Royal Drama Unfolds as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Son, Archie, Turns Five

Former BBC royal correspondent Michael Cole has expressed disapproval towards Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's handling of their son Archie's fifth birthday celebration.

Despite being a member of the royal family, Archie, the son of the Duke and Duchess, born in the UK before the couple's relocation to California, did not receive any birthday wishes from his royal relatives on social media, a customary gesture extended to other family members.

In an interview with GB News, Cole highlighted the peculiar treatment Archie has endured since his birth, including the controversial photo call orchestrated by Prince Harry and Meghan.

During a conversation with hosts Ben Leo and Bev Turner, Cole reminisced about the unconventional photo call that took place at Windsor following Archie's birth.

The couple, parading their newborn before the world's press, proceeded to shield him from view, wrapping him in swaddling clothes and a hat, leaving him largely concealed from public scrutiny.

Cole further disclosed that the Sussexes deliberately withheld information regarding Archie's birthplace, the Portland Hospital in central London, and never officially confirmed the identities of Archie's four godparents, although these details eventually surfaced.

Following their relocation to Canada and subsequently to the United States, Archie has remained largely out of the public eye, with few glimpses shared with the world.

Despite the absence of new photos of Archie on his birthday, Meghan Markle consistently ensures that she and her children remain in the limelight.

Recently, it was revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan declined an £18,000 birthday gift for Archie from King Charles III, who intended to mark his grandson's fifth birthday with a card and a modest present.

According to Meghan's spokesperson, Tom Quinn, King Charles III contemplated gifting one of his watercolour paintings to Archie, as Meghan reportedly values homemade gifts over extravagant displays of wealth.

However, given the strained relationship between King Charles III and his youngest son, Harry, who resides in the US with his family, there is a reluctance to inadvertently offend Harry and Meghan with any well-intentioned gestures towards Archie.

Quinn divulged that King Charles III prefers a simple phone call to Archie on his birthday rather than a video call, expressing discomfort with the latter option.

The royal courtiers at Buckingham Palace refuted claims of King Charles III presenting any gifts to Archie, citing the monarch's busy schedule and lack of plans to interact with Harry's son on his special day.

The intricate dynamics within the royal family continue to unfold as Archie marks his fifth year, amidst speculations and gestures that underscore the complexities of royal relationships and traditions.