Happy Birthday Master Archie
One year ago, royals fans celebrated the announcement that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had welcomed their first son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. They opted to keep the birth private to allow themselves a few days as a new family of three. Two days later, on the grounds of Windsor Castle, Archie was introduced to the world with a small group of media invited to cover the happy news.
Harry & Meghan were clearly beaming with pride but kept the introduction calm, easy and informal (or as informal as the Royal Family gets anyway.) After Archie's introduction to the world fans were treated to a photograph of the Queen meeting her eighth great-grandchild with Prince Philip and Doria Ragland (Meghans mother) looking on.
As is customary, Meghan began maternity leave and they were given some privacy and time to acclimate to life as a new family of three. They continued to share some small photos of Archie via their social media on the U.S. Mothers Day as well as on Fathers Day in the U.K. As the Sussex's had moved to Frogmore Cottage before Archie's birth, they were able to enjoy the expansive grounds and (hopefully) soak up some quality family time.
The Duke and Duchess had opted not to give Archie a royal title, much like Harry's aunt, Princess Anne, had done. This decision was made with the hope of giving Archie a chance at a much more private life than Prince Harry had experienced or how is cousins, George, Charlotte and Louis will experience.
In keeping with their decision to keep Archie largely out of the limelight, Harry & Meghan opted for a private christening with only immediate family and Archies godparents present. For their privacy, the godparents were also kept private but it didn't stop people from speculating.
Archie made his first official public appearance alongside his parents on a tour of South Africa. The eighteen week old (four-in-a-half months) met Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Thandeka at their home in South Africa. Archie proved to be his fathers mini me with some cheeky smiles and an overall happy demeanor.
Due to rising tensions between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the media, Harry & Meghan decided to take an eight week break ahead of the holidays and enjoyed a private family holiday in Canada. Ahead of Christmas, Harry & Meghan shared a holiday card which depicted Archie crawling towards the camera with his parents laughing in the background. Some fans began to see more features resembling Meghan in the card but another photo released via SussexRoyal instagram ahead of the new year solidified Archie as Harry's mini me. In the photo, taken by the Duchess of Sussex, Harry was holding Archie while the family enjoyed a hike against the beautiful scenic backdrop of Canada.
After making their announcement, the Sussex family returned to Canada where Archie was able to have privacy from the media. Ahead of Archies first birthday, representatives for the Sussex's confirmed that they would be releasing a photo of Archie for his upcoming birthday.
Harry & Meghan opted to release a video of Meghan reading to the one year old Archie. The clip encouraged fans to donate to Save the Childrens UK Coronavirus appeal. You can still donate here.
After an eventful first year of life, it will be exciting to see what Archie continue to grow and flourish. Happy Birthday Archie! xx