Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are proud parents of two beautiful children who were recently given the right to carry royal titles, that of a prince and a princess.
They welcomed their first child, Archie, while they were still working royals. The little one was born at The Portland Hospital in London on May 6, 2019. However, even before he was welcomed into the world, Archie found himself in a middle of a controversy when his parents gave Oprah an interview during which they revealed that a senior royal questioned his color.
When Archie was born, Harry wasn’t much interested in revealing details surrounding the birth of the baby. However, he was forced into sharing with the people that Archie arrived into the world due to the breach of the “unwritten contract between the royals and the public.”
Harry and Meghan posed with him in front of the Portland Hospital in London, where he was born, as is the tradition.
“Today The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are delighted to shаrе their first public moment as a family,” the Sussexes wrote.
Although both Prince Harry and Prince William, as well as many other members of the royal family, including William’s children, were born at St Mary’s Hospital, the Sussexes chose not to give birth to Archie there.
“He and Meghan were thrilled to be safely delivered of their son in London’s private Portland hospital even before the palace press office had confirmed the duchess was in labor.”
In her book The New Royals: Queen Elizabeth’s Legacy and the Future of the Crown, author Katie Nicholl described Harry as “almost morbidly obsessed” with keeping Archie’s birth as secretive as possible.
“Behind the scenes, matters were so fraught that more than one official — as I know from personal experience — was reduced to tears of frustration and despair,” Rebecca English, royal editor of the Daily Mail, added.
Now, with the family residing in the States, they don’t need to worry about cameras or paparazzi photographers that much, nor they are forced to post photos of their children on their birthdays, as it is with the royal family’s tradition.
They also shаrеd photos of the little one meeting his great-grandma, Queen Elizabeth, for the first time.
Later, as Archie grew a bit, Harry and Meghan took a trip to South Africa where they met Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “Thank you Archbishop Tutu for your incredibly warm hospitality, Archie loved meeting you!” they wrote on Instagram along with a series of photos of their son.
Except for that, they have tried keeping both their children out of the spotlight as much as possible.
However, that changed when the Netflix documentary about Harry and Meghan, consisting of six episodes, aired.
In the documentary series, Meghan explained how she was anxious about what might happen the day her baby boy was born.
“There was already the pressure of the picture on the steps. … But I had been really worried going into that labor because I’m older, I didn’t know if I’d have to have a c-section, and I had a very longstanding relationship with my doctor, and that’s who I trusted with my pregnancy,” she said.
On Sunday, June 6, 2021, the Sussexes welcomed their baby daughter, Lilibet Diana. The couple were eager to pay tribute to Lili’s great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II whose nickname as a child was Lilibet, and her grandmother, Princess Diana.
However, experts claimed at the time that the Queen wasn’t happy with the choice of the name. Further, they claimed choosing that name was “disrespectful.”
“Even naming this child sparked a diplomatic scuffle. Hating even to think about the admittedly labyrinthine rules of protocol that surrounded the British royal family, Meghan, and Harry called her Lilibet, apparently in the belief that it would be a wonderful surprise for her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth,” royal expert Tom Quinn wrote in his book Gilded Youth An Intimate History of Growing Up in the Royal Family.
“That Harry did not have the sense to predict that this would cause trouble is beyond belief. He surely would have known that appropriating the monarch’s beloved childhood nickname would be perceived by many as disrespectful and intrusive in a way that naming their daughter Elizabeth would have not been.”
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“The Queen may well have been upset that her grandson and his family laid claim to the intimate nickname that had always been very much part of the Queen’s private life, but it is perhaps more likеly that the flunkeys who surround the monarch and some of the starchier older royals were irritated by what they saw as a presumption.”
Before Lili was born, Meghan fell pregnant in 2020, but she suffered miscarriage.
At one point, Meghan opened up about the heartbreak she and Prince Harry experienced after losing the baby.
She shаrеd a powerful essay on grief after miscarriage written for The New York Times, The Losses We Share, which touched many.
“Losing a child means carrying an almost unbearable grief, experienced by many but talked about by few,” the 39-year-old Duchess explained.
“I felt a sharp cramp. I dropped to the floor with him in my arms, humming a lullaby to keep us both calm, the cheerful tune a stark contrast to my sense that something was not right.
“I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second.
“Hours later, I lay in a hospital bed, holding my husband’s hand. I felt the clamminess of his palm and kissed his knuckles, wet from both our tears. Staring at the cold white walls, my eyes glazed over. I tried to imagine how we’d heal.”
Even today, when the anniversary of her miscarriage approaches, Meghan feels the same pain.
“She feels so blessed to have Archie and Lili and the family she and Harry have created. But naturally, as the anniversary of her miscarriage approaches, she does have sadness. The date is very poignant for her,” a person close to her told OK!.
“But Meghan is always looking towards the future and is just so grateful for the happiness she has in her life with Harry and the kids.”
She wants her children to understand that “mummies work as well.” At the same time, “Her family life will always come first, she will fit work in around the children’s schedules so she is there for them when they need her and she just wants to make the most of and cherish every moment with them as they grow up,” the source explained.
Meghan doesn’t want to be away from her children for a longer period of time and that is one of the reasons why she and Harry made a decision to take their children with them when traveling abroad in the future.
“Meghan doesn’t likе being away from her children as she doesn’t want to miss a thing with them growing up so fast,” a source told OK!.
“With Lili turning three, it’s really got Meghan and Harry thinking about their future and how quickly the children are growing up. Meghan especially feels that her babies are no longer babies, and likе most mums, it makes her slightly sad and wistful that the baby years have come to an end.”
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Never heard of this before
It’s not uncommon for parents to be puzzled when their child mentions unusual sensations after eating a particular food. For instance, when a 6-year-old says their tongue feels itchy after eating strawberries, it can raise concerns and curiosity. While many people enjoy strawberries without any issues, some individuals, especially children, may experience discomfort. In this article, we explore why strawberries might cause an itchy sensation in the mouth and what it means for your child’s health.
The Science Behind Strawberry Reactions
When your child’s tongue itches after eating strawberries, it’s often linked to a condition known as Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). This occurs when the immune system mistakenly recognizes certain proteins in fruits and vegetables as harmful, similar to pollen allergens. The proteins in strawberries can trigger a mild allergic reaction in some individuals, causing symptoms like itching or tingling in the mouth, lips, or throat.
What is Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)?
Oral Allergy Syndrome typically manifests as itching, tingling, or swelling in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat immediately after consuming raw fruits or vegetables. It is generally a mild and short-lived reaction, with symptoms often subsiding once the food is swallowed or removed from the mouth. However, it’s essential to monitor for signs of more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, or increased swelling, which may indicate a more serious allergy.
Why Are Children More Susceptible?
Children are more susceptible to Oral Allergy Syndrome due to their developing immune systems. Since their bodies are still learning to differentiate between harmful and harmless substances, they might have stronger reactions to certain foods. Additionally, children are exposed to a variety of new foods, which increases the likelihood of encountering one that triggers a reaction. This makes it especially important for parents to be aware of any unusual symptoms and react accordingly.
Video : Food Allergy vs. Oral Allergy Syndrome
The Role of Pollen-Fruit Cross-Reactivity
A crucial factor in Oral Allergy Syndrome is pollen-fruit cross-reactivity. Many fruits, including strawberries, share protein structures that resemble those of certain pollens. For instance, people allergic to birch pollen may react to strawberries because the proteins in both are quite similar. This phenomenon causes the immune system to mistakenly recognize the fruit as pollen, triggering the allergic response, including the itchy sensation in the mouth.
How Do Strawberries Trigger Oral Allergy Syndrome?
Strawberries contain proteins that mimic pollen allergens, especially in individuals who already suffer from pollen allergies. When these proteins come into contact with the oral mucosa (the tissue inside the mouth), the body’s immune system activates, leading to the symptoms associated with Oral Allergy Syndrome. Interestingly, cooking or processing strawberries often alters these proteins, reducing the chances of a reaction. Therefore, cooked strawberries may be less likely to trigger an allergic response compared to raw ones.
Allergies vs Sensitivities: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to distinguish between a true food allergy and a food sensitivity or intolerance. While Oral Allergy Syndrome is a mild form of allergy, it is not as severe as other food allergies that could lead to anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening reaction). Sensitivities, on the other hand, don’t involve the immune system and usually result in digestive issues rather than oral symptoms. If you are unsure about the nature of your child’s reaction, consulting with an allergist can provide clarity.
Preventive Measures and Management Strategies
Managing symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips to help prevent and control the reaction:
- Avoid Raw Strawberries: The best way to avoid an itchy tongue after eating strawberries is by skipping the raw ones. Cooking or processing the fruit can denature the proteins responsible for triggering the allergic reaction.
- Use a Food Diary: Keeping a food diary can help identify other foods that may trigger similar reactions. This can also assist in pinpointing when the symptoms are mild or severe, helping you manage your child’s diet better.
- Educate Your Child: Help your child understand their symptoms and avoid eating strawberries or other foods that might cause discomfort. Empowering them with this knowledge can make them more mindful of their food choices.
- Try Antihistamines: If symptoms occur, antihistamines can help alleviate the itching and discomfort. Always consult a healthcare provider before giving medication to your child.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
If your child experiences persistent or worsening symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional advice. If the reaction seems severe or you notice difficulty breathing or swallowing, call emergency services immediately. An allergist can perform specific tests, such as skin prick tests or blood tests, to confirm the presence of allergies and provide guidance on how to manage the condition. If your child has a history of other allergies or asthma, professional guidance becomes even more critical.
Video : Medications to AVOID if allergic to strawberries
Conclusion: Navigating Strawberry Sensitivities with Care
Understanding why strawberries might cause an itchy tongue sensation in some children can help alleviate concerns and guide parents in managing food reactions. While Oral Allergy Syndrome is generally mild and manageable, being proactive and informed about potential triggers is essential. By consulting with healthcare professionals and educating your child, you can confidently navigate these food reactions, ensuring your child’s safety and comfort.
Empowering yourself with this knowledge will help you create an environment where your child can enjoy their meals without the worry of uncomfortable or severe allergic reactions.
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