Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Welcome Daughter Lily at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

Last week, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry became proud parents for the second time as they welcomed their daughter, Lily, on June 4th.

The couple made the announcement just two days later on the Archul website, assuring everyone that both the baby and mother are in good health.

Unlike their first child, Archie, Meghan and Harry, who now reside in the US, chose to have Lily at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, located just a short drive from their home in Montecito, California.

According to a recent report in People magazine, the decision to have the baby at this particular hospital was a result of careful planning.

A source revealed that Meghan and Harry considered several hospitals before ultimately settling on the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

One of the reasons Meghan was drawn to this hospital is because it was founded by women.

During her stay, Meghan received care from Dr. Melissa Drake, who worked alongside Dr. Gowri Mota in the UK during Archie's birth at London's Portland Hospital.

The couple maintained a high level of privacy throughout the delivery process, with their security team playing a crucial role.

The source added that security and privacy were top priorities for Meghan and Harry, and the hospital was accommodating in meeting their needs.

Thanks to the security measures in place, the couple was able to enjoy the birth in peace.

Now back home in Montecito, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to take some time off to focus on their family.

While their various projects will continue to operate, Meghan and Harry want to have a long summer break together as a family.

This decision reflects their commitment to prioritizing their bond with their children and creating lasting memories.

In June 2021, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry celebrated the arrival of their second child.

Lilibet Diana, as she was named, joined her older brother Archie and cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

However, unlike her British relatives, Lilibet was born in the United States, specifically at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California.

The couple carefully considered several birthing centers before choosing this hospital, with Meghan appreciating its female-founded origins.

Dr. Melissa Drake, the obstetrician who delivered Lilibet, recently made a surprising announcement that has garnered global attention.

Without any prior notice, she abruptly closed her practice at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Dr. Drake shared this news on Instagram, although comments were disabled on the post.

In her statement, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with the women at the hospital and explained that she would be taking a leave of absence to focus on her health and spend time with her family.

No further details were provided.

Dr. Drake advised her patients to seek alternative care from other providers, stating that her last day would be June 15, 2022.

Additionally, she mentioned that pregnant patients with due dates after June 30 would need to transfer their care to a different practice.

The sudden closure of Dr. Drake's practice has left her patients shocked and disappointed.

Many expressed their dismay in response to her Instagram announcement.

Patients now face the task of finding new healthcare providers to ensure their continued prenatal care.

This unexpected turn of events has created uncertainty and concern among those who had placed their trust in Dr. Drake.

Despite this unforeseen development, Meghan and Harry remain focused on their growing family.

They are grateful for the smooth delivery process and are now looking forward to cherishing precious moments with Lily and Archie.

The couple's decision to take a break and prioritize family time demonstrates their commitment to nurturing a strong and loving bond within their household.