Meghan Markle pregnant: Duke and Duchess of Sussex accused of 'insensitivity' for announcing news on Baby Loss Awareness Day

'I can absolutely understand that people are upset because this is a time to remember a baby’s loss rather than welcome a baby that is coming,' says national director of Miscarriage Association

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been criticised for announcing the news of Meghan Markle’s pregnancy on International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

Kensington Palace announced Prince Harry and Meghan were “very pleased” to be expecting a baby in the spring of 2019.

“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,” the palace said in a statement on Monday morning.

“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.”

But some accused the royal couple – who married in May - of “insensitivity” over the decision to reveal the news on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

The day – which falls on 15 October - is described as a time for remembering pregnancy loss and infant death which includes but is not limited to miscarriage, stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome, and the death of a newborn. It follows Baby Loss Awareness Week which is held annually from 9 to 15 October.

"Aww, Meghan and Harry are pregnant. Did no one think to inform them at @KensingtonRoyal that today is Wave of Light / Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day? Announcing tomorrow wouldn't have hurt. After all they tweeted it about six weeks ago and deleted it after 30 seconds," Twitter user, Adele Haywood, said.

"As much as I love Harry and Meghan, and am delighted for their royal baby, would it have been too much trouble for the palace to do a little research? Today is #WaveOfLight day, when those like myself are remembering baby loss. A little sensitivity wouldn't go amiss," tweeted Rosanne Priest.

Ruth Bender Atik, national director of the Miscarriage Association in the UK, said it was “unfortunate timing” but she doubted Kensington Palace were aware of the day.

“I think it is unfortunate timing but I do not think it is insensitive timing because I imagine that they simply did not know,” she told The Independent.

“I can absolutely understand that people are upset because this is a time to remember a baby’s loss rather than welcome a baby that is coming.”

“Losing a baby is something that people have to cope with day in day out and having someone close to you announce their pregnancy can be deeply distressing and difficult to deal with.

"People get in touch with us and say they feel jealous and angry and upset, because they want it to be them, but they often feel bad about feeling this because they are genuinely happy for them too. People are feeling raw today.”

News of the royal pregnancy emerged after the duchess and Prince Harry arrived at Sydney's airport for a rest day before they officially start a 16-day tour of Australia and the South Pacific.

The trip is their only international tour since they got married - apart from a two-day visit to Ireland.

Kensington Palace declined to comment on the criticism the couple have received over the timing of the announcement.