Royal Criticism: Former BBC Correspondent Criticizes Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Parenting Approach

Former BBC Raw correspondent, Michael Cole, has raised concerns regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's handling of their son Archie on his fifth birthday.

Despite being born in the UK before the couple's move to California, Archie did not receive any birthday greetings from the royal family on social media, a tradition usually observed for other royal members.

Cole, speaking to GB News, pointed out that the late Queen's eighth grandchild has faced unique treatment since birth, including the controversial photo call selected by Prince Harry and Meghan.

In a conversation with hosts Ben Leo and Bev Turner, Ben expressed disappointment over the fact that Archie has missed the chance to grow up alongside his royal cousins in the UK.

Reflecting on Archie's birth, Cole brought up the contentious photo call at Windsor, where the couple introduced their newborn to the global press but later took measures to shield him from the public eye.

Additionally, Cole disclosed that the Sussexes never confirmed Archie's birthplace, which was the Portland Hospital in central London, and have kept the identities of Archie's godparents undisclosed, though their names were eventually revealed after the family's relocation to Canada and then America.

Archie has remained largely out of the public eye since then, and despite no new photos being shared on his birthday, Meghan ensures that she and her children stay in the spotlight.

The Queen's PR team revealed that both Harry and Meghan turned down an £18,000 birthday gift from King Charles for Archie.

Meghan's spokesperson, Tom Quinn, mentioned discussions about Charles sending one of his watercolor paintings as a gift, considering Meghan's preference for homemade presents over extravagant ones.

However, Charles, who is estranged from his youngest son and resides in the US with his own family, respects Harry and Meghan's boundaries and does not wish to intrude with a gift for Archie.

Reports suggest that Charles and his team are wary of potential misinterpretations by Harry and Meghan regarding any gifts sent to Archie.

An insider recalled a past incident where Charles gave Prince William's son, Prince George, an engraved handmade swing, a gesture Harry deemed too lavish.

Quinn also noted that Charles opts for a traditional phone call with Archie on his birthday rather than a video call, as the latter would involve interacting with Meghan, a situation Charles reportedly feels uneasy about.

The idea of connecting with Archie without engaging with Meghan seems to make Charles apprehensive, according to Quinn.

Discussing Meghan's substantial PR budget, the source humorously suggested she be dubbed “Madame Puff” due to the numerous flattering articles circulating about her.

Buckingham Palace officials have refuted claims that King Charles provided any gifts to Archie, citing the monarch's busy schedule and lack of plans to meet or approach Harry's son on his birthday.