Renowned anthropologist, Dr. Jane Goodall, had the opportunity to meet baby Archie, the first child of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
It was a moment filled with direct signals and interesting interactions.
According to royal author Robert Lacey, Dr. Goodall was given the privilege of holding baby Archie and even had the chance to give him a cuddle, becoming one of the first non-family members to do so.
However, things took an unexpected turn when Dr. Goodall playfully tried to make baby Archie do “the Queen’s wave,” resulting in a rather tart response.
This encounter took place in May 2019, a time when the Duchess of Sussex was juggling her new role as a mother with her work on a special edition of Vogue magazine, where she was invited to be a guest editor.
Prince Harry was also involved in this project and was set to interview Dr. Goodall for the “Forces for CHANGE” edition.
That is why they were all together at Frogmore Cottage, their temporary residence near Windsor Castle.
As Lacey recounts in his bestselling biography, Battle of Brothers, Meghan entered the room towards the end of the interview, cradling baby Archie tenderly in her arms.
She then offered the newborn to the 85-year-old Goodall, who gladly accepted the opportunity to cuddle him.
Goodall recalls that Archie was very tiny and sleepy, and she believes she was one of the first people outside the immediate family to have this privilege.
In a playful manner, she made a remark about Archie needing to learn “the Queen’s Wave.”
However, Harry’s reaction left no room for doubt.
He firmly stated that Archie would not be growing up in that way.
It is worth mentioning that Frogmore Cottage, which is composed of several combined dwellings, served as the Sussexes’ temporary home at that time.
A few months later, in January 2020, the couple announced their decision to step back from their frontline royal duties and spend more time in North America.
In June 2021, Archie welcomed a baby sister named Lilibet, a loving tribute to Harry’s late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
The Sussexes have been very protective of their children’s privacy, and this incident with Dr. Goodall further emphasizes their desire to shield their little ones from the public eye.
Prince Harry has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with royal life, as expressed in his explosive memoir, Spare, which was published in early 2022.
In the book, he openly criticizes the traditions and restrictions imposed by the British Royal Family.
The meeting between Dr. Jane Goodall and baby Archie showcased the dynamics within the royal family and the unique path chosen by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
It provided a glimpse into their determination to protect their children’s upbringing and preserve their own independence.
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