When Meghan Markle and Prince Harry welcomed their son, Archie, on May 6, 2019, the occasion was initially celebrated with joy.
However, what should have been a moment of pure happiness quickly spiraled into a whirlwind of controversy and confusion.
The announcement, which seemed straightforward at first, became clouded by conflicting messages from Buckingham Palace, leading to accusations of secrecy and deceit.
Initially, the Palace informed the world that Meghan had gone into labor that morning, only to later clarify that Archie had actually arrived hours earlier at 5:26 AM.
This inconsistency sparked a wave of criticism, leaving many to wonder why the couple chose to handle such significant news in a seemingly clandestine manner.
It felt like a royal birth announcement wrapped in mystery, rather than the joyous occasion it was meant to be.
This confusion surrounding Archie’s arrival was merely the precursor to a series of decisions made by Meghan and Harry that departed from long-established royal customs.
Unlike previous royal births, which were typically marked by public photo opportunities outside the hospital—think of Kate Middleton‘s iconic poses with her children—the Duke and Duchess of Sussex opted for a more private approach.
Their first public appearance with Archie took place days later at Windsor Castle, a choice that many interpreted as an attempt to distance themselves from the intense scrutiny that often accompanies royal life.
The couple’s deviation from tradition did not sit well with the public or royal commentators.
Notably, royal historian Robert Lacey criticized their handling of the birth announcement, labeling it deceptive and a stark contrast to the transparency that has become synonymous with modern royal births.
For many observers, this approach felt like a rejection of the openness expected from the royal family, feeding into a narrative that Meghan and Harry were determined to forge their own path, even if it meant breaking royal protocols.
Adding fuel to the fire was the couple’s decision to keep the identities of Archie’s godparents under wraps.
In royal circles, godparents are typically announced publicly, reflecting the close-knit relationships within the family.
By choosing to withhold this information, Meghan and Harry appeared to further shield their private lives from public scrutiny, prompting criticism from those who believed they were neglecting their royal responsibilities in favor of privacy.
In a later Netflix documentary, Meghan addressed the decisions surrounding Archie’s birth, revealing that she had chosen Portland Hospital for the delivery due to personal health concerns.
At 37 years old and possibly facing a C-section, she felt most at ease with her longtime doctor in a more private setting.
Despite these explanations, backlash ensued, with many accusing the couple of prioritizing their own comfort over the public’s desire to partake in the joy of a new royal baby.
This backlash underscored the growing tensions between Meghan and Harry’s wish for a more private life and the relentless public expectations that came with their royal status.
Their approach to Archie’s birth represented a significant shift from royal norms, marking a crucial moment in their increasingly complicated relationship with both the media and the public.
The couple’s struggle to balance their personal autonomy with the public’s insatiable curiosity about their lives was glaringly evident.
As they attempted to protect their newborn from the unyielding scrutiny that had followed them since their union, the divide between them and the public only seemed to widen.
Ultimately, the handling of Archie’s birth highlighted the immense pressures faced by Meghan and Harry as they navigated the complexities of royal life.
