Former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole has taken issue with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's parenting approach concerning their son Archie, who is celebrating his fifth birthday.
Archie, born in the UK before the couple's relocation to California, hasn't received birthday wishes from any members of the royal family on social media, a customary gesture for other royal birthdays. Speaking on GB News, Cole highlighted the peculiar circumstances surrounding Archie's upbringing. He pointed out that since birth, Archie has been subject to unconventional behavior, including the controversial photo call chosen by his parents.
Recalling Archie's birth, Cole emphasized the controversial nature of the photo call at Windsor, where the couple displayed their newborn to the world's press, only to later conceal him from view. The secrecy extended to the location of Archie's birth at the Portland Hospital in central London, which the Sussexes never officially confirmed. Additionally, the identities of Archie's godparents remained undisclosed until later, following the family's moves to Canada and then America. Despite the lack of public appearances, Meghan ensures that she and her children remain in the headlines, although there are no new photos of Archie on his birthday.
Regarding birthday gifts, it's reported that Prince Charles offered an £18,000 present for Archie, which was declined by Harry and Meghan. Instead, Charles plans to send a card and a modest gift, possibly one of his own watercolor paintings, as Meghan prefers homemade gifts over extravagant ones. However, Charles is cautious not to offend Harry and Meghan with his gesture, given the strained relationship between them. In the past, Charles had gifted Prince George an engraved handmade swing, but Harry has expressed his preference for simpler presents. Charles, uncomfortable with the idea of video calls, prefers a regular phone call to Archie, as it allows him to speak directly with his grandson without involving Meghan, whom he reportedly dreads interacting with.
Meanwhile, Meghan's PR efforts are noted to be extensive, with her being dubbed "Madam Puff" for the abundance of positive coverage she generates. Buckingham Palace courtiers have denied claims of any gifts from King Charles to Archie, stating that the monarch is too busy to engage in such matters and has no plans to meet or approach Harry's son on his birthday.
