Here's why Duchess Kate left the hospital just 7 hours after giving birth

The Duchess of Cambridge is back home with her newborn baby, after spending only 7 hours at the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital in Paddington.

Prince William and Kate Middleton welcomed their third child, a healthy baby boy, on April 23, 2018, at 11:01 am, only five hours after she went into the early stages of labor.

Seven hours after giving birth, Kate posed on the steps of the Lindo Wing, before heading home. As reported by People, it is not uncommon for mothers in the United Kingdom to return home so soon.

Where the average postnatal hospital-stay is two full days or more for mothers in the United States, mothers in the United Kingdom are discharged on average a day and a half after giving birth.

In some cases, like Kate's, even earlier. It all depends on the mother's individual needs, medical state, access to midwife services and her postnatal care plan.

According to Closer Weekly, midwives and medical staff are required to assess the situation and discuss the patient's needs before sending her home.

When Kate gave birth to Prince George in 2013, she stayed overnight. When Princess Charlotte was born in 2015, Kate spent 10 hours in the hospital before returning home, Pop Sugar reported.

Another reason Kate might have headed home so soon is the media frenzy brewing outside St. Mary's hospital. Fans have been camping in the parking area of the hospital.

Not only would the noise and commotion be an inconvenience to other patients at the hospital, but Kate would also feel more comfortable at home, given her celebrity status.

She probably has a team of medical staff on standby and should she or the baby require any assistance, St. Mary's hospital is only a 6-minute drive from Kensington Palace.