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Meghan Markle Reveals Her Last-Ditch Effort to Bring on Baby Lilibet

In celebration of Lilibet’s fourth birthday, the Duchess of Sussex shares what she turned to in an effort to jumpstart labor after spicy food and acupuncture failed.
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By Wyndi Kappes, Associate Editor
Updated June 4, 2025
meghan markle and harry are expecting their second child.
Image: Samir Hussein / Getty Images

When you’re nine months pregnant and more than ready to meet your baby, you’ll try just about anything to get labor going—from the Starbucks labor drink to curb walking, exercise and even a viral dance trend. Moms get it. And so does Meghan Markle.

In celebration of daughter Lilibet’s 4th birthday, the Duchess of Sussex shared a rare behind-the-scenes video of herself at the hospital, four years ago to the day, doing everything she could to bring on labor. “Four years ago today, this also happened,” she wrote. “Both of our children were a week past their due dates… so when spicy food, all that walking, and acupuncture didn’t work—there was only one thing left to do.”

In the video, Markle dances around to Starrkeisha’s “The Baby Momma Dance,” the viral anthem that swept social media as moms-to-be filmed themselves trying to dance their babies out. Even Prince Harry joined in for the fun as the two awaited baby No. 2.

The couple welcomed their daughter and second child into the world on June 4, 2021. “It is with great joy that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcome their daughter, Lilibet ‘Lili’ Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world," said a statement released from the couple "Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA. She weighed 7 lbs 11 oz. Both mother and child are healthy and well, and settling in at home.”

The statement continued to explain the sweet significance behind her name, as she’s named after both The Queen and the late Princess Diana. “Lili is named after her great-grandmother, Her Majesty The Queen, whose family nickname is Lilibet. Her middle name, Diana, was chosen to honor her beloved late grandmother, The Princess of Wales. This is the second child for the couple, who also have a two-year-old son named Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The Duke and Duchess thank you for your warm wishes and prayers as they enjoy this special time as a family."

Along with her behind-the-scenes labor post Markle shared a sweet happy birthday post for Lilibet. “Happy birthday to our beautiful girl! Four years ago today she came into our lives - and each day is brighter and better because of it,” she captioned sweet black-and-white images of her and her daughter. “Thanks to all of those sending love and celebrating her special day!”

Looking for ways to bring on your little one? Check out the myths and facts around naturally inducing labor.

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