The Sweet Moment the Queen Met her Great-Grandson, Archie, Has Shocking Historical Significance
A breathtaking family photo in black-and-white was published on the Sussexes’ Instagram account, depicting the beautiful moment when Queen Elizabeth II was introduced to her eighth great-grandchild: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
In a cardigan and plaid skirt, the 93-year-old monarch beams in delight at the newborn cradled in Duchess Meghan’s arms.
Meanwhile, Archie’s proud father, Prince Harry, looks on, along with the Duke of Edinburgh and Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland.
The picture has particular importance because of the astonishing moment in history it marks: a British monarch pictured alongside a royal baby’s black grandmother.
As Tessy Ojo, chief executive of the Diana Award, told People, Archie is “the first biracial grandchild of the queen,” which is “monumental.”
The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle last May was already of huge significance, as Meghan made sure to celebrate her heritage by inviting black bishop Michael Bruce Curry and a black gospel choir to take part in the ceremony.
As author Tanya Kateri Hernandez pointed out, Meghan “was raised by her mother to embrace her blackness in a world that otherwise denigrates any connection to blackness.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex introduced their newborn son to the queen shortly after a photocall at Windsor Castle, where they posed for pictures in the stunning setting of St George’s Hall (think red carpet, arched windows and a gorgeous vaulted ceiling.)
Movingly, their first portrait as a family of three was held in the same venue as their afternoon wedding reception less than a year ago.
It’s fair to say that Harry and Meghan look overwhelmed with the experience of becoming parents for the first time.
Meghan said, “It’s magic. It’s pretty amazing. I have two of the best guys in the world so I’m really happy.”
Harry said, “It’s great. Parenting is amazing. It’s only been two and a half, three days, but we’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy.”
Archie himself seemed pretty oblivious to his surroundings—the seventh in line to the throne slept through it all, swaddled in a white blanket.
