In a renewed wave of criticism, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are facing accusations of deception regarding the birth date of their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor.
This controversy, which initially sparked debate shortly after Archie’s arrival, has resurfaced following revelations from the couple’s Netflix documentary.
Critics, including royal historians, claim that the Sussexes misled the public about the timing of Archie’s birth announcement.
The drama began on May 6, 2019, when Buckingham Palace announced that Meghan had gone into labor earlier that day.
However, hours later, the palace corrected this statement, revealing that Archie had actually been born at 5:26 a.m., well before the official announcement was made.
This discrepancy ignited speculation about the couple’s transparency and adherence to royal protocols.
Royal historian Robert Lacey expressed his shock over the secrecy surrounding Archie’s birth in a column for the Daily Mail.
He criticized the couple for breaking from tradition, noting that the announcement was unlike any other royal birth in modern history, which typically follows a set protocol.
“There was the deception over the announcement of Archie’s birth,” Lacey wrote, highlighting how the palace’s announcement came eight hours after Archie had already entered the world.
This sentiment resonates with many royal watchers and sections of the British media who believe that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have strayed too far from established royal norms.
Breaking away from tradition has become a hallmark of Harry and Meghan’s approach, with one of their most notable departures being their decision to skip the traditional photo op outside the hospital after Archie’s birth.
Unlike Prince William and Kate Middleton, who posed for the press with their newborns, Harry and Meghan opted for a more private introduction of Archie.
They released photos from Windsor Castle two days post-birth, emphasizing their desire for a life away from relentless public scrutiny.
Meghan explained in the Netflix series that she felt immense pressure to perform for the public immediately after giving birth.
Her concerns about her health, particularly the possibility of needing a C-section, also influenced their decision to have a private birth at Portland Hospital.
Meghan expressed her worries about the expectations surrounding royal births, stating, “I had been really worried going into that labor because I’m older.”
This personal narrative only added fuel to the fire of criticism they faced.
Further complicating matters was the couple’s choice to keep the identities of Archie’s godparents private.
Traditionally, royal families announce godparents publicly, but Harry and Meghan broke this convention as well.
This decision was perceived by some as a snub to royal traditions, reinforcing their commitment to a more private family life.
Royal observers noted that by not adhering to established customs, the Sussexes appeared to be distancing themselves from the expectations that come with being part of the monarchy.
In their Netflix series, both Harry and Meghan addressed the backlash they received, particularly regarding their decision to forgo the post-birth photo opportunity.
Harry specifically mentioned the intense criticism aimed at Meghan for wanting to keep their children out of the public eye.
“The amount of abuse that we got… for not wanting to serve our children up on a silver platter was incredible,” he stated, shedding light on the ongoing tensions between the couple and certain segments of the media.
The secrecy surrounding Archie’s birth has become emblematic of the growing rift between the Sussexes and the royal family.
Since stepping down as senior royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have sought to build a new life in the United States, far removed from the intense scrutiny of the UK.
Yet, controversies from their time in the royal family continue to linger, particularly regarding the handling of Archie’s birth.
As Archie celebrates his fourth birthday, the discussions surrounding his birth remain a flashpoint in the broader narrative of Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the monarchy.
Their struggles to balance royal tradition with their desire for privacy are ongoing, and the criticism surrounding Archie’s birth announcement is just one chapter in this complex story.
What are your thoughts on this unfolding saga?
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The conversation continues as we explore the intricacies of royal life and the choices that shape it.
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