Meghan's Quick Hospital Visit: Archie’s Birth Revealed in Prince Harry's Memoir "Spare"
Prince Harry's memoir, "Spare," reveals the private circumstances surrounding the birth of his son, Archie, in May 2019. Harry and Meghan discreetly visited the hospital past Meghan's due date, returning home within two hours of the birth to avoid media attention. Despite some complications, including the umbilical cord wrapped around Archie, the couple experienced an emotional delivery, culminating in the announcement of Archie's name shortly after they returned to Frogmore Cottage, much to the astonishment of the press.
Prince Harry has shared details of the private birth of his son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in his memoir Spare, shedding light on the couple's efforts to keep the event away from the public eye. The revelations provide an intimate look at the unfolding of Archie's birth, which took place in May 2019, a week after Meghan's due date.
The Couple’s Secretive Hospital Visit
As Meghan Markle was a week overdue, the couple made a discreet visit to the Portland Hospital to ensure everything was normal before the delivery. According to Harry, they managed to leave their residence at Frogmore without attracting the attention of the media. They utilized an inconspicuous vehicle to navigate their way to the hospital, prior to returning home just two hours after Archie’s birth, maintaining their low profile throughout the process.
The Unique Labor Experience
During labor, Meghan utilized a canister of laughing gas, which provided her relief, while Harry humorously noted that he accidentally took a few hits meant for his wife. As Meghan employed techniques to stimulate labor, including bouncing on a large ball, the couple maintained a light-hearted atmosphere, despite the serious nature of the situation. A nurse eventually replaced the gas canister for Meghan, allowing her to continue with the birthing process while Harry arranged a soothing environment with electric candles and calming music.
Challenges During Childbirth
Although Meghan initially tried to cope with the pain, she eventually opted for two epidurals after the discomfort intensified. A moment of concern arose when the umbilical cord was found to be wrapped around the baby, but shortly after, Archie was successfully delivered. Harry described the emotional moment when their son was placed on Meghan’s chest, marking an overwhelming experience filled with joy and love.
Controversial Announcement of Archie's Birth
Following the birth, the couple returned to Frogmore Cottage and an announcement regarding Meghan’s labor was made. This decision led to a disagreement between Harry and his head of communications, Sara Latham, over the timing and manner of the public revelation. Harry expressed his frustrations by asserting that the information was misleading, as Meghan had already given birth. The couple's rapid return home rather than staying for a media circus fueled significant attention and speculation. Harry later disclosed their son's name to the press outside Windsor, which further incited reactions from the media, prompting him to say they had “pulled a fast one” on the journalists.
