The birth of Prince Archie has sparked a whirlwind of speculation and debate, as it unfolded under a cloud of secrecy and controversy.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcomed their son on May 6, 2019, the event was anything but typical for the royal family.
Accusations of deception soon followed, particularly regarding the timeline of Archie’s arrival.
Initially, Buckingham Palace announced that Meghan had gone into labor on the morning of May 6.
However, this narrative was later adjusted, revealing that Archie was actually born at 5:26 AM—eight hours earlier than previously stated.
This discrepancy has raised eyebrows among royal watchers, who are accustomed to a certain protocol surrounding royal births.
Royal historian Robert Lacey weighed in on the situation, expressing his dismay at what he perceived as a break from tradition.
He noted that the secrecy surrounding Archie’s birth deviated significantly from the expectations set by previous royal births, where new mothers typically posed for photographs outside the hospital shortly after giving birth.
In a candid interview, Meghan shared her reasons for opting for a private birth at Portland Hospital, distancing herself from the public eye.
She cited the pressures associated with the traditional photo opportunity, along with personal concerns about her age and the possibility of needing a C-section.
This decision, however, did not sit well with many royalists, who felt it strayed too far from established customs.
Further complicating matters, Harry and Meghan chose not to disclose the identities of Archie’s godparents, another move that diverged from royal norms.
In their Netflix documentary series, the couple addressed the backlash they received for stepping away from tradition.
Harry remarked on the intense scrutiny they faced, emphasizing that they simply wanted to protect their child’s privacy.
The secrecy surrounding Archie’s birth has fueled ongoing speculation and criticism.