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Loose Women star demands to know why she’s been snubbed from Chelsea Flower Show (
Image: ITV)

Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha wades into ’embarrassing’ show drama with Rishi Sunak

Prince Harry has been criticised on social media for some comments he made in Nigeria after he and his wife Meghan Markle were invited to the Lagos State Government House on Sunday.

The couple’s visit was seen as a success and saw Meghan being described as Nigeria’s ” new princess ” after she spoke to locals about the results of a DNA test which revealed she is 43 per cent Nigerian. While in the country, she was honoured as an Ada Mazi, a title of respect meaning “daughter of an aristocrat”, with the honour being of the Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom.

Three Kings, His Eminence Engr Eberechukwu Oji, Eze Aro of Ancient Arochukwu Kingdom, Igwe Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha and Great Olu Of Warri Kingdom, all took part in the special ceremony. Harry, 39, gave a speech at the event and addressed those gathered as his “in-laws”.

READ MORE: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archewell scandal – fundraising nightmare to cheque lost in post

Harry and Meghan visit Lightway Academy in Abuja, Nigeria ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)

The Duke of Sussex said: “I’ll skip the protocol because at this point we’re all family. Thank you for welcoming my wife and myself to Nigeria.” He said this was the pair’s “first visit” but “certainly” it would not be their last.

Harry added: “Thank you for the naming ceremony. I don’t know how I got dragged into that as well, but to be able to witness it as well next to my wife, it means a huge amount to both of us but especially her, so thank you for that.” Meghan also addressed the crowd and could not hide her emotions as she shared with the audience: “I’m missing my babies.” She told the attendees: “It feels appropriate that although of course we are missing our children, I’m missing my babies, it feels very appropriate to be in the motherland and amongst family.”

But Harry’s comment sparked a debate on social media, with some people wondering why he would use the word “in-laws” to address a crowd of people he was not familiar with before the visit. Several critics pointed out that while he described the audience as his “in-laws”, he has no relationship with Meghan’s father, Thomas Markle Sr, or her siblings, Samantha and Thomas Jr.

Someone wrote on X: “He is so desperate to find a family that he’s willing to go above and beyond, journey people his in-laws he has in-laws. He has a father-in-law is a mother-in-law, and he has a stepsister and step-brother-in-law. Oh yeah, he disowned everybody.”

Another critic added: “Harry, traitor to his own family, hasn’t even met his actual father-in-law, who has begged to see him, Meghan, and his grandchildren. This is truly appalling.” Someone else wrote: “He has lost the plot.”

But others pointed out that Harry meant it as a joke and came to the Duke’s defence with someone writing: ” Prince Harry thanking his Nigerian ‘in-laws’ is the cutest thing you’ll hear today!” One commented: “I love how Harry acts like this is all Meghan related. This is as much about him as it is about his wife. #HarryandMeghanAreLoved.”

Harry and Meghan during their visit to Polo Club in Lagos ( 
Image:
Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)
Another fan added: “OMG. This is like a wedding. So sweet, so endearing, so genuine. A very happy and grateful couple. Archie and Lili will see this one day. They will know they are children of Nigeria too, and feel so happy to be part of this amazing family.”

One more commented: “Harry again being treated better than his own father & brother treat him, who announced to the UK media they would snub him, won’t see him, too busy, can’t stay in any of our many castles/palaces. The Nigerians have embraced H&M like family.”

Meghan is not close to her father, who has not seen her husband Harry and their two children. In September 2023, Thomas Markle branded the Sussexes “cruel” as he made a plea to see his grandkids on live TV. He appeared on Good Morning Britain where he spoke to hosts Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley about healing his relationship with his daughter, as he shared his hope to see his grandkids.

Thomas said that he was desperate to see his grandkids, Archie and Lilibet. He explained that it was “cruel” for him not to be allowed to see his grandkids, and made a plea to be reunited with them. He said: “I’m very upset about it as well because this is a cruel thing to do to a grandparent … To deny the right to see their grandchild.” He also opened up about his own health battles and explained he was managing his stroke recovery.

KATE Middleton and Prince William are ‘deeply upset’ with Meghan Markle and Prince Harry as they ‘go through tragedy’, claims a royal author.

With the Princess of Wales, 42, undergoing preventative treatment for cancer and King Charles, 75, only recently getting back into royal duties after his cancer diagnosis, royal expert Tom Bower recognised the ‘huge pressure’ on Prince William.

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A royal author has claimed that Kate Middleton and Prince William are ‘deeply upset’ by having Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ‘brand operation rubbed in their faces’Credit: AP

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Tom Bower suspected that Meghan and Harry will be feeling ‘some sort of secret glee in Montecito’, whilst the Waleses go through ‘tragedy’Credit: AP

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It comes after Meghan launched an Instagram brand, American Riviera OrchardCredit: Getty

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The Sussexes went on a trip to Nigeria, whilst Princess Kate is undergoing treatment for cancer
But not only this, the royal pro also claimed that this ‘pressure’ isn’t helped by how insensitive Prince Harry, 39, and Meghan Markle, 42, appear to be.

As the Waleses deal with arguably the most difficult time of their lives, Tom Bower claimed that the Sussexes’ new ventures are ‘rubbing salt in the wound’ for Kate and Will.

Speaking exclusively to Woman, Tom shared why he believes William to be ‘furious’ with Harry, as he said: “Not only is there the pressure on William, but also the constant sniping from California.

“I’m sure he’s furious with Harry, he’s behaved appalling.

“Not only by the way he left England and exploited his royal connections but also his book – the things he said about the Waleses were so outrageous, rude, unfair and in my opinion, untrue. It’s a real struggle for the Waleses.”

Not only did Harry’s book Space claim that William ‘attacked’ Harry in a row over Meghan Markle, but it also claimed that William and Kate Middleton encouraged him to wear the infamous Nazi uniform.

While they’re establishing this so-called brand Sussex, the family here is going through torment

Tom Bower

Revelations aside, Tom claimed that Harry and Meghan may be feeling ‘secret glee’ at the situation.

After their recent trip to Nigeria, and the launch of Meghan’s new Instagram brand, American Riviera Orchard, Tom added: “One just always feels like there may be some sort of secret glee in Montecito.

“While they’re establishing this so-called brand Sussex, the family here is going through torment.

“After Charles’ diagnosis, Harry came over for half an hour and that’s it, he’s done nothing else.

“I can imagine that Kate and William are deeply upset by having the Sussexes’ brand operation rubbed in their face while they’re going through this tragedy.”

Despite Tom’s claims, it has been previously reported that Kate is “excited” after being well enough to be briefed on the findings of a taskforce she set up to help the under 5s.

A ROYAL expert has said Prince Harry’s behaviour towards the Royal Family has been “appalling” and it’s “time he realised that”.

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE told Matt Wilkinson, host of The Sun’s new show Royal Exclusive, that King Charles was “very upset” with Harry’s decision to write his bombshell book Spare.

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Prince Harry at a volleyball match at a Nigerian army officers’ mess,, May 11Credit: Reuters

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Harry and Meghan at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja on May 11Credit: AFP

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Royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE said Harry has behaved ‘appallingly’Credit: The SUn
In both his book and well-publicised interviews with ITV and CBS, Harry has accused his stepmother Queen Camilla of leaking details of her first meeting with Prince William.

Harry also claimed in Spare that his brother Prince William allegedly attacked him and labelled Meghan “difficult” and “rude”.

Sun photographer Arthur has now said that King Charles may not “easily forgive” Harry for deciding to go ahead with the book, and it’s time the prince “realised” that his behaviour has been “appalling”.

He said: “I remember going working with [Harry], he was fantastic, he was just amazing, and he was – especially with children, he was absolutely brilliant.

“And I travelled the world with him and I did really enjoy working with him, but you know, now, I really don’t care if I have to see him again.

“Because the way he has behaved towards the King, our Queen, and his brother and his sister-in-law is appalling.

“And I just feel it’s about time he realised that.”

Harry made a series of bombshell allegations in Spare, including that William “attacked” him in a row over Meghan Markle.

He also claimed that he called his therapist instead of Meghan after the confrontation with his brother.

Harry wrote that Charles had pleaded with Harry and William not to “make his final years a misery”.

And the Duke of Sussex claimed William and Kate Middleton encouraged him to wear the infamous Nazi uniform.

The bombshell book accidentally went on sale early in Spain – and The Sun acquired one of the first copies.

Royal photographer Arthur added: “[Harry] is behaving, sometimes, I think, appallingly.

“Certainly some of the things he’s said about members of the Royal Family, and Camilla, and Catherine, and his brother.

“I think you just don’t do that with family, you know?

“Family’s the most important thing in your life and you do everything to keep the family together and at peace.

“I imagine the King’s unhappy with Harry being around people where he could learn stories and hear gossip and put it in his next book or his next podcast or next radio or TV interview and it looks like he’s well informed.

“Of course the King felt very upset with that last thing Harry did, the book, especially what he said about his lovely wife Camilla.

“Because, I mean, they’re a very loved-up couple and you know, to offend our Queen, like he did in that book, you know, really upset the King.

“I don’t think he could easily forgive that. And I imagine the King’s had strong words with him over it.”

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Charles and Camilla after a service for the Order of the British Empire at St Paul’sCredit: PA

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Harry and Meghan attend a polo fundraiser event in Lagos, Nigeria, May 12Credit: Reuters

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Harry and Meghan attend a sitting volleyball match at Nigeria UnconqueredCredit: Getty

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Royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE spoke to Matt Wilkinson on Royal ExclusiveCredit: The Sun

How ‘Megxit’ shook the Queen’s final years

By Matt Wilkinson

THROUGHOUT her reign and service, the Queen’s role was chiefly head of state while the Duke of Edinburgh was left to be head of the family.

But when Prince Harry and Meghan revealed on Instagram they were quitting royal duties to live in America, it was a crisis that required the Queen to be both.

At a hastily convened summit at Sandringham in January 2020 her decision was swift and final; the Sussexes can leave the family business but not have the trappings that come with being royal.

The wantaway couple were told there was no “half-in, half-out” role and that they could not have their cake and eat it as they were wished good luck in their new life.

In her statement the Queen thanked them for their “dedicated” work saying she was “particularly proud of Meghan”.

She added: “It is my whole family’s hope that today’s agreement allows them to start building a happy and peaceful new life.”

This new beginning was anything but peaceful for the Queen. Because although the couple had quit royal service, they remained in the family.

As one palace insider put it: “They might no longer be working members of the Royal Family but they are not in exile.”

Leaving royal life and service to the crown and state was never a consideration or choice for the Queen. She was catapulted into succession when her uncle Edward VIII quit royal service to marry divorcee Wallis Simpson in 1936.

Seeing the impact on her father scarred the Queen’s early years but she rose to dedicate herself to a life of service.

So in her mid-90s — forced to isolate in Windsor Castle as Covid-19 raged — the Queen was asked to step up and deal with this cross-Atlantic family crisis, again and again and again.

Throughout the pandemic there was the overriding national feeling that Harry and Meghan would be best served in the UK by supporting the Royal Family rather than firing increasingly bitter pot-shots from across the pond.

When the one-year review came round, The Queen acted as both head of state and head of the family when the couple said they would not return.

Meghan was stripped of her patronages. Harry’s honorary military titles were formally removed.

They were relieved as President and Vice-President of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust after claiming the former Empire “must right the wrongs” of the past.

In her final Megxit statement the Queen explained: “Following conversations with the Duke, the Queen has written confirming that in stepping away from the work of the Royal Family it is not possible to continue with the responsibilities and duties that come with a life of public service.

“While we are all saddened by their decision, The Duke and Duchess remain much-loved members of the family.”

The Duke of Sussex responded to the final Megxit deal — struck with Prince Philip in hospital — with an incendiary retort.

Their spokesman said: “As evidenced by their work over the past year, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to their duty and service to the UK and around the world, and have offered their continued support to the organisations they have represented regardless of official role.

“We can all live a life of service. Service is universal.”

Harry had initiated the review two months early because the couple wanted to tell “their truth” to Oprah Winfrey. The “tell-all” chat which aired days after the swapping of Megxit statements sent shockwaves around the world.

The couple alleged there was a racist in the Royal Family and claimed Meghan’s mental health concerns were ignored.

Astonishingly, the Queen was not told about what was planned, as palace insiders revealed “as non-working members of the Royal Family they are under no obligation to inform the Royal Household of such plans”.

Faced with an onslaught of accusations, many later proven to be untrue, the Queen waited more than 38 hours to respond publicly. She ordered a private family-led probe into the claims but tellingly, issued these words: “Some recollections may vary”.

She kept it civil by saying the Sussexes remain “much-loved family members”.

A source close to the Queen said: “She is not angry, she is just sad. They have always worried about him and the Queen feels very protective about him (Harry).”

Two months later Harry went further on a mental health podcast, blasting his upbringing saying he wanted to “break the cycle” of pain caused by his father.

This felt a more personal attack on the Queen, Charles and the whole Royal Family.

Faced with overwhelming public sympathy, coming after the shock and horror of the first Oprah interview, and grieving the loss of her husband, she stayed silent.

Just a few years earlier the Queen had welcomed divorcee Meghan into the fold and issued an Instrument of Consent for their May 2018 wedding saying she was “delighted for the couple”.

She gifted Meghan a set of pearl earrings and a necklace for her engagement and presented Frogmore Cottage to the couple.

The pair shared a tender moment when the Queen placed a blanket on Meghan’s knees on their first joint-engagement together in Cheshire. Meghan later told Oprah: “The Queen has always been wonderful to me.”

An insider said: “She was understanding that Harry and Meghan wanted out but it could not come at the detriment of the whole family.”

Because stepping away from royal life has never even crossed the Queen’s mind during her reign. She remembered only too well the huge toll that Edward VIII’s abdication had on her own father and the Royal Family.

When Edward quit royal duty to marry American Wallis Simpson, the line of succession passed to her father.

George VI called it a “burden” as he was the second-born and the spare and so was never meant to take the crown, let alone pass it down to his eldest daughter.

But he was regarded as a successful wartime king although he succumbed to the stress and heavy smoking and died aged 56 — leaving Princess Elizabeth to become Queen aged 25.

In a worldwide radio message on her 21st, she said: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.”

The thought of abdication, or quitting royal service to enjoy life elsewhere, even stepping away as head of state or head of the family, was never ever an option she wanted or explored.

The Queen was true to her word. And her service was universal to family and state.

 

AN EXPERT has insisted that the Royal Family are not racist – and Harry and Meghan’s Oprah interview claim was “awful”.

Royal photographer Arthur Edwards MBE told Matt Wilkinson, host of The Sun’s new show Royal Exclusive, that the Sussexes’ big interview with Oprah Winfrey was “so one-sided”.

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Harry and Meghan are interviewed by Oprah WinfreyCredit: Reuters

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Kate and Charles pictured together in London, 2022Credit: PA
During the March 2021 interview, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a series of shocking allegations.

The pair sparked a race row by alleging an unnamed member of the Royal Family spoke about “how dark his (Archie’s) skin might be when he’s born”.

During the Oprah interview, Meghan also said she was prevented from seeking mental health support when she was in crisis.

It’s understood the Royal Family were left deeply upset by the allegations made.

In the days following the interview airing in Britain, Prince William was forced into the unprecedented position of saying the royals “are very much not a racist family”.

He spoke out on an official visit to a school after the Queen had released a carefully-worded statement saying she was “saddened” by the interview but “recollections may vary”.

Omid Scobie’s early Dutch version of his hatchet-job book Endgame, which came out in 2023, suggested Kate Middleton and King Charles were the Royals who made remarks about Archie’s skin colour.

Speaking to Royal Exclusive, Arthur Edwards MBE said: “The first big interview they did with Oprah Winfrey… I think about watching it now and, you know, the thing about Archie and the colour of his skin and I was – I knew they’d be seething.

“I knew that the Queen would be seething, I knew that the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles would be seething, it would be so unfair because one thing they are not is racists. They are not.

“I’ve been with the King all over Africa, all over South America, I’ve never seen – only just engaging and enjoying the company of these people.

“So, you know, in no way would he be like that. He’s just a – it’s just an unfair thing to say.

“But, you know, she delivered it like an actress delivered it, and Oprah responded going ‘wow’.

“It was awful.”

Harry had told Oprah he felt let down by his family – and that he was barely speaking to his brother, describing their relationship as “space”.

He claimed his father Charles stopped taking his calls after Megxit and he was financially cut off by the Royal Family.

He also discussed his relationship with William, saying he loved him “to bits” but he and the future king were “on different paths”.

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Harry and Meghan during episode 6 of their Netflix documentaryCredit: Netflix

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Charles and Harry at the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games, 2014Credit: Getty

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William and Kate in Edinburgh, July 5, 2023Credit: AP
William was said to be “very upset” with the interview.

Arthur’s comments come after Princess Diana’s former bodyguard insisted the Royal Family are not racist – and said he never saw a hint of it in the 16 years he worked with them.

Speaking on The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, Ken Wharfe said he was adamant there was no racism with The Firm – despite rumours swirling in recent years.

Omid Scobie’s early Dutch version of his hatchet-job book Endgame suggested Kate and Charles were the two members who made remarks about the skin colour of the pair’s first child.

But Ken, who worked alongside the royals for more than a decade, said this had to be wrong.

He told The Sun: “I worked with every single member of the royal family over 16 years.

“I never saw one hint of racism, the royal family are not racist.

“They represent the very best in my view. I’m not saying they’re perfect but on this particular subject, no they’re not.”

History of Royal Family racism claims

In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle alleged that an unnamed member of the Royal Family had raised concerns about their son Archie’s skin colour while Meghan was pregnant.

Speaking about her son, who was born in 2019, Meghan claimed there were “concerns and conversations about how dark his skin might be when he’s born”.

The couple refused to name the alleged royal racist but Oprah said she was told it was not the Queen or Prince Philip.

Queen Elizabeth II released a statement almost two days after the chat saying the claims would be taken “very seriously”.

She said allegations that a member of the family raised concerns over the colour of Archie’s skin would be investigated and “addressed privately”

A statement from the palace said: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.

“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. Whilst some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.

“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much loved family members.”

Prince Harry later went on to say that people shouldn’t be blamed for “unconscious bias”.

Speaking on a podcast with Dax Shepard in May 2021, Harry said “everyone has a bias of sorts”.

But he said “choosing to do nothing” when you realise you have “unconscious bias” is the problem.

Harry told the Armchair Expert podcast: “I thought I knew, having travelled so much and meet so many, such a diverse group as possible, I thought I understood life, especially bearing in mind the countries I was going to were people of colour.

“But then I was really shocked when I started doing therapy and that bubble was burst and I started doing my own work, like a lot of work to uncover and understand unconscious bias.

“And I was like wow, I thought since I screwed up and then did the work, I thought I then knew but I didn’t and I still don’t fully know. It’s a constant working process and every one of us has it.”

Harry told Dax the “world is changing” with a “multi-racial” movement happening driven by young people.

He added: “Unconscious bias, the way I understand it, it’s not something that’s wrong with you, you don’t have to be defensive about it. No one is blaming you, but the moment you realise you have it, what are you going to do about it?

“Because if you choose to do nothing, then you are continuing to fuel the problem, you are heading towards racism.

“Unconscious bias is inherent unfortunately in every single one of us, but it’s important to educate yourself to be more aware of the problems and be part of the solution.”

Omid Scobie’s early Dutch version of his book Endgame suggested Kate and Charles were the two Royals who made remarks about the skin colour of Harry and Meghan’s first child, Archie.

The poisonous claims were pilloried by Royal experts and in the fall out Scobie was blasted for peddling “bulls**t” excuses about how the names were included in the Dutch translation.

The book was released in November 2023.

In the English version Scobie writes: “In the pages of these private letters, two identities were revealed. UK laws prevent me from reporting who they were.”

Kate heartbroken as William spotted having dinner with mistress Rose Hanbury Amid cheating rumours

As you most likely are aware, the Prince hosted the Trump organization at Buckingham Palace the previous evening, following a day of joint English and American activities.

Prince William and Katherine were there as well. Welcome viewers to my channel.

There was another guest present, however, with connections to House Cambridge—or rather, disavowed—who everybody is discussing.

That would be Rose Hanbury, the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. She is right here, making her entry basically toward the far end. Rose is married to David Cholmondeley, the Marquess of Cholmondeley, who is also the Lord Great Chamberlain. These people and their titles are why they were there, as the Lord Great Chamberlain is expected at state events.

Did you know that before he took over as the Marquess, David was known as David Rocksavage? I suppose that’s the trade-off for the title and all the money and influence: you have to give up your cooler name and take on the significant but less impressive-sounding title. That’s how Cholmondeley is pronounced, by the way.

As we know, Kate and Rose hung out among the “turnip toffs” in Norfolk and were known to be close until sometime last year when they reportedly had a falling out. The Sun broke the story in March, and we’ve been discussing it ever since, although information about what exactly caused their split has been scarce, leading to all kinds of wild speculation. Was it because Kate’s garden was superior to Rose’s? Was it because Rose took Kate’s nanny? Was it an affair? It’s the “Big Little Lies” of the English countryside.

Evidently, there was no interaction between Kate and Rose last night. I hear they sat across from each other and would have been in each other’s direct eyeline. Thus, following a few weeks of quiet with the Cambridges hoping this interest would die down, all of us are pondering again about the end of their friendship and why.

The woman walking in next to Rose looks like Sarah Vine, a reporter for the Daily Mail. Assuming it is indeed Sarah Vine, here’s an example of some of the articles that Sarah Vine has written for the Daily Mail. The word choice in the title of her articles is quite deliberate, as you might expect. For instance, Sarah Vine wrote a reasonably kind article about Meghan Markle last month after she and Harry introduced Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor to the world. However, she was criticized back in 2015 for being nasty and cruel about Princess Kate’s appearance when she was photographed out shopping just before Christmas. And generally speaking, where the Daily Mail is concerned, it’s no secret how gross their coverage can be.

Curiously, Princess Kate’s former BFF is now entering the state banquet with someone who appears to be one of the Daily Mail’s regular contributors. Coincidence or something more?

THE ANNOUNCEMENT of Archie’s birth was “stage managed to suit Harry and Meghan”, according to a royal expert.

Speaking to The Sun’s Royal Exclusive show, photographer Arthur Edwards MBE said that he remembers getting excellent pictures after the births of several other royal babies.

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Harry and Meghan with their newborn son in Windsor Castle, May 8, 2019Credit: AFP

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Harry, Meghan and Archie during their royal tour of South Africa in September 2019Credit: Getty
But he told the programme’s host Matt Wilkinson that on the big day in May 2019, the media were “led to believe” that Meghan had gone into labour at two o’clock when in fact the child had already been born.

He said: “When the baby was born, when Archie was born, that was another, in my view, disaster – I knew we were not going to get a picture of [Archie].

“Everybody was hoping we would get pictures.

“I mean obviously when William was born and Harry was born and George and Charlotte and Louis, we got great pictures outside the hospital, I remember.

“And William and Catherine especially, they made such an effort to show the whole world their new baby.

“Harry’s baby Archie was almost teething before we found out he was born, you know.

“We were led to believe that she had gone into labour at two o’clock, when the baby had been born many hours earlier.

“We were led to believe it was going to be a home birth and it was in a hospital.

“The whole thing was just stage managed to suit them.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their son in May 2019 – just a year after tying the knot in their whirlwind romance.

Meghan had initially wanted to give birth to Archie at Frogmore Cottage while attended by an all-female midwife team.

But she was forced to go to London’s private Portland Hospital to deliver the child, who weighed 7lb 3oz when he arrived on May 6 2019.

Harry and Meghan announced the name of their first child as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

The biography Finding Freedom revealed how the couple shared the news with the delighted Royal Family – naturally telling Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip first.

The explosive book, which was released in 2020, then claimed the proud new parents shared the news with Harry’s dad Prince Charles and brother Prince William – sending a photograph of the little boy who became the seventh-in-line to the throne.

Delighted Meghan and Harry then sent a message to the special cousins-only royal WhatsApp group to spread news of baby Archie’s birth.

But the biography claimed Meghan did not tell her estranged dad Thomas Markle.

Archie’s birth and the announcement

Meghan initially wanted to give birth to Archie at Frogmore Cottage while attended by an all-female midwife team.

But her dreams of a home birth were dashed as she was forced to go to London’s private Portland Hospital to deliver the tot, who weighed 7lb 3oz when he arrived on May 6 2019.

A source told Page Six: “Meghan’s plan was to have a home birth with Archie, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans.

“In the end, her doctors advised her to go to hospital and all she was interested in was about delivering Archie safely.”

Harry and Meghan didn’t want to announce where or when Archie was born, but agreed to a photo call in the grounds of Windsor Castle after his birth.

Queen Elizabeth II also wanted to officially announce Archie’s arrival with a note displayed on an easel in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as a mark of her affection.

Beaming Harry told the press: “It’s been the most amazing experience I could ever have possibly imagined.

“How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension. But we’re both absolutely thrilled.

“We’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support from everybody out there, it’s been amazing, so we just wanted to share this with everybody.”

Harry and Meghan announced the name of their first child as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

Archie, short for Archibald, is a name of German origin and means “bold or brave”. Harrison is of English origin — and means “son of Harry”.

The hyphenated surname Mountbatten-Windsor is in keeping with a royal tradition established by the Queen to differentiate her direct descendants from the rest of the House of Windsor.

But the choice of Archie Harrison surprised royal watchers, with some hoping Harry would include Spencer as a nod to mum Princess Diana’s maiden name.

Baby Archie’s birth has widely been reported to be one of the reasons the couple left the Royal Family – with Harry and Meghan wanting to protect their son from the scrutiny and give him a normal life.

Even while they were part of the Firm, Meghan made sure Archie’s christening on July 6 2019 was a “completely private affair” at the Queen’s Chapel in Windsor Castle attended by just 22 guests.

While she came under attack for breaking tradition and not allowing the media or the public a glimpse of baby Archie on his special day, Meghan didn’t care, according to the authors of Finding Freedom, Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand.

Instead, it claimed Meghan asked her mum Doria Ragland to message her 76-year-old dad with the news of his grandson.

Authors Omid Scobie and Carolyn Durand then reported that the duchess asked her mother not to tell her if her dad, who lives in the US, replied.

Mr Edwards added that he was not staying in Windsor at the time.

He said: “There was a Royal tour to Germany with the King and Queen and I went with them and couldn’t get away from Windsor quick enough.

“I remember showing Camilla in, I think Munich, the first pictures of Archie that were taken by the Press Association, showing her on my phone.

“And that was the first time she saw him, you know, so it was difficult times.

“I have to say though, you know, that first year, Meghan, that working with her on the road, I mean, you know we went all over the country, she was incredible.

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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their son in May 2019Credit: The Mega Agency

4

Arthur Edwards said he remembers getting excellent pictures after several royal births
“I was saying I thought she was a great asset to the family.

“I kept asking the Palace if we could have a meeting with her – you know, people who cover the Royals, to have a meeting with Meghan like we did with Catherine.

“And you know, introduce ourselves and let her get to know who’s writing about her photographing her.

“And I was assured it was going to happen but it never did.

“And then pretty soon she’d made her mind up that they were going, and that was it.”

Mr Edwards also mentioned the interview the pair did with Oprah Winfrey, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a series of shocking allegations.

The pair sparked a race row by alleging an unnamed member of the Royal Family spoke about “how dark his (Archie’s) skin might be when he’s born”.

During the Oprah interview, Meghan also said she was prevented from seeking mental health support when she was in crisis.

Mr Edwards said: “I knew that the Queen would be seething, I knew that the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles would be seething, it would be so unfair because one thing they are not is racists. They are not.

“I’ve been with the King all over Africa, all over South America, I’ve never seen – only just engaging and enjoying the company of these people.

“So, you know, in no way would he be like that. He’s just a – it’s just an unfair thing to say.

The former soccer player celebrated his big sister’s 52nd birthday by sharing a series of childhood snaps on Instagram

David Beckham and his sister Lynne as children. PHOTO: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/GETTY; DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

David Beckham is celebrating his big sis!

On Wednesday, May 29, the former soccer player, 49, shared several throwback snaps on his Instagram Stories to wish his older sister Lynne a happy 52nd birthday.

“Happy Birthday to my sis,” David wrote alongside a love heart emoji and a snap of the two when they were kids. “Sorry @lynnebeckhambriggs1972 couldn’t resist but I think you look good 😆.”

In the photo, a young David smiled as he sported a white shirt tucked into dark pants. The Inter-Miami co-owner’s sister also looked smart, keeping her top tucked into her skirt while wearing a short hairstyle.

Lynne, David and Joanna Beckham.DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

Victoria Beckham Celebrates Mother’s Day with Photo Featuring All Her Kids: ‘I Love You All So Much’

David then shared another snap of himself and Lynne posing with who appeared to be their younger sister Joanne, 42, at a table.

“HAPPY Birthday,” a sticker across the photo read as the siblings crouched beside their younger sister sitting in a high chair.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Lynne, David and Joanne Beckham.DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

David Beckham Says Key to 27 Years with Victoria Is Having ‘Each Other to Feed Off’ in ‘Difficult Times’

The dad of four finished his birthday tribute with another throwback photo of the Beckham siblings standing in order of height and age with Joanne being placed in the front and Lynne standing at the back.

“happy birthday,” a sticker above Joanne’s head read. “@lynnebeckhambriggs1972 Hope you have an amazing day we love you,” David added.

The star has maintained a close relationship with his sisters — who he grew up with in East London — and often shares snaps of them on their birthdays.

In 2020, he celebrated Lynne’s 50th birthday by sharing two throwback photos with the caption, “Happy 50th Lynne hope you have an amazing day sis you deserve it 👵🏼 p.s sorry about the second pic 😂 @lynnebeckhambriggs1972 @sandra_beckham49 @jo_jo_beckham_ @tedbeckhamdavid sorry about the pic dad 😂.”

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Meanwhile, in 2017, David shared a photo of himself and Joanne dancing together for her birthday, writing, “To the most amazing person, sister and daughter anyone could want.”

While David shares Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12, with wife Victoria Beckham, he’s also an uncle to his sisters’ children.

Lynne is the mother of three children, Freddie, Georgina and Josh, while Joanne is mother to daughter Penny.

The former soccer player celebrated his big sister’s 52nd birthday by sharing a series of childhood snaps on Instagram

David Beckham and his sister Lynne as children. PHOTO: DOMINIC LIPINSKI/GETTY; DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

David Beckham is celebrating his big sis!

On Wednesday, May 29, the former soccer player, 49, shared several throwback snaps on his Instagram Stories to wish his older sister Lynne a happy 52nd birthday.

“Happy Birthday to my sis,” David wrote alongside a love heart emoji and a snap of the two when they were kids. “Sorry @lynnebeckhambriggs1972 couldn’t resist but I think you look good 😆.”

In the photo, a young David smiled as he sported a white shirt tucked into dark pants. The Inter-Miami co-owner’s sister also looked smart, keeping her top tucked into her skirt while wearing a short hairstyle.

Lynne, David and Joanna Beckham.DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

Victoria Beckham Celebrates Mother’s Day with Photo Featuring All Her Kids: ‘I Love You All So Much’

David then shared another snap of himself and Lynne posing with who appeared to be their younger sister Joanne, 42, at a table.

“HAPPY Birthday,” a sticker across the photo read as the siblings crouched beside their younger sister sitting in a high chair.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Lynne, David and Joanne Beckham.DAVID BECKHAM/INSTAGRAM

David Beckham Says Key to 27 Years with Victoria Is Having ‘Each Other to Feed Off’ in ‘Difficult Times’

The dad of four finished his birthday tribute with another throwback photo of the Beckham siblings standing in order of height and age with Joanne being placed in the front and Lynne standing at the back.

“happy birthday,” a sticker above Joanne’s head read. “@lynnebeckhambriggs1972 Hope you have an amazing day we love you,” David added.

The star has maintained a close relationship with his sisters — who he grew up with in East London — and often shares snaps of them on their birthdays.

In 2020, he celebrated Lynne’s 50th birthday by sharing two throwback photos with the caption, “Happy 50th Lynne hope you have an amazing day sis you deserve it 👵🏼 p.s sorry about the second pic 😂 @lynnebeckhambriggs1972 @sandra_beckham49 @jo_jo_beckham_ @tedbeckhamdavid sorry about the pic dad 😂.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Meanwhile, in 2017, David shared a photo of himself and Joanne dancing together for her birthday, writing, “To the most amazing person, sister and daughter anyone could want.”

While David shares Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12, with wife Victoria Beckham, he’s also an uncle to his sisters’ children.

Lynne is the mother of three children, Freddie, Georgina and Josh, while Joanne is mother to daughter Penny.