MEGHAN Markle and Prince Harry shared a rare snap of their son Archie as they celebrated his second birthday yesterday.
However, royal fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the two-year-old’s face were in for a disappointment as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to photograph him from behind.
Read our Meghan and Harry live blog for the latest updates
This is in stark contrast to the typically smiley, face-on snaps we expect from the Cambridges.
Just last week Kate Middlton shared a gorgeous new photo of her daughter Princess Charlotte, beaming at the camera to mark her sixth birthday.
The differing styles says a lot about the Cambridges and the Sussexes’ parenting style according to body language expert Judi James.
Speaking to Fabulous Digital, she claims that Meghan and Harry are demonstrating their protectiveness over their son, while Kate and William have a more relaxed take.
She explains: “They might be promoting Archie’s name as a brand for their causes but Harry & Meghan appear much more reluctant to put a face to that name. His birthday photo shows a small boy from back view.
“He stands at a distance, absorbed in the huge balloons and that sense of distance is made greater by the use of a historic-looking sepia wash.
“There is a message of protection and privacy in this photo but also of isolation. Harry and Meghan have made their son look enigmatic but also cherished in a secluded way as though reluctant to share him.
“George and Charlotte’s birthday photos are a total contrast. These are two children in full colour and close-up, reacting to the camera in the most natural and spontaneous way because it’s their mum taking the photo.
“These shots are as expression-rich as Archie’s are loaded with mystique. They have been chosen to allow us to see and feel close to the future king and his sister as they grow and change.
“Harry and Meghan have designed something stylish while William and Kate have taken the kind of ‘real’ photos any parents might send out to their grandparents.”
Judi remarks that both sets of parents have opted for a surprising approach when it comes to photographing their children.
“Strangely there is a sense of parental role-reversal here,” she says.
“While the future king is shown in a very natural and open way, Archie is presented at a protective-looking distance and with a sense of history visible.
“Both sets of parents clearly dote on their children but it’s the Cambridge’s who look the most relaxed about sharing.”
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex posted the touching snap – which they took themselves – on their Archewell website as they celebrated their son turning two from their home in California.
It came after the couple asked well-wishers for charity donations to mark the occasion.
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6 2019 at 5.26am, weighing 7lb 3oz.
It is not clear what Harry and Meghan did together for Archie’s special day.
In other royal news, we told you how Charles ‘excluding Meghan’ from Archie’s birthday message could be deliberate.
And Meghan and Prince Harry are ‘deeply touched’ by ‘support for family’ on Archie’s birthday & ask for charity donations.
Plus Meghan Markle WAS protected ‘extensively’ by Kensington Palace media team despite Oprah claims, ex-press sec tells court.
