Meghan Markle mum-shamed for how she held baby Archie

Prince Louis, the Duchess of Cambridge, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and the Duchess of Sussex at the polo
Meghan Markle, Kate Middleton and the royal tots were spotted at the royal polo yesterday. Photo: Getty Images

Not even Meghan Markle is safe from online mum-shaming.

Fresh off of celebrating the private christening of her first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance to watch husband, Prince Harry, participate in the King Power Charity Polo match.

The 37-year-old new mum arrived in a $1,400 dress by Lisa Marie Fernandez and Stella McCartney sunglasses, lovingly holding her infant son.

Meghan held Archie throughout the entire match while sister-in-law Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, played with children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis nearby.

Marghan Markle and Archie at the polo
Meghan was seen cradling Archie at the event. Photo: Getty Images
Meghan Markle smiles as she holds Archie at the polo
She did make sure to have a trusty bottle of sunscreen closeby. Photo: Getty Images
Meghan Markle holds Archie at the polo
The Duchess of Sussex has come up against strong criticism for the way she held her baby boy. Photo: Getty Images

The outing served as a first glimpse into the growing Cambridge and Sussex families, however, many were quick to criticise Meghan’s skills as a new mother.

“Meghan needs to learn to hold her own child. Maybe she gets the nanny to do it! She has no maternal instincts at all,” one person commented on Instagram.

“That sweet baby Archie seems so uncomfortable! His neck, back and legs are unsupported in the other pictures. Such a shame.”

“Someone teach that actress how to hold a child, good grief,” another cruelly said, while some were quick to condemn Meghan for not putting a hat on baby Archie and called her “lost.”

Prince George with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
Prince George kept a watchful eye on his cousin. Photo: Getty Images
Meghan Markle carried Archie Mountbatten Windsor while walking with husband Prince Harry
Markle and husband Prince Harry. Photo: Getty Images

“She desperately wants ‘privacy’ yet carries the baby in the most uncomfortable way and parades him in public?” another critic wrote. “Also what the heck is she wearing?”

Despite the harsh words for the new mum, many were quick to jump to Meghan’s defence and praised the royal for looking relaxed and happy.

“Everyone needs to remember it's her first child,” one woman said.

“It's like you're not going to be perfect on your first. It's after your first you become a multitasking incredible mom that has superhero powers. You also have to be willing to learn. If you’re not close to people showing you their tricks your gonna struggle. Thanks for all the moms who help us along the way.”

As new parents know, the struggle to soothe a newborn may at times put you in an awkward-looking position. Whatever lengths or measures parents need to go to, whether it’s rocking or taking a drive around the block to help their baby is up to the parent - and not up for public debate.

“This is a bad photo, not bad parenting,” another commented, while another put it succinctly, “She’s a first time mom, people. Chill.”

Words by Elizabeth Di Filippo

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