King Charles welcomed his fourth grandchild in 2019 when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle introduced Prince Archie to the world. Born on May 6, 2019, at London’s private Portland Hospital—about 20 miles from the couple’s then-home at Frogmore Cottage—Archie later moved with his parents and sister, Princess Lilibet, to Montecito, California.
King Charles’ Extensive Travel for First Meeting
Two days after the birth, Archie traveled with his parents to Windsor Castle to meet his great-grandparents, the late Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. King Charles, however, journeyed nearly 600 miles from Berlin, where official duties kept him during the birth.
The then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visited the German capital at the British government’s request to bolster ties amid Brexit talks. Charles met Chancellor Angela Merkel, attended the Queen’s Birthday Party at the British Ambassador’s residence, and visited the Berlin Airlift Memorial.
Despite being abroad, Charles and Camilla issued a joint statement the day after the birth: “We couldn’t be more delighted at the news, and we’re looking forward to meeting the baby when we return.”
Past Schedule Conflicts with Grandchildren’s Births
This was not the first instance of Charles missing a grandchild’s birth due to commitments. In 2018, he was in Scotland when Prince Louis arrived and completed duties in France before meeting him nine days later. He met Princess Charlotte just two days after her 2015 birth while touring his model town development in Poundbury, near Dorchester, Dorset.
Public Debut of Prince Archie
On May 8, 2019, Harry and Meghan presented Archie to the public during a photocall at St. George’s Hall, Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Sussex shared with reporters: “It’s magic, it’s pretty amazing. I have the two best guys in the world, so I’m really happy.”
She described her son: “He has the sweetest temperament, he’s really calm. He’s just been the dream, so it’s been a special couple of days.” Harry added: “Parenting is amazing. It’s only been two and a half days, three days, but we’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy and be able to spend some precious times with him as he slowly starts to grow up.”
King Charles’ Commitments on Archie’s Upcoming Birthday
King Charles faces a full schedule on Archie’s birthday this year. He plans to host his first Garden Party of the season on May 6 at Buckingham Palace. These events honor volunteers, charity supporters, and emergency services workers.
Additional dates include May 8 and May 12 at Buckingham Palace, plus a May 19 event for ex-service personnel with The Not Forgotten Association. A fourth party follows on June 30 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland.
