King Charles was delighted to become a grandfather for the fourth time in 2019 when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child, and he had to make a significant trip to meet him for the first time.
Though Prince Archie, six, now lives in Montecito, California, with his parents and sister Princess Lilibet, four, he was born at the private Portland Hospital in London on 6 May 2019, around 20 miles from his parents' former home, Frogmore Cottage. Two days later, he then travelled with his parents to Windsor Castle to be introduced to his great-grandparents, the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
© ABC / Meghan MarkleKing Charles' trip to meet Archie
However, King Charles had to travel almost 600 miles to meet his new grandson as he was in Berlin on official royal engagements at the time of Archie's birth. The then-Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall had travelled to the German capital at the request of the British government to strengthen relations during Brexit negotiations.
© Getty ImagesWhilst there, the royal met with Chancellor Angela Merkel, attended the Queen's Birthday Party hosted by the British Ambassador and visited the Berlin Airlift Memorial.
Though he wasn't in the UK for Archie's birth, Charles did send a message ahead of his arrival back on British soil. "We couldn't be more delighted at the news, and we're looking forward to meeting the baby when we return," Charles and Camilla said in a joint statement the day after Archie was born.
King Charles' schedule clashes
It isn't the first time that Charles has been away during the birth of one of his grandchildren, as he was in Scotland at the time of Prince Louis' birth in 2018 and had to attend scheduled royal duties in France before coming to meet him nine days later.
© Getty ImagesHe also met Princess Charlotte two days after her birth in 2015, as he was in Poundbury, near Dorchester in Dorset, touring his model town development.
The world meets Prince Archie
The public was first introduced to Prince Archie on 8 May 2019 when Meghan and Harry presented their child during a photocall at St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Sussex told reporters of new parenthood: "It's magic, it's pretty amazing."
© GettyShe added: "I have the two best guys in the world, so I'm really happy." Of her newborn son, Meghan said: "He has the sweetest temperament, he's really calm. He's just been the dream, so it's been a special couple of days."
Meanwhile, Harry said: "Parenting is amazing. It's only been two and a half days, three days, but we're just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy and be able to spend some precious times with him as he slowly starts to grow up."
Where will Charles be on Archie's birthday this year?
Charles will also be busy on Archie's birthday this year. The monarch is set to host his first Garden Party of the season on 6 May.
© Alamy Stock PhotoIt is one of three Garden Parties hosted by the King this summer to recognise the dedication and contribution of those who serve their communities through volunteering, supporting charitable causes and working for emergency services.
© GettyOther Garden Party dates include 8 May and 12 May at Buckingham Palace, as well as a special event to recognise ex-service personnel at The Not Forgotten Association Annual Garden Party, held on 19 May at the royal residence. A fourth Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Scotland will follow on 30 June.
