Why Does Kate Middleton Leave the Hospital So Soon After Giving Birth?

Kate Middleton only gave birth to her third child a few hours ago—but she’s already gearing up to head back home to Kensington Palace.

Why does Kate make such a quick exit? In the U.S., new mothers average two days in the hospital before heading home. However, in the U.K., new moms average a day and a half—the shortest postpartum hospital stays of any high-income country, according to a 2016 article in The Guardian. Though Kate did spent the night after giving birth to Prince George in 2013, she left less than 10 hours after welcoming Princess Charlotte in 2015.

Chris Jackson

Click Here: IQOS White

“The length of time a woman spends in hospital will vary depending on their needs,” Louise Silverton, the director for Midwifery at the Royal College of Midwives, told The Guardian. “Midwives need to check to make sure women feel up to going home. However, provided the woman is medically fine, has the support she needs at home and the right postnatal care plan in place, and a good community midwife service, then going home even five or six hours after birth may be absolutely fine.”

RELATED: Kate Middleton and Prince William Step Out with Their Newborn Baby for the First Time

Another reason for Kate’s quick exit—one that’s entirely unique to her—is the sheer frenzy her presence causes at the hospital.  Fans camp out for weeks outside and parking restrictions are put in place. Kate, of course, is not the only mother giving birth at the Lindo Wing, and the activity and noise would be overwhelming for anyone.

If Kate goes home to Kensington Palace today, help is only a phone call away if needed. Members of her medical team are likely on stand-by in case Kate or her new baby boy needs anything.