Prince Harry reportedly had a very cutting response to a comment made about his son from the late Dr Jane Goodall. Dr Goodall, who was widely considered one of the world’s most distinguished conservationists, died aged 91 of natural causes on October 1.
She previously revealed that, aside from family, she was one of the first people introduced to Prince Archie after his birth in May 2019. In a statement released after news of her death, Meghan and Harry recalled her meeting their son. As well as describing her as “a friend to the planet and a friend to us”, the couple added: “She held our son, Archie, when he was first born, and showered love and care to those who were privileged to know her. She will be deeply missed.”
In his book, Battle of the Brothers, royal historian Robert Lacey recalled how Dr Goodall met Archie at Frogmore Cottage just days after Meghan gave birth to him.
Following an interview with Harry, in which he revealed at the time that he would only like to have two children in a bid to help save the planet, Meghan reportedly entered the room with their then-newborn son.
Mr Lacey wrote: “She was holding the newborn Archie tenderly in her arms and she offered the baby to the 85-year-old Goodall for a cuddle.”
As well as revealing herself that she was “one of the first” people to hold Archie, the late conservationist said that she made the newborn do “the Queen’s wave”.
To which she recalled Harry reportedly sharing a cutting remark, “No! He’s not growing up like that!”.
Just eight months later, in January 2020, Meghan and Harry shared the news that they would be stepping down from royal duties – and eventually moved to live in the US.
Shortly after their move, the late Dr Goodall told Radio Times that she had “been in touch” with Harry, adding that he had been finding life “a bit challenging”.