How two VERY different royal balconies expose the heart-wrenching sadness of Prince Archie’s special day
WHAT a difference a day makes.
As the world watched Prince Louis bring some youthful zest to the 80th anniversary of celebrations on Monday, yesterday his Californian cousin Archie turned six at the Sussexes' Montecito, mansion.
Some 5,000 miles from his birthplace and wider family with the shadow of Prince Harry’s legal loss over security protection looming large, the ‘celebrations’ must have looked as flat and deflated as the cheapest balloon.
Of course, in Meghan’s manicured hands, young Archie’s party will at least have looked the part.
As her lifestyle Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, can attest, the jam supremo and podcast host knows her way around a table setting. And she can be very creative with fruit – her rainbow fruit platter - yes, simply a display of colourful fruit on a plate – will no doubt have taken centre stage amongst the cupcakes.
They’ll likely have been a coterie of photogenic friends and maybe even an appearance from “Aunty” Serena Williams one of Archie and Lilibet’s A list pseudo relatives who dropped by to play puzzles.
Meghan, meanwhile, will have breezed around in neutral cashmeres maybe dispensing embroidered, personalised goody bags but it’s hard to compete with the once in a lifetime celebration that took place in the capital with Buckingham Palace resplendent as the centrepiece.
From the red devil’s flypast to a ringside seat to honour the fast-depleting group of veterans who gave us our freedom, Archie and Lilibet should have been there to witness history, sharing the moment with their wider family and young cousins, George, Charlotte and Louis.
Amid the military pomp including the 1,300-strong procession and before the large crowds that thronged to central London, we saw the trio’s emerging personalities that would no doubt love to know their stateside cousins better.
We’ve got the calm, born-to-the-role Charlotte, the more serious George carrying the responsibility, listening intently to the veteran’s story over tea and cakes to the tour de force that is Louis – so much like a young Prince Harry lapping up the occasion but freed up from the pressing expectation of being first in line to the throne.
What a shame the impressive young trio are virtual strangers to Archie and Lilibet, missing out on that special relationship that their father enjoyed with his cousins, Zara and Peter Philips growing up in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
It’s the sort of bond that can enrich childhood offering a close but different dimension to the sibling dynamic.
But perhaps the saddest part of all is how Archie and Lilibet barely know their ailing grandfather King Charles – a man who clearly takes great delight in his relationship with the grandchildren he is able to see.
It’s evident for anyone to see in those moments when he is reigning in an excitable Louis and taking great pride in their antics.
Amid the formal duties and ceremony that marks Royal life we see those tender and candid family dynamics which are the same, the world over regardless of class, title and privilege.
The King has a commitment and purpose set by his late mother’s perfect example and is sustained by his duties but how sad he must still feel today as his grandson turns another year older, a boy he barely knows and at this rate probably never will.
All grandparents have stories to tell and lessons to pass on.
This wise, still curious monarch who has led an extraordinarily rich life in every sense would be a valuable, guiding influence on Archie and Lilibet’s young lives, providing a unique antidote to life in the LA bubble.
What a wasted opportunity for all concerned.
Harry’s candid BBC interview last week – with casual observations on his father’s health and suggestions his downgraded security will lead to a repeat of Diana’s death carried hope of reconciliation along with a sting in the tail.
So where does that leave us on Archie’s special day?
Well, Harry won’t be in the party mood. Meghan as always will have grinned and bared it – her famous jam may have got an airing in the Victoria sponge.
Meghan shared a ‘spontaneous’ back photo shot showing the youngster staring at the sunset to mark Archie's big day.
Some 5,000 miles from his birthplace and wider family with the shadow of Prince Harry’s legal loss over security protection looming large, the ‘celebrations’ must look as flat and deflated as the cheapest balloon
Caroline Bullock
The monarchy as ever rises above it.
On Monday, the royals came together and delivered a pitch perfect show of unity and the best of what the monarchy can bring to major public occasions.
That said, the balcony was a little depleted. There was room for another two young faces and characters to take centre stage, but they were otherwise engaged.
So happy birthday Archie - but I fear it could have been so much happier.
Meghan Markle's ventures after stepping down as a working royal
THE Duchess of Sussex has kept busy since stepping down as a senior working royal in 2020 and relocating to California. Here are some of her business ventures...
- Archewell Foundation – A nonprofit supporting charitable initiatives.
- Netflix Deal – Producing content like Harry & Meghan and With Love, Meghan.
- Archetypes Podcast – Former Spotify show on female stereotypes.
- Clevr Blends – Investment in a women-owned wellness latte brand.
- Cesta Collective – Minority stake in a handbag brand supporting Rwandan artisans.
- As Ever – Previously known as American Riviera Orchard lifestyle brand selling jam.
- ShopMy Page – Online store featuring her curated fashion and beauty items.
- New Podcast – Confessions of a Female Founder focusing on entrepreneurship.
