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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Under Fire Over Archie’s Birth Announcement
In a fresh wave of criticism, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are once again facing allegations of deception regarding the birth date of their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor.
This controversy has resurfaced, reigniting discussions among royal critics and historians who claim that the Sussexes misled the public about the timing of Archie's arrival.
The scrutiny began shortly after Archie was born on May 6, 2019, when Buckingham Palace initially announced that Meghan had gone into labor that morning.
However, the palace later issued a correction, revealing that Archie had actually been born at 5:26 a.m., hours before the public announcement.
This discrepancy has led to 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 recent column for the Daily Mail.
He pointed out that unlike other royal births, which have typically been marked by public announcements and appearances, the Sussexes chose a path shrouded in secrecy.
Lacey highlighted the unusual nature of the announcement, noting that the palace stated Meghan had gone into labor at 2 p.m. when, in fact, she had already welcomed Archie into the world.
This situation reflects a broader sentiment among royal watchers who believe that Prince Harry and Meghan have strayed too far from established royal norms.
The couple has become known for their departures from tradition, with one of the most notable being their decision to forgo the iconic hospital photo call that new royal parents typically engage in.
Instead of presenting their newborn to the world immediately after birth, Harry and Meghan opted for a more private introduction, releasing photos from Windsor Castle two days later.
In their six-part Netflix documentary, Meghan elaborated on her choice to have a private birth at Portland Hospital, away from the public eye.
She cited the pressure of public expectations and her concerns about her health as significant factors in her decision.
Meghan expressed anxiety about potentially needing a C-section and emphasized her trust in her doctor, who had been part of her care throughout her pregnancy.
Adding to the controversy, the couple chose not to disclose the identities of Archie's godparents, a move that further fueled criticism.
Traditionally, royal families publicly announce godparents, reflecting a commitment to transparency with the British public.
However, Harry and Meghan's choice to keep this information private was seen as another break from convention.
Observers noted that by distancing themselves from royal customs, the Sussexes appeared to reject the expectations placed upon them by both the monarchy and the public.
In their documentary, the couple addressed the backlash they received for their choices surrounding Archie's birth.
Prince Harry spoke candidly about the intense criticism directed at them for not participating in the post-birth photo-op and for keeping certain details private.
Harry remarked on the abuse they faced, particularly aimed at Meghan, for wanting to protect their children from the media spotlight.
His comments underscore the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and various segments of the British media, as well as members of the public who disapprove of their deviations from royal tradition.
The secrecy surrounding Archie's birth has become emblematic of the growing rift between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.
Since stepping back from their roles as senior royals in 2020, Harry and Meghan have sought to establish a new life in the United States, away from the relentless scrutiny they faced in the UK.
However, the controversies from their time in the royal family, including the handling of Archie's birth, continue to resonate.
As Archie turns four, the discussions surrounding his birth remain a focal point in the ongoing debate about the Sussexes' relationship with the monarchy.
Their experiences highlight the struggle to balance royal traditions with personal desires for privacy.
The narrative surrounding Archie's birth is just one part of a larger story that continues to unfold as the couple navigates their new life away from royal expectations.
What do you think about this latest development?
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As the saga continues, it will be interesting to see how the Sussexes manage their relationship with royal traditions while carving out their own path.