COUNTY NEWS: Triplets born on the Queen's 90th birthday

A couple are the proud new parents to triplets who were born on the same day the Queen turned 90.
William, Polly and Penny were born early at 32 weeks and one day at St Richard's Hospital in ChichesterWilliam, Polly and Penny were born early at 32 weeks and one day at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester
William, Polly and Penny were born early at 32 weeks and one day at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester

Rachel Ballard and Kris Moyse from Middleton, near Bognor Regis, are celebrating the birth of William, Polly and Penny, who were born at 32 weeks on Thursday morning.

They were due to be born on May 11, but Rachel went into early labour, and after William was born naturally, the two girls were delivered by emergency C-Section shortly after 9am at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester.

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While Kris said two of the triplets are doing well, little Penny has been transferred to Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth for specialist treatment.

Rachel Ballard in between her three new babies at St Richard's HospitalRachel Ballard in between her three new babies at St Richard's Hospital
Rachel Ballard in between her three new babies at St Richard's Hospital

Via email Kris, 28, said today: “Both Mum and I are feeling very mixed emotions.

“Proud, amazed, scared, anxious and optimistic about all their recovery, especially Penny who’s currently in Portsmouth.

“It was a stressful night. William and Polly smashing it, little Will is even feeding mum’s milk already through a tube.

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“Penny though isn’t breathing too well due to a pneumothorax.

Proud new parent Kris Moyse admiring his little onesProud new parent Kris Moyse admiring his little ones
Proud new parent Kris Moyse admiring his little ones

“Once she improves, she will be transferred back to St Richards with her bro and sis but for now she’s in the best possible place.

“Well second best, best is in our arms!”

He added: “They were due to arrive on May 11, but obviously Mother Nature had other ideas, and they came on the Queen’s birthday.

“The little boy is called William as well so it’s like it was meant to be.”

Little Penny is doing much better, her parents sayLittle Penny is doing much better, her parents say
Little Penny is doing much better, her parents say
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Towns and cities up and down the country have been celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday, after she turned 90 on Thursday, April 21.

William was born at 9.02am weighing 3lb 6oz; Pollyanna at 9.44am weighing 3lb 7oz; and Penelope at 9.45am weighing 3lb 11oz.

Kris said they were both ‘dying’ to hold their three new little ones having so far not been able to.

Just the day before their birth, Kris spoke to the Observer to tell of his and Rachel’s shock when they learned they were due to have triplets.

Polly, William and Penny were born on April 21, the same day as Elizabeth II, who turned 90Polly, William and Penny were born on April 21, the same day as Elizabeth II, who turned 90
Polly, William and Penny were born on April 21, the same day as Elizabeth II, who turned 90
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They were conceived naturally, something which is extremely rare.

The chances are said to be around 1/8,000, and they are believed to be one of the first sets of natural triplets to be born at the neonatal ward at St Richard’s.

Their birth means their family has grown from four to seven as Rachel, 30, has two children by a previous partner, seven-year-old Jacob, seven, and Harrison, nine.

Kris added: “Supermummy Rach is doing well with a very sore belly and not a lot of sleep.

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“Both very proud parents and right by their sides since their first breath.”

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Both Kris and Rachel were 'utterly shocked' when they were told they were having triplets. They conceived them naturally, said to be a 1/8,000 chanceBoth Kris and Rachel were 'utterly shocked' when they were told they were having triplets. They conceived them naturally, said to be a 1/8,000 chance
Both Kris and Rachel were 'utterly shocked' when they were told they were having triplets. They conceived them naturally, said to be a 1/8,000 chance

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