
- When it came to welcoming their first child, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle weren't afraid to go against royal tradition.
- The couple kept Archie's birth a secret, not even releasing a public announcement that Meghan was in labor until after she and Harry were already safely home with their newborn.
- According to royal historian and biographer Robert Lacey, the couple's decision was related to how Harry's late mother, Princess Diana, died in 1997.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made a point of doing things their own way and that definitely included how they handled the birth of their son, Archie Harrison.
In his new book, Battle of Brothers: William and Harry – The Inside Story of a Family in Tumult, royal historian and biographer Robert Lacey explains that Harry and Meghan were less-than-honest with the press (and, by extension, the masses of royal fans around the world) when it came to announcing Archie's arrival.
Even though Archie was born at 5:26 in the morning on May 6, 2019, the Palace didn't announce anything about the birth until 2 p.m. that afternoon. What's more, when the Palace did make an announcement, it was a misleading statement that implied Meghan had just gone into labor, when in reality, she and Harry were already home with Archie by that time.
The decision famously angered Harry's older brother, Prince William, who had followed the longstanding royal tradition of presenting each of his children to the public within hours of their births. Harry and Meghan made a conscious choice to buck that tradition though. According to Lacey, their strong demand for privacy had to do with Harry's late mother, Princess Diana.
"Harry and Meghan were resolute that their newborn baby's first sight of the world should not be the same insane and lethal camera-flashing that had attended — had actually brought about — the death of Diana," Lacey writes in the book.
Honestly, as reasons to eschew a longstanding family tradition go, that's definitely a good one.
RELATED STORIES
Kayleigh Roberts is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, covering celebrity and entertainment news, from actual royals like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Hollywood royalty, like Katie Holmes and Chrissy Teigen. She’s a Ravenclaw who would do great things in Slytherin. To learn more about her, google “Leslie Knope eating salad GIF.
-
The Cannes Film Festival 2022: The Best Red Carpet Looks
Here's what everyone wore for the festival's 75th year.
By Sara Holzman
-
Zosia Mamet Doesn’t Need Your Main Character Energy
The 'Flight Attendant' star has found success as an actor and passion as a writer, but the role she was born to play may just be the one of best friend.
By Neha Prakash
-
We Can Likely “Expect to See the Children as Well” in Sussex Docuseries, Expert Says
“You know, Netflix, they do want bang for their buck.”
By Rachel Burchfield
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J Igoe
-
Prince Harry's Ex Chelsy Davy Just Got Married, Reportedly
She and Sam Cutmore-Scott share baby son Leo.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince Harry Is Worried About Archie and Lili Experiencing the "Online Harm" That Is Currently "Normalized"
He says the internet needs to change dramatically.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Sent a Heartfelt Message to British Soccer Player Who Came Out as Gay
Jake Daniels' decision will make such a huge difference.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton and Prince William Shared Rare PDA in the Bahamas
The footage popped up on TikTok.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Queen Touched Up Her Lipstick During Her First Jubilee Appearance
She actually regularly does this in public, which is amazing.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Helped a Student Find a Crossword Answer Related to the Queen
Wholesome!
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Prince William Was Booed by Soccer Fans at the FA Cup Final
Opinion is divided over the booing.
By Iris Goldsztajn