The arrival of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s firstborn, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was mired in controversy and speculation, deviating from long-standing royal traditions. Breaking with custom, the Sussexes chose not to participate in the traditional photo op on the steps of London’s Portland Hospital after Archie’s birth on May 6, 2019. Instead, the public first saw the baby two days later during a carefully staged photo call at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle.
Arthur Edwards, a veteran royal photographer with decades of experience, criticized Harry and Meghan for what he described as their “stage-managed” approach to their son’s birth. Edwards, speaking to The Sun, expressed frustration over the misleading information the press received regarding Meghan’s labor. According to Edwards, the press was led to believe Meghan had gone into labor at 2:00 AM, only to find out that Archie was already born by then. Additionally, the expectation of a home birth at Frogmore Cottage was upended when Meghan delivered in a hospital after her due date passed.
The secrecy and deviations from tradition stirred public speculation, leading to outrageous theories. One YouTube video, which has garnered over 77,000 views, questioned the authenticity of Archie, suggesting he might be a lifelike doll. The video, titled “Meghan Markle’s Fake Baby Exposed,” pointed to the baby’s apparent motionlessness during a photo opportunity as evidence. Some viewers even speculated that Meghan had positioned herself to obscure Archie’s face from the camera, further fueling doubts.
Comparisons between Archie and the Royal family’s previous newborn introductions added to the controversy. Critics noted that while the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William’s children were visibly active and their parents appeared at ease, Archie seemed unusually still. Meghan’s discomfort and Harry’s tight grip on the baby only intensified these concerns.
Moreover, discrepancies in Harry’s comments about Archie’s age contributed to the speculation. During an interview, Harry’s response to a question about Archie’s appearance was interpreted by some as an inadvertent revelation of Archie’s true age, suggesting that the baby might have been older than officially stated.
In the wake of these controversies, the Sussexes’ approach to Archie’s introduction highlighted a departure from royal norms, sparking widespread debate and scrutiny. The scrutiny surrounding Archie’s birth not only underscored public fascination with the Sussexes’ every move but also illustrated the challenges the couple faced in navigating traditional royal expectations amidst their personal choices.