While Kate Middleton has been making strides to modernize the monarchy since marrying Prince William in 2011, there is one royal tradition she’d very much like to rekindle — giving birth at home. According to insiders, Kate, 36, wants to have her third baby, due in April, at Kensington Palace to avoid the chaos that surrounded the hospital deliveries of son Prince George, 4, and his little sister Princess Charlotte, 2.

Even William, 35, is on board with the idea! The only person standing in her way is Queen Elizabeth. “Although she had home births herself, the queen is highly against Kate doing the same,” an insider exclusively revealed to Closer Weekly. “She wants her to get the best care there is.” Meanwhile, Kate’s future sister-in-law, actress Meghan Markle, is also shaking up the royal rules with her decision to give a speech at her upcoming nuptials to Prince Harry. “That would be a first for royal weddings,” noted a source, adding, “Harry thought it was a wonderful idea.”

prince william kate middleton prince harry meghan markle getty images

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Another recent report has revealed that Kate and Meghan, 36, have already become close friends after Harry, 33, popped the question to Meg last November. “I’m sure Kate will do all she can to help Meghan,” a source from the Duchess’ Bucklebury, England hometown told People, adding that before Kate married William, she was mentored by the Queen. “She had audiences with Queen Elizabeth quite often and was taught to behave like a future Queen.”

Like Kate, Meghan has already been receiving royal training — but unlike George and Charlotte’s mom, Meghan’s husband is about to be sixth in line to the throne, so the Suits star’s training has been very different. “[Meghan] is funny and serious and extremely hard-working,” another insider confessed. “I can imagine Kate will find a great friend in her.”

“Meghan is far more worldly and sophisticated than Kate was when she arrived on the scene,” royal biographer Ingrid Seward told People. “She was in one of the toughest businesses in the world and did well in it. She’s a divorcée and had some of the ups and downs in life. Kate has lived a rather charmed existence.”

Join our Facebook group for the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Prince William, and all things royal!

For more on Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle, pick up the new issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now — and sign up for our newsletter!