Royal rules Meghan and Harry broke with the birth of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

The royals are known for rigid protocols but Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have continuously broken the rules, particularly surrounding the birth of their baby, Archie.

The royals are known for rigid protocols but Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have continuously broken the rules.

This was particularly the case surrounding the birth of their baby boy, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

Even during Meghan’s pregnancy, the couple — who tied the knot in May last year — chose not to reveal her exact due date, rather releasing a public statement when she was in labour.

The couple announced the birth of “Baby Sussex” in a joint statement on Instagram, declaring simply “it’s a boy” and not yet revealing his name.

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A friendly wave! The Duchess and Duke of Sussex, pictured for the first time with their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP

The former Suits star is rewriting the royal rule book. Picture: Getty Images

Shunning the royal tradition of fronting the media within hours of birth, Prince Harry instead appeared solo.

“I’m very excited to announce that Meghan and myself had a baby boy early this morning, a very healthy boy. Mother and baby are doing incredibly well,” Harry said, speaking on the grounds of Windsor Castle.

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“It’s been the most amazing experience I could ever possibly imagine,” he added.

“How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension. But we’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful to all the love and support from everybody out there. It’s been amazing, so we just wanted to share this with everybody.”

In a break from tradition, Prince Harry fronted the media solo at Windsor Castle hours after his wife gave birth. Picture: Getty Images

“The baby’s a little bit overdue so we’ve had a little bit of time to think about it (a name). But that’s the next bit,” Harry said.

In his trademark laid-back style, Harry told reporters: “We’ll be seeing you guys in probably two days’ time, as planned, as a family to be able to share it with you guys — and so everyone can see the baby”.

Two days later, the new parents made their first public appearance with Baby Sussex, though still did not announce the baby’s name.

Prince Harry carried ‘Baby Sussex’ — as he was then known — when the family of three fronted the media for the first time today. Picture: Getty Images

Prince Harry was beaming as he cradled “Baby Sussex” in a distinctly different tact to his brother Prince William’s conduct after the birth of his three children.

Wills’ wife Kate Middleton held each newborn — Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis — during the couple’s photo calls outside The Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, appearing in designer outfits complete with a blow dry hours after she gave birth.

Harry’s decision to hold his newborn was reminiscent of Australian-born Danish royal Princess Mary, whose husband Prince Frederick carried their firstborn son, Prince Christian in 2005, when they appeared in public for the first time.

The royal couple gaze at their newborn. Picture: Getty Images

The Danish royals in 2005. Picture: AP Photo/Polfoto, Thomas Lekfeldt

“Baby Sussex” — as he was then known — was dressed elegantly in a $250 white merino wool blanket by G.H. Hurt & Son, a British knitwear company that has a 70-year relationship with the royals.

The bub also sported a $165 matching cashmere beanie, also from the brand, for the closed photo call at St. George’s Hall in Windsor Castle.

Meghan’s outfit choice was also a break from tradition. While Kate Middleton tended to wear oversized, floaty frocks post-birth, Meghan’s outfit was praised for being comparatively figure-hugging, with a visible bump underneath.

Known for her high-end maternity style, the former Hollywood actor sported a white tuxedo dress by British designer Grace Wales Bonner, teamed with a pair of sky-high Manolo Blahnik stilettos.

Prince Harry, second from left, introduced baby Archie to the Queen and Prince Philip, with Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland at Windsor Castle. Picture: AFP

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. Picture: Getty Images

Even official photos released of Prince Harry introducing his baby son to Queen Elizabeth broke with royal tradition.

The Queen, whose demeanour in photo shoots is often stoic and reserved, was smiling in the rare candid royal family photos.

Instagram also played an unprecedented role in revealing Baby Sussex’s name — Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor — hours after the photo call.

“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pleased to announce they have named their first born child: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor,” a statement on the couple’s Instagram account said.

“This afternoon Their Royal Highnesses introduced Her Majesty The Queen to her eighth great-grandchild at Windsor Castle. The Duke of Edinburgh and The Duchess’ mother were also present for this special occasion.”

Originally published as Royal rules Meghan and Harry broke with the birth of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor