcare professionals and parliamentarians of the key issues affecting those who have lost a baby.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day is an international day of remembrance for pregnancy loss and infant death, which includes miscarriage, stillbirth, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and any death of a newborn.

It is observed every year in the UK, Canada, the US, Norway, Italy and Kenya - as well as the Australian States of Western Australia and New South Wales.

Triangle News

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the announcement as they began their Australian tour, touching down in Sydney.

Meghan, 37, is in 'good health' and has had a successful 12 week scan - suggesting that the baby was conceived in late July - ten weeks after they married - and is due in late April 2019, possibly around St George's Day.

On social media, one person tweeted: "A bit insensitive if you ask me. It's baby loss and bereavement day."

Another replied: "Absolutely. Prince Harry and #Meghan announce excitement at #pregnancy on Baby Loss and bereavement day #MeghanMarklepregnant.

"And I thought it was bad enough that they couldn't wait more than three days to knock Eugenie back into place. #appallingtiming"

Triangle News

A third added: "Was just about to tweet the same thing. Of all the days to release the news, very insensitive. @KensingtonRoyal"

Someone else said: "Really thoughtful of Harry and Meghan to announce their pregnancy on baby loss awareness day. #infertilitysucks #ttc #babylossawareness #pregnancy #miscarriage #trauma."

Ruth Bender Atik, national director of the Miscarriage Association, said: "I imagine they didn't know. I think it's as simple as that.

"For many people who have the deep sadness and grief of losing a baby, there was also that moment of joy when they wanted to announce their pregnancy. I can understand how people feel.

"It can be deeply hurtful but I have to be sure they had no idea of the significance of the day."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News, royal baby, UK, Prince Harry, Meghan Markle