A baby is good news all around, and especially mother and child are both healthy. Much felicitations to the couple.
But, I wish major news media would take a stand on monarchy anywhere.
In this day and age, you’re telling me this baby is special and another isn’t?
All becuase of a royal decree, when the monarch in question is ornamental at best, utterly useless at worst.
I’m an anti-monarchist— any sane person would be, in a world where your own merit should matter, not your class or creed. The truth is bloodlines matter to thoroughbred horses not humans! After millennia of social injustice, one can hope we would rise above it.
All current royalties have set themselves up as puppets, for glamour, hangers for expensive clothing and jewelry, mansions and cars, voyeuristic drama for paparazzi... I wonder how do you survive such empty but rich lives... perhaps that’s the price for having no real power!
16
My strongest memory of Harry is as the 12 year old boy who had to walk miles behind his mother's casket. I'm so happy for him today.
56
I just love all the fresh changes! May you have many blessings and not encourage bleached skin. I often tell my Philippino grandaughter how pale and sickly I look compared to her.
7
Interesting that the Times leaves out Meghan's status as a divorcee in recapping how Harry and Meghan have "shaken up the royal family." The last royal marriage to an American divorcee was perhaps viewed as "amazing" but not in the sense Harry so adoringly uses to describe every aspect of his joyous event, including his wife and son.
Congratulations to the couple, of course. It's heartwarming to see Harry as just another excited, overwhelmed and yes, amazed, new father.
17
Regardless of your nationality, political affiliation, socioeconomic situation, or parental status, if you can watch that short clip of Harry’s announcement, in which his unbridled joy at the arrival of this child shines from him, and not smile and share that joy, you must have a lump of coal where your heart ought to be.
57
@Holly I agree... that was wonderful. I felt his joy and am sure this little boy will have the most wonderful father.
I really could feel Diana's love radiate through him.
24
2 of 2, mods, please try to keep them together!)
When Prince Charles—gallantly, graciously, with sincere welcome and warmth on his face—offered Doria Ragland his arm to walk back up the aisle, the floodgates broke and I sobbed in joy. I’ve never been a fan of Prince Charles, but I also believe people can change. That they can become less selfish, haughty, and judgmental, and more humble, generous, inclusive, and loving. He may still harbor traits that turn me off personally, but I’m not without my own faults and prejudices.
The truth of his behavior at Meghan and Harry’s wedding, though, and that of the Royal family, and of so many Britons, was that it represented a significant step forward in race relations, and that brought incredible joy and hope to my heart.
May this little one be healthy, loved, and cherished, may he bring joy to his parents and family, and may he grow up on a world in which his ethnicity is simply a fact; that the racial backgrounds of his parents are no more likely to garner inherent positive or negative judgments of his character in the minds of others than his shoe size.
I do believe we can eradicate racism by the coming of age of this little one’s generation. And that alone is enough for me to celebrate his birth, congratulate his parents, and wish them all well.
35
(1 of 2, please try to keep them together!)
A moment of unbridled joy—a man excited beyond words at the birth of his child, and love for his wife. What a welcome respite from much of the news we see daily!
It’s so universal an experience, should it really be big international news? Yes. Like her or hate her, Meghan Markle’s marriage to Prince Harry, and the family they create, DO represent significant change. I’ve personally questions her motives at times, whether they’re entirely noble, but then I go back to their wedding.
She was so thoughtful, brave, and creative in arranging it; deftly respecting British tradition AND her own American and multiethnic background, showcasing the beautiful and honorable in each, without raising one above another as “better.” Yet, there was still a note of humility that suggested her gratitude in being accepted by the Royal family.
Furthermore, we know that the details of the ceremonies required the appoval of Prince Charles and the Queen—their stamp of approval means they supported and welcomed the parts that broke with tradition.
I chuckle remembering Zara Tindall’s as the pastor gave a sermon in the best “fire and brimstone” fashion of a Southern Baptist preacher, that touched on unpleasant truths of history, then expressed the joy of marriage and of social reconciliation. Tindall was looking at her Royal kin, trying to figure out how to or if to respond to this most unexpected turn, and she loved that it made them squirm a bit.
8
Two loving, positive and bright young people have a healthy baby. (The Father's smile alone is an amazing gift to the world.)
Isn't it time to stop picking the racial scab?
36
Congratulations to the new parents and welcome to the world little one. I think the fact that the British Royal Family has become multiracial is wonderful. Racism is a degenerate, barbaric anachronism that needs to go. The British family stands at the forefront of a more sane future.
Who could not enjoy watching Prince Harry (a decent guy) being so thrilled over fatherhood that he could barely speak?
31
I'm no fan of royalty, and we did, after all, fight a war to be free of the Brits, But I am in fact a fan of Meghan Markle (and not just for her acting), and Harry has always struck me as the most interesting member of the royal family. I'm delighted with news of the baby, and I've gotten over my dismay at the whole "interracial" angle, given that it seems important to minorities in England. (However, would someone actually look at Meghan's mother, please? Clearly this country was integrated long before any official dates on that score.) As to the people who speak of the royals living off the taxpayers' money, my impression is that their holdings bring in far more money to the government than the government allocates for them. As to suggestions that Meghan and Harry should "work for a living," I strongly suspect that they will. It would take considerably more money than the Treasury mints in a year to compel me to live such such a public life for a week. In any event, neither Meghan nor Harry is a slacker, and I strongly suspect that they will more than pay for their keep.
Can we not just congratulate the couple? It's the birth of a healthy baby boy, for crying out loud! And the father is clearly quite beside himself. I imagine the new mother is over the moon.
Just leave off the other stuff for one story, one day. For this brief window of time, dump the baggage and celebrate a young couple's joy at having their first child.
29
@Janice Price Harry said, "I-- I think that what women can do is-- amazing". He's talking about our mutual humanity, not class. Good for him.
30
Aside from your admiration for the “royals”, I can’t believe anyone other than trust fund kids would consider Harry and Meghan to be working....for anything.
I’m sure they will be very happy applying their honed skills in working at one of the Commonwealth outposts.
4
@Nick DiAmante He served in his country's military, taking on dangerous assignments. Have you?
24
SO much more upbeat than anything we hear about the current American royal family. And as an American I'm not paying for the British royal show, so I don't care how much they spend.
8
Its recent history? What about its not-so-recent history, are there interracial royal babies we never heard about? As it is, the royal family is mostly German, I think we should have a larf at the whole thing. I always thought by now the Australians or Canadians would have said no thank you to all that royal stuff. Maybe I am the only one with no nostalgia for non-democratic forms of government, sorry about that. But a baby, how can anybody not find him lovely and wish him and his family well!
8
So happy for Harry and Meghan. Seeing Harry so happy to be new Dad brought joy to millions of people all over the world. What a way to start the week. ❤️❤️❤️🇺🇸🇬🇧😻
40
Congratulations!
11
Just another mouth for the British public to feed. This child will not have a worry in the world, yet millions in the UK rely on Food banks. This child will have the best of everything, need not to earn a living, due to being born into a certain family. Enough now, after Queen Elizabeth dies, stop this hereditary nonsense.
15
@Andrew Taylor:
I think you'll find very few people "rely" on foodbanks, quite a few people enjoy not having to pay for food, so they have a few quid left over for the pub on a Friday night.
7
@Andrew Taylor Oh get over it. Prince Harry fought in your military. He's not a leach on society.
22
A healthy baby is always something to be celebrated. As a fellow human I congratulate this couple. As a dual citizen of the UK and USA I am cranky and annoyed at the obvious privilege that the current royal generation and their kids will receive at the literal expense of everyone else. Maybe I have an odd perspective as part American but on days when I'm stressing about yet another bizarre illness my kids have picked up at their crowded underperforming school, wondering how in the world we are going to save for retirement or just get through this massive pile of laundry on my bed after work, it sets my teeth on edge to see Kate Middleton toting her baby in a 500 quid car seat or hear that Harry & Meghan are moving to a gorgeous country cottage. And yes in the UK there is NHS and free childcare but the struggle for prosperity is real in both countries. In fact in England there is the legacy of a codified classist system ie the aristocracy. I'd feel a lot happier for these folks if they would live to a reasonable budget and devote the rest to improving the lot of the British people OR stop accepting public funds all together and make an honest living like the rest of us- something they are more than capable of. Even in that scenario their sweet child will grow up privileged beyond the average person's wildest dreams.
157
@Emma Ever hear of the Duchy of Cornwall? Or that the late Diana, Princess of Wales, left her sons millions? For a dual citizen, you might want to study up further on your British history to understand more about the Royal Family. As for the current US president, his flashy wealth does not offend you? He did not earn it, as is commonly known.
62
Our Royals are walking evidence of the UKs 'soft power'. We wheel them out rain or shine. Please don't expect them to work on the nation's behalf bereft of funding.
There is plenty of cash washing around our system if it was directed where it was needed. This quack economics of austerity has deliberate, targeted and disastrous. Just make sure you never vote Tory so that your children get a better start in life. The calamities bestowed on our public services are unacceptable, against human rights and are a scandal. One recognised by the UN.
Funding the Royals with less will not mean our failing politicians will give more to the poor and deserving, because for them it's never a case of either or. It's always a case of me, me, me.
35
@Emma
I''m pretty sure that Will and Harry do- or at least did- "make an honest living." I know that Will was (is?) an emergency helicopter pilot, and Harry spent many years in the military. That said, I agree with you about the lifestyle issue. I am especially annoyed by Kate's designer couture and big meaty grin- always the exact same expression. Breed and cut ribbons. I suspect that Meghan may turn out to be a new brand of royal, genuinely involved with vital causes; and that's what attracted Harry about her. We'll see.
32
I get the reason for focusing on this baby being interracial. But how often did the NYTimes refer to President Obama as biracial? A little bit early on as I recall. Mostly - nope. He himself checked "black" on the census form rather than mixed race. Perhaps an opportunity missed.
Anyway, happy birthday little one!
11
I could care less about this baby being born. Here are people who taken millions of dollars from the British people and make public appearances. I am glad my tax dollars don’t go toward this nonsense.
8
@Ellen - And yet here you are, commenting about said baby. No one’s asking you to send a gift, so relax, you ray of absolute sunshine.
49
@Ellen, this is sarcasm otherwise you need help. Melania is a perfect example of someone taking money for public appearances. What other first lady sold her image or got $26 million from the inaugural committee?
13
Good luck, little buddy. I hope the paparazzi give you a break.
31
Hope the baby inherits Meghan’s mother’s good looks, she is the most beautiful member of that family!
24
Felicitations, Meghan and Harry!
10
Who cares? The obscenely wealthy self-infatuated royal family pays no taxes in a country of massive poverty and even with national health a lack of facilities in many parts of the country. Parliament ought to nationalize all their properties and put them on an allowance--
12
Stop the chatter about skin color! Harry and Meghan’s baby is healthy and doing well. Nothing else matters.
To them - enjoy every minute, the time goes all too fast.
Best wishes!
32
Many people wondered why Prince Harry didn't pick a British girl. No British young ladies interested to meet Prince Harry? This is the question frequently asked by people in Asia. Why picked an American girl? Japanese prince would never pick anyone is not Japanese. Prince Harry looks like a rebellious guy. Red hair and so informal. Meghan and Harry a perfect match.
6
@Mclean4 They met in Toronto, Canada, where her TV show was filmed and he was in the country promoting the Invictus Games.
4
The new Japanese emperor picked as a wife a woman who is Japanese but attended American schools—middle school and college, in the States. Very atypical.
8
Maybe he loves her.
13
There are few news items these days that give me hope for the future. This event sweeps away all of those doubts.
Hearty congratulations to the royal couple. May they be blessed.
12
Why the focus on interracial? First, we are all "mixed race". The distinction has its origins in prejudice. Why perpetuate it?
30
Not surprised this was written by two writers in the UK. Very insulting to see Bishop Michael Curry, the Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church (a mainline American Protestant denomination and member of the Anglican Communion, which your London writers should know of at least) described as "a freestyling African American bishop" (small b), whatever 'freestyling' means in this context.
35
Who cares? Millions of people give birth to insignificant children every day and we don’t hear about it. Why this one?
15
@Alex .
Whether we like it or not, this is a new child of one of the world's most prominent and historic families.
14
The arrival of this baby is wonderful for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, but does the NY Times need to say "the first multiracial baby......"! Why does this have to been evidenced? Why should it matter? It is a baby boy much beloved by his parents and family and that is the most important thing.
32
Prince Harry is grinning ear to ear- soooo happy! Gushing about his new baby and wife- I'm thrilled for them and hope they can enjoy their new addition on their terms, not anyone else's.
46
There are NO separate races of people. There is only ONE race--human. And we ALL have the same skin color--different shades of BROWN. Why, oh why, don't people understand this?
22
@Susan Bohlman This is blatantly not true. There are very distinct genetic "locuses" which anthropologists have mapped. Why do you think sites like Ancestry or 23AndMe give detailed breakdowns? Just because something is a politically correct thing to say doesn't make it true, sorry!
3
Congratulations from all your world-wide friends and admirers.
13
"... draw your own box." What an awesome dad!
29
7th in line ?? looks like a caboose. At the end of the line. I believe that most of us on this side of the pond, in the colonies, really don't give a "flip"..... People that ride-around in gold horse drawn carriages who do not have a say in world policy are totally expendable. In the USA we have Hollywood actors who dress up and pretend they are someone else. The Brits have the royals........ It all a carnival side show.
10
All those getting excited about the prospect of a multi-racial prince need to remember that this boy may grow up to have blue eyes, red hair and maybe freckles. The African fraction is getting rather small.
9
Hoping they veer from tradition and name this baby something unusual. Spencer, to honor Harry's beloved mother, would be nice.
18
@djb - I hope they don’t, honestly. (Although Spencer’s nice.) While no one’s suggesting they name the baby something stodgy, I think the world has more than enough Aidans, Bradens, Cadens, Jadens, etc., and certainly more than enough “what were they thinking?” names (hello, almost every celebrity with kids). While the Duchess of Sussex will no doubt bring many American traditions to her son’s upbringing, I hope she steers clear of current American baby-name trends. Somethings the best things in life are the simple, old-fashioned ones, and that includes names.
10
Amen. Some of the names people come up with!
Don't spend your brains making up weird names. Just read to your kids and let them hear words. Real words.
5
When the Netflix series “The Crown” aired, it triggered a revelation for me: the British royals are the ur-Kardashians. The only thing they have to trade is the same elements that drive reality TV: public curiosity about their charmed lives, with just enough dysfunction to make their viewers think “there but for the grace of god...”. So they must relentlessly promote themselves, allowing just enough of their weaknesses to peek through to keep their viewers interested without reviling them entirely. They must be acutely sensitive to the zeitgeist. And they must be very very careful to avoid getting entangled in politics.
There are some real differences from the Kardashians though. The law of primogeniture means that a child who is 7th in line to the throne is likely to be consigned to a life of scrounging for scraps from the heir. The limits on royals’ activities means that it’s unlikely this child will receive the training or education to pursue a more conventional career. And if the experience of its aunts and uncles is repeated, two decades from now, people will scrunch up their faces as they try and remember anything about this boy.
I don’t mean to wish anything but the best of luck to baby boy Mountbatten-Windsor. I sincerely hope his parents will try and give him more options in life than reality TV star. But I’m not hopeful. Because unlike the Kardashians, they didn’t earn their status.
7
You're ignoring the fact that Meghan is pretty atypical as far as royal Moms go.
5
A proud dad and mum whose baby will be loved like every other baby in the world born to doting parents!
I read they're thinking of buying a second home in California so they can be close to Megan's mum. (California's first Prince of where ever they buy! lol! The baby will probably grow up with an American twang and might be a future President!)
6
I have had not interest in the British royals since the death of Diana. But this new wonderful event of an American (yes, bi-racial) divorced, somewhat older, actress marrying one of Diana's sons has grabbed my attention...and my heart. Harry's talk this morning was wonderful.....so nice to see one of the royals breaking out into such glee. This is a paradigm shift for this regime. Yay rah! I wish them all the best as they continue to forge their unique way in life. It will be interesting to follow them, unless the others who were dull as dishwater.
As for the many comments who found term "biracial" to be offensive, I say that it is a fact, not a judgment! Personally I think it's awesome, to be celebrated, not ignored as if it was something terrible.
Diana would be so proud!
23
...at home, with her mum, her attendants and Hwr husband supporting her. Brilliant Meghan, for showing the world that yes, homebirth is a SAFE and wonderful option for healthy, low risk mums who desire the privacy and joy of being in their own homes while giving birth.
It is an option for ALL healthy, low risk mums regardless of age, culture, race and socioeconomic status.
14
@Deb Fiore - This is true, but keep in mind this particular new mom is very wealthy, gave birth surrounded by doctors who were probably the best in their field and, if she had experienced complications, would have been rushed to the hospital under police escort. Once there, she would have been afforded her own private room with her baby - protected by well-trained security personnel - and wouldn’t have had to worry about how she was going to pay for her stay and whether or not her insurance was going to give her problems.
I’m not trying to be a killjoy here, although I know I sound like it. I’m so glad this birth went well, and if any woman feels a home birth is a safe, sane option for her and she has support, she should do it. Every woman has to do what’s comfortable for her, whether it’s home or the hospital. But saying that home births are a choice regardless of socioeconomic status is not entirely correct. The home birth experienced by the average woman looks far different from what the Duchess of Sussex probably experienced. Not bad, just different: no top doctors in the house, no police escort if mom has to get to the hospital ASAP.
On another note, for those rolling their eyes at the Duchess of Sussex’s choice to give birth at home, I’d like to point out that she’s in step with royal tradition: most royal babies, save those born in the last 30-plus years, were born at home. She’s actually following tradition, not engaging in self-centered practices that snub safety.
34
@Lindsay K I’m not sure what your experience or background is but I’m actually a nurse-midwife with 20 years experience (have practiced in all settings including high risk obstetrics and currently have been attending homebirth for past 10 years). I can assure you that there was little to no risk to Meghan or her baby while having a homebirth (and it’s not because of her wealth) it’s because she was healthy and low risk. Also, she most assuredly has midwives attending her for the labor and birth.
9
@Deb Fiore - Hi, Deb! First off, I’m sure most home births are safe, and I never said the Duchess, her baby, or even the average mom were at risk. In fact, I said that the average mom should go for it if it was a safe option and she had support - and by “support” I didn’t mean financial, I meant competent medical care and loving family/friends. But as a long-standing practitioner, I’m sure you are aware that even the healthiest, most low-risk women can experience sudden complications during labor and delivery that require immediate medical intervention of the kind that a midwife might not - and I said might not - be able to provide to a woman and baby at home and in sudden distress.
Let’s face it, the average woman isn’t giving birth in the equivalent of Frogmore Cottage. When I said that there is a difference between the Duchess’ home birth and that of the average woman, it had nothing so much to do with location and everything to do with what wealth can get fortunate patients like her: access to the best, most knowledgeable, and most experienced midwives; access to top-shelf doctors and hospitals if God forbid there are issues; a police escort to get to that hospital and those doctors ASAP; a private room in that hospital to recover in peace; and no concerns about how one will pay for it all, whether that “all” is at home or not. I’m not knocking home births or midwifery; rather, home births are probably different - not bad, please - but just a bit different for others.
11
I wish the new family success in raising their children well in the difficult, very public celebrity spotlight. I admire their boldness in daring to live meaningful lives in spite of all obstacles we put in their path.
30
So, explain how monarchy works? It's a "birth lottery". Does that sound like something to celebrate? What century was this published in?
10
It’s kind of like the presidential succession here. Bush Senior to Clinton Husband to Bush Junior to (almost) Clinton Wife.
Except in Britain, Royals don’t wield any political power.
4
@Xoxarle
"Clinton's wife" was more deserving of the presidency than he was; and I mean in 1992. She's much more than a marital prosthesis. She's a fully accomplished, hardworking professional woman. It saddens me that in 2019 such women just get demeaned as someone's "wife."
9
The Clintons have a documented history of working hard to accomplish their own agenda not ours.
Today they bask in the glow of their multi million dollar net worth that was earned as unscrupulously as possible.
He deserved worse as did she. I don’t see how historians will accord them any kudos without qualifications. Not a legacy to be proud of, not at all.
1
I’m a brunette, my youngest is blonde. Constantly got asked, “Is that your child?” People are generally not too observant. Meh.
10
Aaah, they announced it on instagram. At first I though they named it Instagram.
16
I am so happy for Meghan and Harry...this is wonderful news! YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!! Many blessings for this little Prince...and his Mum & Dad too.
21
I thought it was probably my imagination working overtime, for how would I really know?, but I've always thought Harry was one to wear his heart on his sleeve, who constitutionally couldn't stash it away anywhere else. Reading his off the cuff heart of gold remarks here, about his wonderful little baby and wife, just makes me think I don't deserve any overtime at all! This is a lovely man, and we all know it.
74
Congratulations to the young couple and their sweet baby boy!
19
So happy for Meghan and Harry! I wish them much joy and happiness!
27
The name of the baby isn't just the decision of the parents. Although their input may be the most important, the Court privately makes a "suggestion."
3
Thankful all went well for the Suxxex's..I was becoming a bit apprehensive and concerned about the 'delayed' birth. Guess baby just wasn't ready...With this good news...let's take a deep breath and enjoy something so wonderful for all the parents around the world...Hopefully we can work to make it a better world for their future....
33
Congratulations to Harry and Meghan. Harry seemed overjoyed and probably wished his mother were here to see the baby.
Thank you for deleting the false statement that the British do not care about race. You say in the same article that Harry condemned British tabloids and social media for the racial undertones of their coverage of Meghan. Both statements cannot be true.
13
@Lynn in DC I think it's fair to say that the vast majority of people in Britain and the dominions were happy to see a mixed-race woman enter the Royal Family.
9
@HKGuy
Clearly not or Harry would not have had to take the extraordinary step of calling out the media (mainstream and social) on its racism. Public commentary also showed resistance to Meghan entering the Royal Family.
7
Why does the press need to make such a big deal about the baby being interracial? The British press in general can’t seem to move beyond that point.
22
Thank you for this article! A note about language- please refer to enslaved persons as such, rather than "plantation slaves." The latter discounts the humanity of those enslaved as well as the agency of those doing the enslaving.
61
Listening to BBC and reading British media accounts of royal birth. Only the NYT describing baby as “interracial.” How is that relevant? Can we never leave race out of the equation?
37
@Southernlens. No. This is America.
18
Let's see: my notifications for the NYT's are set for Breaking News, which under the description says "urgent and important stories". I fail to see how this qualifies. Mostly, who cares?
16
I share Prince Harry's comments "How any women do what they do is amazing" I have a feeling that we men are just left out of this true wonder, wonder of birthing a baby...Think some of us share a
birthing envy ,especially by controlling men of which I assuredly am not one of them :-)
26
@Carlyle T. Amen to that. The power and grace of a Woman giving birth “on her terms” is nothing short of inspiring and breathtaking.
7
A don't understand why the headline said "FIRST INTERRACIAL BABY , , , ,". Just say they had an American baby.
25
I am absolutely flabbergasted that the NYT would actually use the term “interracial”. This is incredibly disappointing. It doesn’t matter! It’s a baby! Please don’t perpetuate unnecessary labels.
60
@Rex Taylor
Yes, and as a parent of interracial kids, I’m similarly appalled at the term “boy.” Gender has of course been identified by enlightened academics as a “social construct,” and thus of no real significance.
12
I'm surprised that a newspaper so progressive as the NYT would perpetuate such unscientific and divisive terms such as anything that indicates the existence of race.
29
Isn’t that tantamount to censorship?
2
Did I seriously just receive a NYT newsflash to breathlessly break the news to me that a woman has given birth to a baby?
16
It's interesting that people are upset that The Times mentioned the baby is interracial in the first sentence. If they didn't mention the baby was interracial, would people criticize them for disappearing the baby's interracialness and not allowing interracial people to be seen as interracial? Really, damned if you do, damned if you don't.
That said, the fact that The Times made a lot of the article focus on race in general is an interesting choice as well, not bad necessarily, but interesting. I wonder what the response would have been if they ignored race in the article and just announced the baby's birth.
19
Drink up !!
15
Ahh, Congratulations a wonderful new soul has entered our world! All best wishes
25
Wasn't it lovely to see Harry so happy and smiling over his new family?
To those going on about the baby's color I say; It doesn't matter what color the baby is, it's a baby and all are precious and wonderful. Hopefully this one will help the world learn that and stop its clannish stubborn ways.
45
Not the hint of a nice thought for the deceased unfortunate Grandmother, his mother! Windsor coldness at its best.
6
We really start to acknowledge that the use of the word "race" -- at least as traditionally used -- should be abandoned. Dividing people into groups on the basis of a utterly meaningless characteristic (complexion) makes no sense whatsoever. Other, that is, than to stoke the egos of those who only life achievement has been to have had the good fortune to be born into the right "race" at the right time and place.
16
Ooh, a “rift” between Harry and Wills due to possible different parenting choices? Little baby “may not go to Eton?” May have an American nanny? The mommy wars have gone Royal. And I’m sure Kate and Meghan are refusing to fight them. Let’s not participate in this nonsense either. Part of the modernization of the Royals has been about their choosing the right private life for them to cocoon against enormous public interest. We normal folk make the best choices we can under our circumstances, so will they, and we shouldn’t look at them to validate our own or their institutions.
32
Perfection! Congratulations to Harry and Meghan!
21
Congratulations to #7 in line, to his parents, and to the happy people of Britain. A great occasion not only for them, but to all who cherish and welcome diversity. Best news of our day.
29
Charming delightful words from Harry,a blown away Dad and such a wonderful tribute to his wife and her "labor" !!
46
Harry was charming and sweet. Congratulations to him and Meghan. The Times tried to place this royal birth in historical and political context, but today was not the time for that. All we should be saying is “Fabulous news - mazel tov!
35
The baby is half American, like Churchill. Name him Winston, (quick, before Trump accuses him of being an anchor baby).
31
Who cares about the public funds supported royals?
Do we also need a royal family in USA?
6
They are such an adorable couple. I bet their baby boy is beautiful.
31
What a lovely couple. Many Mazels to them.
29
Interracial is a tasteless and outdated adjective that should be thrown away along with terms such as "race-mixing" and "miscegenation". It should definitely not be used to refer to a royal baby and absolutely should not be presented as his most defining characteristic.
22
@J, I agree....but also feel that if the baby's heritage was NOT mentioned, that may be seen as something very important being neglected or even as racist. My wish is that all could rejoice over this baby, his parents and other family, and the change that is being brought about in this world, even if slowly. Most of us know that we still have racism, sexism, religious bigotry, and all manner of other harmful false beliefs, but hopefully we know that many are trying to tread new ground even as we acknowledge the insidious wrongs. I wish all manner of happiness for this baby and his family as he grows.
2
Lovely for the new parents Meghan and Harry!
And while the baby's birth is certainly a news event, wondering why the need for so much NYT coverage on racial identity here?
It is not new news.
Let's be happy for the new parents.
And hopefully the NYT will better use its resources on news coverage.
12
Racial division is a reality in the USA and it is a reality in the UK and many other countries. As a black Nigerian British Australian (yes, I have 3 passports - but this comment is not about my comfort with my identity) living in the USA I acknowledge that it's complicated. When I say I am thrilled for their Royal Highnesses and I tweet #mixedraceroyalbaby with a smiley emoji I am acknowledging that it means something for interracial, black and minority kids, heck adults, to see a Meghan Markle as a Duchess. That doesn't mean that I am ignorant of conversations around colonialism, slavery and the Royal Family's role in those things, degree of 'blackness' (yes, people actually debate the Duchess's 'blackness'), justification of support of royalty from the public purse etc. that exist. I don't have a problem with the article author using the word interracial. Not at all. It's part of the story of the Duke & Duchess of Sussex - to pretend it's not would be ignorant of me. And yes, it's far more complicated than a single NYT article, social media post or even this comment can give voice to.
31
If only Diana could have lived to see her younger, more mischievous son become a father.
58
@NM
I have no doubt she’s smiling right now.
25
NYT already placing a stigma on the baby (1st international royal baby?). Really, was that necessary. Already telling the kid you're different and not like the rest of the family. Sad.
9
Our American girl has given birth to a baby boy, seventh in line to the British throne. This by itself is amazing news. The conversation about the baby, as it has continued to be about the Duchess of Sussex, is color. The color of this little boy is baby. Enough about race, let's join Meghan and Harry in celebrating the birth of their first child.
288
@dutchiris
I’ll join the celebration when the “royals” stop living high on tax payers’ money.
5
As someone who is generally indifferent to the royal family, I found Harry's announcement genuinely adorable and heartwarming. I wish them all only the best.
562
Those suggesting race is irrelevant to this announcement have blinkers on to the point of obscuring reality. Of course race matters. Ask anyone who happens to be one of the races that gets routinely picked on and demonized. Brown people and people of color in the UK are thrilled they finally have a royal who is like them. That's meaningful. It's powerful. It's absolutely relevant.
199
On Facebook, I was delighted to post this sweet video of Harry and his joy. Then I read the article and thought the bit about interracial births being the fastest growing ethnic category was interesting, and I added it to my post. Then I read many of the letters and found myself agreeing that the baby's race is irrelevant at this moment of joy. Went back to Facebook and deleted that comment. NY Times, I think you blew it here. What you write does influence people and shape their thinking. Better just to have celebrated a healthy baby and happy parents, and let their lives be free to become what they will.
18
Joyous news! Best news of the day!
25
Although race is an important factor with British society, calling the baby "interracial" is a stretch. Additionally, talking about Meaghan's slavery descendancy was below the belt and totally unwarranted.
29
"Interracial" is simply a fact. I would have preferred to see it in the second or third paragraph. I have more of a problem with the baby's description as "the first....in recent history." When did "recent history" begin and why does it reset the count?
6
Congratulations to Meghan and Harry.
Let's hope an interracial cousin, 7th in line to the throne, will lessen the racial prejudice within the royal lineage and lead to a more open-minded UK society.
90
@me Harry is still 3rd - neither wife has given birth.
Wait a minute. Did I just read that the royals are supported by public funds?
1
Hooray! I can stop checking for updates! Congratulations!!!
12
No, not the first "interracial" baby in the British royal family --that honor goes to Lady Davina Windsor's children, whose father is half Maori.
22
What does race even mean? Beyond hair color, eye color, skin color. What is it? We don't call a baby interracial if one parent has black hair and another is blond. A mix of irish and french ancestry isn't referred to as interracial. But a mix of english and african is? I get it but I don't get it.
12
There is only one race: human.
23
Aren't we all interracial? I mean, what is Scottish, English, Dutch, French, Welsh, question mark? Of course, congratulations to the new parents (everywhere).
14
@Gina B
Ugh. Nationality does not equal race.
11
Why couldn't you have said that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex gave birth to a healthy baby boy and left it at that???
Anyway congratulations to the Duke and Duchess. Can't wait to see the pics.
25
Drink up !!
37
To those complaining that the NYT mentioned the baby is "interracial" - it's news because the British Royal Family was until now a bastion of whiteness - which made it an anomaly in diverse Britain, as well as the rest of the world.
It's a historical moment that the mother, an American, is a woman of color.
Hope the baby has the good looks of both parents.
Nice to see the father so incredibly excited. Got to love Harry!
64
I have always liked Harry fro being so down to earth. Its shows in this video how happy and excited he is.
47
I don't understand the dudgeon among those making comments regarding the Times' use of "interracial" in describing the baby.
Like it or not, it IS very newsworthy. Maybe you wish it was not, but that is the reality of our world today. This is the first documented occurrence of a baby being born into the British royal family whose ancestry can be so easily traced to Africa. The genealogy of this family can be reliably traced back some 1,200 years, and its twists and turns has been the cause of more than a little turmoil in the country's history (War of the Roses, the Glorious Revolution, etc.). So get over it.
41
Best wishes to this lovely couple and their newborn.
34
Great news that the lovely couple have a healthy baby boy. This is 21st century Britain where all nations and heritage are represented.
We are all fearfully and wonderfully made and this little boy will be a real looker if his mother is anything to go by.
Less of the over emphasis on race NYT. It's not appropriate, as was communicating a long trip to Africa. What was that all about? Silly waffle not fitting the circumstances.
19
As long as the media continues to focus so heavily on race, so too will the rest of the world. Do better.
30
Mazel Tov.
28
I am truly dismayed and disgusted by this article’s opening paragraph. Perhaps it is the media that will not allow Humanity to move beyond “Race” as the primary descriptor of our personhood.
23
@H Sullivan Please, I'm worried for your health and stamina! For goodness' sake, don't wear yourself out searching for any other reporting about the event, in ANY publication, that does NOT include the remarkable (unusual?) fact about the baby's lineage.
And, oh yeah, Harry's pretty darn cool (as them royals go);
dare I say a bit of his pre-marriage persona leaked out. So refreshing.
5
@Truth Though I appreciate your concern...you need not worry about my stamina. As a “Multi-Race” human, I’ve dealt with the challenges inherent with being a POC Every. Single.Day...of my 50+ years! It just would have been quite unique and inspiring to hear this lovely news without ANY references to the well-known facts of his Mother’s cultural background. But alas...that is not the world I know or expect. I wish you much peace.
2
Congrats to both
6
Congratulations to the family. The UK tabloids remain vicious and racist on their websites.
21
New York Times, why didn't you ;lead with announcing the first British/American royal baby and confirm whether Baby Sussex is a dual UK/US citizen.
19
@Maureen. Because no one knows yet.
1
NYTimes, this baby has just been born and your first line is labeling it "interracial"? It's a baby, for goodness sake. Let them be happy.
32
Harry, I know your over the moon but "this little thing"?
Yes, women do this all the time, Harry. They give birth. They deliver a miracle. Not "this little thing".
Cherish is the word, Harry. Like your mom cherished you.
And New York Times--if I see the word "interracial" again I'll scream. Its 2019. Race doesn't enter into this even if it applies just say Meghan had a baby boy.
16
@C T - Oh, come on. I doubt he was trying to be offensive or callous or whatever it is you think he was being. And babies are little, and I'm sure he absolutely thinks his little one is indeed a miracle.
I'm also sure that he's well aware that women "do this all the time", but this time around it wasn't just any woman doing it: it was his wife of nearly a year, and she delivered his child. It's a completely different experience when it happens to you versus when it happens to someone else. Good Lord, let the man enjoy his moment of new fatherhood without being snarky.
39
@C Very well said!!!
3
@C T Harry was obviously very excited. He radiates love for the baby Please cut him some slack.
19
If they are at Frogmore, then they opted for a home birth! No wonder the Lindo rigarmarole was cancelled. Good on them!
17
It would be great if someone at the NYT recognized Bishop Curry's position as Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, not the "freestyling" bishop.
119
What kind of racist article is this? Is this a joyous baby announcement or a tasteless and obviously askew Op-Ed? At every turn mentioning how the only notable thing about this baby will be its race?! It's shameful! We obviously know that The Duchess is half African American, was it absolutely necessary to add 'the descendant of plantation slaves'? Savors strongly of racism in my view. This is the worst baby announcement I've ever read.
40
Very poor of you, NYT. Does it really matter that the baby is “interracial”? Is that what you think is important? Or are you intentionally starting the wrong conversation? Very disappointed.
35
Bishop Michael Curry is head of the United States Episcopal Church and should be referred to with respect, not as a "freestyling" bishop. Watch your microaggressions, NY Times.
136
In most developing and under-developed countries, most marriages are done almost exclusively to produce babies. This British royal family seem to be doing the same for many generations now. Not sure if that's public pressure or family pressure!
1
@bonku
Could be due to the desire of couples to have a family?
7
May this beautiful family have a blessed life together. With privacy and respect.
51
@NM: Esteemed daughter of the Cairene scholar: “...privacy and respect?” Would that the paparazzi may give this engaging royal couple the “privacy” that they will need as they wean their small princeling into an aggressively inquisitive and not always kind world, a set of circumstances that cost the princes Harry and William their beloved mother’s life. As for “respect,” a virtue in very short supply among the human species, we can always hope that the gawking public will settle down and allow Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan ample room to bring up their darling boy. It should always be remembered that he is their son—not the public’s.
7
Dianna raised two wonderful sons and I imagine this child will be raised with the same love and be instilled with the same fine character. It is a joy to see the Prince's happiness. I wish Meghan and Harry and their child only the best.
79
What a delightful announcement from Harry. It is refreshing to witness such exuberance and excitement coming from Harry.
103
Listening to BBC and reading British media accounts of royal birth. Only the NYT describing baby as “interracial.” How is that relevant? Can we never leave race out of the equation?
253
@Southernlens Thank you! I thought the same thing!
9
@Southernlens It is EXTREMELY important to mention that the baby is interracial. England is just as racist as America only without quite so many institutionalized legacies. In fact in some ways it's worse because it's had such a homogenize population for so long. The fact that a WOC is part of the royal family is huge. It is a sign of progress and things opening up for people of color. As much as we might wish it, colorblindness is not a thing and it is naive and dangerous for anyone to pretend that it is. This baby is interracial and that should be celebrated.
22
@Southernlens
I agree.....why is that important? only in the US...sigh....
7
Disappointed in the Times for the interracial comment in the very first sentence.
226
@Terry
I totally agree. This description of color only serves to make people more aware of the difference instead of the sameness. I always thought about a rainbow comprised of so many colors and yet when we see one that is just it we see one.
77
@Terry I agree!! Also was the phrase 'a descendant of plantation slaves' necessary? I don't see how that should in any way have been stated!
14
@Terry
Sorry, but the first time anything ever happens it is noteworthy and newsworthy. Particularly in an institution as hidebound and lily-white as the British monarchy. An interracial prince is a huge deal.
People of color are routinely dismissed as not "properly English." That will be harder to do now that there is an interracial prince. Also, this is an event of considerable import for people whose race makes them feel like outsiders. Those people know only too well race is absolutely relevant in their lives. People who say race is irrelevant are usually a race that doesn't get picked on or singled out.
I think it's great that the Times zeroed in on what matters about this kid--otherwise he's just some pampered royal on the public dole. He's not. He's different and it's great. At least one member of the Windsors lives in the 21st century.
130
I'm glad it was a boy.
The danger of being subjected to hundreds of articles and interviews discussing why or why not 'Dianna' was the chosen name has passed.
46
@KJ
But now everyone and his mama will say they should name him Spencer.
7
@Judy
Better than naming him after King Egbert.
1
They announced a few weeks that they weren't going to be announcing the birth... what's the point of the initial press release?
4
@MMS
It's 'news', technically speaking.
Try your best to get over it.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
34
@MMS No, they announced there would not be a photo op hours after the birth.
7
@MMSno they didn’t.
5
I always try to put down "Human" when asked my race.
151
I just shook my head when I read the first paragraph of this article. Only in America.
8
@catlover Love it, that's rich! I wouldn't have thought of that.
5
@catlover
Good for you!
3
Warm congratulations to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on the birth of their son. Can't wait to meet this little one and looking forward to watching him grow up!
60
@Julianne Heck Uh, do you have an appointment to meet "this little one" any time soon? Do let us know.
Congrats to the Royal couple!
55
Your lead is "First Interracial Baby...." Why???? That wasn't even mentioned in the British press as of yet.
199
@Kathryn Haynes Exactly!
5
Congratulations. I am a little concerned with Prince Harry's improper use of Myself (a reflexive pronoun) when he should have used Megan and I. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt that this was caused by the excitement and exhaustion of the birth.
47
Pity the first line of the report mentions “interracial”. I never knew ( or now care)about her origins until the US press kept raising it. Perhaps this says more about US sensitivities.
She’s just another rich privileged person to add to royal lineage.
74
Since the concept of race has been demolished by discovery of the human genome, why is it highlighted in this reporting?
103
Why don’t we wish the royal couple hearty congratulations on their first-born and wish them and their child well?
We’re all aware of the racism in the world—especially that practiced around the globe for centuries by the English throne. And, of course, the (now) duchess’s American history needs small elaboration about the slave trade and its many tributaries—mixed children—that racists abjure while having benefited from it. But none of this awful past has—or should not, anyway—have any bearing on Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s baby boy.
The news is full of terrible events: Brexit; wars in a Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan; life-altering climate change and its deleterious effects on flora and fauna; unprecedented presidential (mis)conduct that is both unseemly and undignified.
Can we not, all of us, take a moment to be happy for a loving couple who’ve just been blessed with the fruit of their love?
293
@Red Sox, ‘04, ‘07, ‘13, ‘18
Sure, let's be happy for this couple and their interracial baby because that's what it is. It is worth mentioning because the fact of being interracial is something specifically worth celebrating. This is an unprecedented historical moment in the history of the British monarchy.
17
@Red Sox, ‘04, ‘07, ‘13, ‘18
I join you in wishing them all well and in rejoicing over the addition to their family. Births are one of the primary parts of life which connects us all as humans, no matter our race or title (well, usually lack thereof).
15
@NM Yeah, nobody is thinking of all the surrogates giving birth to these non-royal children.
1
Please! Caption your videos for us deaf readers!
65
@Frequent Flier Wow I am shocked that the Times doesn't have captions for deaf readers. Something should be done about this! Come on NYT! It's such an easy way to show respect for deaf people AND to reach a broader audience.
6
@Frequent Flier Thanks for the comment. You can turn on captions by clicking the "CC" icon at the bottom the video between the video's progress bar and the "HD" icon. I hope this helps. Thanks for reading.
20
Meghan and Myself had? It's a curious phrasing. Why not the less awkward, "We" (Not as in the royal we so well described by Great-Great etc Grandma Victoria).
In any event--he is healthy, vibrant, and no more likely to ascend the throne than Harry himself. His parents can have as many choices as they like in raising him--that is their misfortune.
Every baby is a moment of great hope for the future, a moment of optimism for the progenitors. Now--what's the name?
15
@Sharon Kahn
He probably hasn't slept in over 24 hours. Give the new dad a break for being able to face the cameras at all, much less come out with a considerable number of coherent and infectiously enthusiastic sentences!
128
The amount of abuse our fellow American, Meghan, the wife of Prince Harry, has been subjected to since they became a couple is staggering.
Under such arduous provocation, they have kept their composure and brought their son into the world according to their own informed opinion about what would work best for them as a family.
Congratulations on a safe and healthy birth! Kudos to all of your extended family & cherished friends who have been so supportive!
Family life is validated by moments of this kind. Most families have known them. The uplifting experience tends to improve everyone's performance for the rest of their lives together.
In today's oddly public way of living privately, may all be improved, not just the immediate participants in this happy event. Many of us find that Harry & Meghan's love story resonates with us, for all sorts of reasons. And now there's a new young prince to add new chapters to the chronicles of the House of Windsor: a family big enough to include Americans, and thoroughly modern young voices, at that.
160
@Maria Ashot: Thank you!! I hope the Times gives you a gold star for this gold star comment.
14
I'm not a big fan of royalty, but Harry's genuine excitement was nice to see.
193
So glad she delivered safely. Best wishes to the new parents, I just had my first baby too and thank God she was safe.
117
@Amaka
Congrats to you too.
16
@Amaka
Congratulations!
14
@Amaka Mazel tov!
7