**Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Break from Royal Tradition Marked the Start of Their Rift with the Monarchy**
*Published Oct. 2, 2025, 4:37 p.m. ET*
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s decision to depart from royal tradition following the birth of their first child signaled the exact moment their relationship with the monarchy began to fracture, a former royal aide revealed to RadarOnline.com.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who married in 2018 and welcomed their son Archie in 2019, broke with a long-standing custom previously followed by Charles and Diana, and later Prince William and Princess Catherine.
### Breaking With ‘The Firm’
Instead of posing for photographs on the hospital steps hours after Archie’s birth, Harry and Meghan opted for a smaller, private photocall two days later.
A source explained, “This is the exact moment things went very wrong for them with The Firm, who do not like displeasing fans or the public.”
The move was further confirmed by a former butler to Princess Diana, who said it marked a shift in the couple’s relationship with the royal institution.
He added, “Why didn’t they want to share that moment with the public? To me, it felt like they were retreating. That was the point I thought it was starting to go wrong.”
Royal photographer Zak Hussein also commented on the decision, calling it a telling sign of Harry and Meghan’s approach to public life.
“People have always loved those images on the hospital steps, so not having that did ruffle feathers. But it also showed clearly that Harry and Meghan wanted to do things differently, and on their own terms,” Hussein revealed.
### Shielding Archie and Lilibet
After stepping down as senior royals in 2020, the couple relocated to California, citing a desire for greater independence and security. Since then, they have only occasionally appeared in public with their children, Archie, now 6, and Lilibet, 4.
Friends of the couple insist their decision to shield their children is motivated by safety rather than secrecy.
A source close to Harry said, “He is determined that Archie and Lilibet won’t have the same invasive childhood he did. For him, shielding them from that kind of scrutiny isn’t optional – it’s essential.”
Another insider revealed that Meghan strongly supports the decision, concerned about the impact fame and constant public scrutiny could have on their family life.
“Meghan wanted her children to be raised in as normal an environment as possible,” the source said. “They knew that wouldn’t be possible in the UK under the weight of the royal spotlight.”
### Haunted by Diana’s Tragedy
Concerns about history repeating itself weigh heavily on Harry’s mind. He has frequently spoken about the trauma of losing his mother, Princess Diana, at the age of 12 after she was relentlessly hounded by paparazzi.
A family confidante shared, “Harry has often said his greatest fear is Archie and Lilibet carrying the same emotional scars he still lives with. It’s what shapes so many of his choices.”
### A New Chapter and Rising Tensions
As Archie prepares to start school—children in the United States typically begin kindergarten at five or six—sources claim Harry is headed for a “war” with Meghan over their children’s education.
Harry wants their children educated in Britain, a move insiders say would infuriate the Duchess, as she reportedly “hates” the idea of her husband rekindling ties with his pals and the royal family in his homeland.
### A Symbolic Rejection
For many, Harry and Meghan’s refusal to participate in the traditional hospital steps photocall remains a powerful symbol.
As one royal watcher put it, “That was the point when the storybook image began to unravel.”
“For the palace, it looked like defiance — for Harry and Meghan, it was about safeguarding their family.”
https://radaronline.com/p/prince-harry-meghan-markle-exact-moment-royal-feud-birth-first-child/