New mum Jacinda Ardern makes royal blunder outside hospital


She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl over the weekend but New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has hit headlines after making a minor royal blunder outside the hospital.

The 37-year-old, who became the second world leader ever to give birth while holding office, appeared on the steps of Auckland City Hospital on Sunday to talk to waiting media and thank everybody for their support.

“It’s certainly mind-blowing, receiving messages from people like the Duke and Duchess of Essex and the Queen. That’s certainly not something you expect,” she said.

Jacinda Ardern gave birth to a beautiful baby girl over the weekend. Photo: Getty Images
Jacinda Ardern gave birth to a beautiful baby girl over the weekend. Photo: Getty Images

It’s believed that the prime minister was referring to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who of course are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

It was a slight slip of the tongue for the much-loved prime minister, who carried on with her speech.

“But equally special to us were just those people who took time to send a little note, or a blanket or a set of booties,” she said.

During the hospital press conference, Jacinda also spoke about how she chose the unusual name for her new daughter, Neve.

“We chose Neve because we just liked it,” she said.

On the steps of Auckland City Hospital, Jacinda called Meghan Markle and Prince Harry the Duke and Duchess of Essex. Photo: Getty Images
On the steps of Auckland City Hospital, Jacinda called Meghan Markle and Prince Harry the Duke and Duchess of Essex. Photo: Getty Images

“When we met her, we thought she looked like she suited the name.

“Also it means, in various forms, bright and radiant and snow, which seemed like a good combination for Matariki (Maori new year) and for solstice.”

The couple also added the name “Te Aroha” which was their way of “reflecting the amount of love” Neve had been shown before she arrived and “all of the names we were gifted along the way (by various iwi or Maori people)”.

Te Aroha is also where the 37-year-old prime minister is from.

Back in May, Jacinda announced that she would be taking six weeks maternity leave and would hand over the reins to Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.

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