Prince Harry 'never wanted son Archie to grow up like a royal' friend claims

Prince Harry suggested he didn't want Archie to grow up like royal even before Megxit, a friend has claimed.

Dr Jane Goodall, an English primatologist, said the Duke of Sussex dropped the hint during a conversation last summer.

The chat is thought to have taken place when Prince Harry did an interview with Dr Goodall for Meghan’s sell-out September issue of Vogue.

The couple shocked the nation in January when they revealed they wanted to become independent and step back from royal life.

Speaking to the Daily Mail’s Weekend Magazine, Dr Goodall said: “At the end [of the conversation] Meghan came in to listen with Archie.

“He was very tiny and very sleepy – not too pleased to be passed from his mummy. I think I was one of the first to cuddle him outside the family.

“I made Archie do the Queen’s wave, saying, ‘I suppose he’ll have to learn this’. Harry said: ‘No, he’s not growing up like that'."

The conversation hints that the couple were already considering their exit announcement, which took place six months after.

The couple officially gave up their HRH titles at the end of March.

They have now set up base in California where they are in lockdown with Archie.

Last week it was revealed the couple are set to launch a well-being empire called Archwell.

The name is derived from the Greek word for “source of action” and the inspiration behind their son’s name, Archie.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are understood to be working on plans to run emotional support groups and even a multi-media educational empire.

The Sussexes were forced to abandon their ambitious plans to launch a foundation under the name ‘Sussex Royal’ after the Queen banned them from using the term royal after they quit royal life.