Prince William was reportedly angered by a “prima donna” move by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, according to royal author and historian Robert Lacey.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child, Prince Archie, in 2019 at the private Portland Hospital in London. While it was a very happy occasion for the couple, their families and millions of royal fans, the day wasn't without its complications. Meghan had delivered her son eight hours before the palace even announced that she had gone into labour.
Break from royal tradition
This was a huge break from what the public would usually expect from the palace, as many royal births - including those of Prince William and Prince Harry - had been announced shortly after the expectant mother had been admitted to hospital.
The decision to keep Archie's birth a secret has been described as Prince Harry's "morbid obsession" and did not go down well with his brother, the Prince of Wales.
Lacey wrote in the Daily Mail: “According to one of my sources, it's been pointed to him that everyone has a difficult sister-in-law.
“William's response was to nod his head in sage acceptance. Then suddenly he broke out angrily. 'But look at the way that bl***y woman treated my staff — merciless!’”
Lack of visit
Lacey claimed that the Prince of Wales was "not impressed" with Meghan and Harry's attempts to keep their son Archie's birth a secret. He said: "William did not think too highly of Harry and Meghan’s ‘prima donna’ manoeuvres to conceal the birth of their son in May 2019. This impression was confirmed by the failure of William and Kate to visit the new arrival for a full eight days."
According to The New Royals by royal expert and author Katie Nicholl, both Prince Harry and Meghan wanted to enjoy their privacy before introducing Archie to the world. She wrote: "One source described Harry as being 'almost morbidly obsessed' with keeping Archie's birth as secret as possible, breaching the unwritten contract between the royals and public."
Harry and Meghan had wanted some time as a new family before they presented their son Archie to the world. A brief photo opportunity with a single reporter to ask questions took place two days after the birth in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle.
"A historic photograph of the Queen and Prince Philip and Meghan's mother Doria, with the baby (not yet named) and Harry and Meghan was an unexpected bonus."
