Former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole has recently voiced his disapproval of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s handling of their son Archie’s fifth birthday.
The young royal, born in the UK before the family’s relocation to California, notably did not receive any public birthday wishes from the rest of the royal family on social media, a customary gesture extended to other family members.
Speaking on GB News, Cole highlighted the unusual treatment Archie has experienced since birth, including the controversial photo call orchestrated by Prince Harry and Meghan.
During a discussion with hosts Ben Leo and Bev Turner, Cole expressed disappointment that Prince Archie has missed out on growing up alongside his royal cousins in the UK.
Reflecting on Archie’s birth, Cole recalled the couple’s decision to present him to the press in a manner that he described as controversial.
The couple, after showcasing their newborn to the world’s media, quickly shielded him from view, leading to speculation and further scrutiny of their actions.
Cole further revealed that the Sussexes remained secretive about crucial details surrounding Archie, such as the location of his birth at the Portland Hospital in central London and the identities of his four godparents.
Despite the initial mystery, the godparents’ identities eventually came to light.
Following the family’s relocations to Canada and later the United States, Archie has been notably absent from public view, with little new information or images of him emerging.
While no new photos of Archie were shared on his birthday, Meghan Markle ensured that she and her children remained in the spotlight.
Reports surfaced that Prince Harry and Meghan declined an £18,000 birthday gift for Archie from King Charles III.
According to Meghan’s spokesperson Tom Quinn, the British monarch still intends to mark his grandson’s fifth birthday with a card and a modest gift, possibly even a personal watercolour painting, in line with Meghan’s preference for homemade gifts over lavish offerings.
Despite the strained relationship between King Charles and his youngest son, who now resides in the US with his family, the monarch’s team is hesitant to overstep boundaries with their gestures towards Archie.
Quinn disclosed concerns that any gift sent by the King could be misconstrued by Harry and Meghan, leading to potential misunderstandings.
Notably, Charles had previously gifted Prince William’s son, Prince George, an engraved handmade swing, a gesture that Harry deemed too extravagant for his own children.
Quinn also mentioned that Charles is inclined towards a traditional phone call to Archie on his birthday rather than a video call, as the latter option makes the King uncomfortable.
This approach would allow Charles to speak directly to Archie without involving Meghan, a scenario that apparently unnerves him.
Despite rumors of gifts and well-wishes, Buckingham Palace officials denied any official gifts from King Charles to Archie, citing the monarch’s busy schedule and lack of plans to interact with Harry’s son on his special day.