On Monday, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry revealed some exciting news: They're having a baby! Unfortunately, the happy couple chose an awkward and unintentionally offensive day to make the announcement.
October 15 is International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, as well as the last day of Baby Loss Awareness Week. Meghan and Harry's timing has drawn a lot of criticism from spectators.
"Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are very pleased to announce that the Duchess of Sussex is expecting a baby in the Spring of 2019," Kensington Palace's statement read.
"Their Royal Highnesses have appreciated all of the support they have received from people around the world since their wedding in May and are delighted to be able to share this happy news with the public."
Social media users quickly chimed in to criticize the duke and duchess for making their announcement today, when women worldwide are mourning pregnancy and infant loss. The news "could not have come on a worse day," critics said.
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Harry and Meghan announced today on social media that they're expecting a baby next spring.
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The announcement comes after months of speculation about whether or not Meghan was pregnant. Fans were convinced that the Duchess of Sussex was expecting, pointing to everything from her dress to her hairstyle as evidence.
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Now that the couple's pregnancy is confirmed, you might expect fans to be excited for the newlyweds. But unfortunately, the palace picked a less-than-ideal day to announce the pregnancy.
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October 15 is International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. The day also marks the end of Baby Loss Awareness Week.
These two occasions offer an opportunity for women who have lost a pregnancy or baby to mourn the loss and come together for support.
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Baby Loss Awareness Week is observed internationally. The week is spearheaded by the Miscarriage Association, which works with over 60 charities to raise awareness of the trauma of losing a baby or pregnancy.
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In the opinions of many women on social media, this week is not the best time to make a huge public announcement about a successful pregnancy.
Critics feel that the timing is insensitive to those who have lost a baby or pregnancy.
And others feel that the lack of awareness is more the problem.
Other women pointed out that the couple could have waited just one day to avoid clashing with Baby Loss Awareness Week.
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MP Henry Smith responded to the controversy with his own statement as someone who has lost an infant son. He called the timing "regrettable."
Harry and Meghan made the announcement as they began their Australia tour in Sydney.
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The 37-year-old Duchess of Sussex is in "good health" after her 12-week scan, according to Kensington Palace.
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The pregnancy comes five months after the couple got married in May at Windsor Castle.
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While we're sure Meghan and Harry didn't mean to hurt anyone, we're with those who hope that this case of unintentionally bad timing brings awareness to pregnancy and baby loss and lessens the stigma around discussing it.
