Paul Burrell, a former Royal butler, has reflected on the moment he believes deepened Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s rift with the Roy…

Paul Burrell, a former Royal butler, has reflected on the moment he believes deepened Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s rift with the Royal Family. Burrell spoke candidly in the documentary Harry and Meghan: The Rise and Fall, which gave an insight into the couple’s royal journey before they decided to step away from their senior royal duties in 2022.

Contrary to Royal precedent set by duos such as Prince William and Kate, plus Charles and Diana, the Sussexes decided against the traditional post-birth photo op outside the hospital, following the birth of their first born Archie. Their preference for a more intimate approach, holding a private photocall two days later, reportedly raised eyebrows.

With the advantage of retrospect, some now understand the couple’s desire for privacy during the significant event. Yet at that time, their departure from protocol hinted at their slowly withdrawing participation in Royal life.

Reflecting on the break in tradition, Paul queried: “Why didn’t they want to show the world their joy? They’re retreating, they’re pulling back, that’s when I thought it was going wrong.”

Adding his perspective, Royal Photographer Zak Hussein highlighted the affection the public holds for the images of royals and their newborns on the hospital steps. He noted: “So, to not have that I guess kind of ruffled some feathers but, on the flip side, it’s understandable that people want privacy around the birth of their child,” reports the Express.

“It was a sign that the way things might go with them that they won’t go along that traditional way and they were definitely going to do things their way.”

Since welcoming Archie in 2019, Harry and Meghan have expanded their brood with the birth of their daughter, Lilibet. Their move to America in 2020 has resulted in only sporadic appearances and limited images of the children being shared publicly. 

Addressing the apparent reasoning behind the couple’s way of doing things, a friend revealed to People Magazine: “Harry has been reluctant to show his children publicly, not out of a desire to hide them but to protect their privacy and safety from potential threats.”

Concerns over their security also play a significant role, with the insider adding: “He wants them to lead as normal a life as possible without the fear of kidnapping or harm. As a dad and husband, Harry is determined to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself.”

Upon their return from an engagement in Colombia, Harry and Meghan will have cause for celebration as their son, Archie, is set to experience his first day of school.

Children in the USA typically start kindergarten around the of age of five or six. With Archie reaching this milestone, he is expected to begin schooling soon after his parents’ return.

Commenting on local educational facilities, Montecito local Richard Mineards informed Hello!’s A Right Royal Podcast that the schools are “good”.

He clarified: “We have very good schools, which are not like England’s public schools but they’re state schools. And we have a very good one called Cold Spring School which has got great ratings and that’s in their catchment area.”