Revealed: Why we never saw Queen Elizabeth’s baby bump
Not many may notice it, but the public or press have never been treated to pictures of Queen Elizabeth with a ‘baby bump,’ although she gave birth four times.
Her Majesty’s pregnancy was never closely photographed - which is a strange notion considering the more recent royal pregnancies, since Princess Diana, have been closely followed.
However, their is a reason why Queen Elizabeth kept her growing tummy away from the spotlight and it is mainly due to the taboo nature of pregnancies at the time.
As reported by the New York Times, Buckingham Palace released a mysterious statement in 1948, explaining the then 22-year-old Princess Elizabeth had fallen pregnant without either confirming or denying the fact.
"Her Royal Highness the Princess Elizabeth will undertake no public engagements after the end of June," the statement read.
Five months later, the royal welcomed baby Prince Charles on November 14.
Interestingly enough, there were no hospital step photos or “first photos” of the royal baby - instead, Princess Elizabeth remained hidden for a month.
Her Majesty was reportedly in labor for 22 hours before having to go under an emergency caesarean at Buckingham Palace.
It is widely believed that Prince Philip was not in the room with her as he had been playing squash at the time of his first born’s arrival.
The Queen later gave birth to her first and only daughter, Princess Anne in 1950 at Clarence house, then Prince Andrew in 1960 and Prince Edward in 1964 both back at Buckingham palace.
Princess Diana was the very first royal to ever give birth at a hospital - one of many traditions she broke while pregnant with her first son, Prince William who was born at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s hospital.
She reportedly told biographer Andrew Morton the stress from press was “unbearable.”
It is reported by biographer, Andrew Morton that she told him "I couldn't handle the press pressure any longer, it was becoming unbearable.
"It was as if everybody was monitoring every day for me."
Scroll through the gallery to see the Queen Elizabeth with her four children.