In a fresh wave of scrutiny, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have found themselves at the center of controversy regarding the birth of their son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor.

Critics are accusing the couple of misleading the public about the timeline of Archie’s arrival, reigniting debates that first surfaced shortly after his birth.

The uproar began when Buckingham Palace initially announced on May 6, 2019, that Meghan had gone into labor that morning.

However, this statement was later corrected to reveal that Archie had actually been born hours earlier at 5:26 AM.

This discrepancy has led to accusations that the Sussexes intentionally misled the public, diverging from traditional royal protocols that have been observed by previous royal families.

Royal historian Robert Lacey expressed his astonishment over the secrecy surrounding Archie’s birth in a column for the Daily Mail.

He criticized the couple for not adhering to the established norms, noting that the announcement of Archie’s birth was shrouded in mystery unlike any other royal birth in recent history.

Lacey pointed out that the palace’s announcement at 2 PM came after Meghan had already given birth, raising eyebrows and fueling speculation about the couple’s transparency.

This sentiment is echoed among royal watchers and sections of the British media, who believe that Harry and Meghan have strayed too far from royal traditions.

Their decision to forgo the customary photo opportunity outside the hospital, where new parents typically pose with their newborn for the press, has become emblematic of their departure from royal life.

Unlike Prince William and Kate Middleton, who followed this tradition with each of their three children, Harry and Meghan opted for a more private introduction of Archie, releasing photos from Windsor Castle two days post-birth.

In their six-part Netflix documentary, Meghan elaborated on her choice for a private birth at Portland Hospital, citing the immense pressure she felt from the public.

She expressed concerns regarding her health and the possibility of needing a C-section, emphasizing her desire to trust her doctor throughout the process.

This personal touch added another layer to the ongoing criticism they face regarding their approach to parenting and royal duties.

Further intensifying the backlash was the couple’s decision to keep the identities of Archie’s godparents under wraps.

Traditionally, royal godparents are publicly announced, reflecting a commitment to transparency.

However, Harry and Meghan chose to keep this information private, a move that many viewed as a snub to royal customs and expectations.

Royal observers have noted that the Sussexes’ refusal to conform to established practices indicates their desire to distance themselves from the monarchy’s expectations.

In their Netflix series, both Harry and Meghan addressed the backlash they received for their unconventional choices surrounding Archie’s birth.

Harry, in particular, highlighted the intense criticism they faced, especially directed at Meghan, for wanting to protect their children from public scrutiny.

The secrecy surrounding Archie’s birth has become a symbol of the growing divide 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 been forging a new path in the United States, far removed from the relentless media attention they experienced in the UK.

Yet, despite their attempts to carve out a more private life, controversies from their time within the royal family continue to haunt them.

The birth of Archie, now four years old, remains a focal point in the ongoing discussion about the couple’s relationship with the monarchy and their quest for independence.

As the debate over the Sussexes’ adherence to royal tradition versus their desire for privacy rages on, it raises questions about the future of their relationship with the royal family.

Will they continue to face scrutiny for their choices, or will the winds of change allow them the freedom they seek?

What are your thoughts on this unfolding story?

Feel free to share your views in the comments section.

The conversation surrounding Harry and Meghan is far from over, and it seems the world is watching closely to see how this chapter of royal life continues to unfold.