5. The Home Secretary Must Attest to Royal Births

Reason: An inherited custom to confirm the heir’s legitimacy
An exception was made in 1948.
While it may sound strange now, the home secretary used to be expected to be present at royal births. The requirement to confirm the heir’s legitimacy and guard against fraud or switching gave rise to this practice.
Royal Births Require the Home Secretary, @sophia971922/Pinterest, to Attend
But this custom was abandoned in 1948, before Prince Charles was born, as social standards changed and the need for such confirmation diminished. A royal baby’s birth is now a private matter that is only made public by official announcements.