'No! He's Not Growing Up Like That': Prince Harry Snapped at Famed Anthropologist That Prince Archie Would Not Follow in Queen Elizabeth's Footsteps
Prince Harry is firm in his commitment to ensuring Prince Archie will not follow in iconic Queen Elizabeth II's footsteps.
Queen Elizabeth II is one of the most celebrated monarchs in world history, but Prince Harry is adamant that his son, Prince Archie, will not follow in her footsteps. This revelation was revealed by royal historian Robert Lacey, who wrote in his book, Battle of Brothers, that the Duke of Sussex told this to famed anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall during a 2019 meeting shortly after the sixth in line to the throne's birth.
"Meghan came into the room as the interview drew to a close," he wrote. "She was holding the newborn Archie tenderly in her arms, and she offered the baby to the 85-year-old Goodall."
The influential primatologist backed up this claim and shared: "He was very tiny and very sleepy. I think I was one of the first to cuddle him outside the family. I made Archie do the Queen’s Wave saying, ‘I suppose he’ll have to learn this. Harry’s reaction brooked no doubt, 'No! He’s not growing up like that.'"
The tense exchange in an otherwise pleasant meeting occurred a mere months before the Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to California with their son in what became known as "Megxit."
In Montecito, they have worked to give their children, Archie and Lilibet, a more private and normal upbringing. Despite their move, Harry expressed hope for his children to maintain meaningful relationships with his family, emphasizing a desire for a family connection rather than a purely institutional one. This sentiment reflects Harry's ongoing efforts to balance his royal heritage with his commitment to a more independent family life.
The decision to step back from royal duties and relocate was a significant move that shocked many, but Harry's earlier remarks had foreshadowed it. His conversation with Dr. Goodall highlighted his determination to shield his children from what he perceived to be intense scrutiny and rigid expectations that come with being part of the royal family.
Sussex supporters frequently state that the couple is moving away from the monarchy's traditional roles, and Harry and Meghan have seemingly sought to forge their own path while maintaining connections that are personally meaningful to them.
In a revealing 2023 interview, the fiery-haired prince stated: "I've said before that I've wanted a family, not an institution — so of course, I would love nothing more than for our children to have relationships with members of my family, and they do with some, which brings me great joy."
It is believed that King Charles III is the only senior royal who will speak to the Sussex family after Harry's salacious memoir Spare "infuriated them."
Powered by RedCircle
Daily Mirror reported on Lacey's book.
