Archie Mountbatten-Windsor is ‘super smart’ and trying to talk already

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue their visit to Africa

Like royal babies before him, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor is a big, healthy boy. He reminds me a bit of Prince Louis, who was one of the biggest royal babies ever and looks like he’s growing up to be a very big boy too. When Archie was only three months old, he already looked too big and too heavy for the Duchess of Sussex to carry. When we saw him in South Africa, he started drooling as soon as he spied the baked goods too. Archie has an appetite. I think that’s also why Meghan’s been so tired – she must be breastfeeding constantly and Archie is just draining her completely. Anyway, Us Weekly just has a pleasant story about how Archie is big and brilliant and already trying to talk:

Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, has grown leaps and bounds since his May birth.

“He’s a strong baby and you can tell he’s super smart,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly of the 6-month-old in this week’s issue. “He can sit up without support and roll over, and he’s almost crawling. He can’t talk yet, but he’s trying!”

There’s a good chance the little one’s first word will be “Dada,” the insider reveals, explaining, “When Harry walks into the room, Archie gets so excited, he puts his arms out — his way of saying, ‘Pick me up!’ You can tell Archie’s going to be a social butterfly. He’s at his happiest when he’s around people.”

In fact, Archie is “such a happy baby” that he “rarely cries.” The source tells Us, “He takes a keen interest in his surroundings and is already engaging and interacting with people. He loves to be entertained. And he isn’t a needy baby — he’ll happily go to Harry and Meghan’s friends without kicking up a fuss.”

The Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 38, consider themselves “lucky” to have such a well-behaved baby boy, and they’re relieved that he’s sleeping through the night. “There were times [in the beginning when] they’d bicker over the smallest things because they were so tired,” the insider shares with Us.”But now … there’s less strain on the marriage. They can finally enjoy some ‘couple time’ in the evening.”

[From Us Weekly]

I have no idea – clearly, I’m not around babies and I’ve never had a baby. Some people say that their babies had clear personalities even when they were just months old, and I believe that. But it feels like a lot to put on a six-month old baby – he’s “super smart” already and trying to talk and he’s a “social butterfly.” Considering this child looks almost exactly like Harry, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Archie does have a bit of Harry’s personality too – that naughtiness, the happiness around people. I don’t know. It feels weird to gossip about babies, but we did it with the Cambridge kids too. Prince George was a little hellion as a baby, but he turned into a shy, introspective boy. Charlotte seemed like she had a princess ‘tude as a baby and she still has that. You never can tell and some kids do change.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue their visit to Africa

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet with archbishop Desmond Tutu

Photos courtesy of Backgrid.

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62 Responses to “Archie Mountbatten-Windsor is ‘super smart’ and trying to talk already”

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  1. Leriel says:

    When I was 6, I already could’ve say 5 words and tried to talk, it really surprise me right now when people are shocked by a kid at this age trying to verbally communicate. That’s what kids do at this age, and that’s show that they’re progressing pretty well. If he didn’t start trying that’s would be surprising (and disturbing, if kid is born healthy and “normal” obviously).

    • Gingerbread says:

      I wouldn’t say it’d be disturbing if a 6 month old baby isn’t saying words/babbling. Every child is different, and doctors are quite flexible with babies going through milestones. It’s way too early to tell if a child is going to be smart or if they’ll need extra assistance in development.

      I love babies (Archie is adorable and looks just like Harry, can’t wait to see Meghan in him), but this article is just fluff that seems like a random person made up. Archie could be all these things, but so could majority of babies at that age.

      • Nahema says:

        I think every parent goes through this feeling that their baby is the most impressive baby in the world. They all talk about how advanced their child is in one way or another. While it’s totally natural and normal because they’re proud, I can see that to someone who hasn’t got kids, some of this must seem odd. Especially describing a baby as a ‘social butterfly’. They can have personalities and all be different at this age but will continue to change and develop. A content, ‘social’ baby that sleeps through the night can still become ‘clingy’ and end up a nightmare sleeper and vice versa.

        As a mum of a child with disabilities though, I do think it would be great if new mums could be more mindful of their bragging. I still have clear memories of sitting in mother and baby/toddler groups, doing the new mum thing of trying to make friends. They’d all be comparing notes about their babies developments, while giving me pitying looks and I didn’t even know what was wrong with my son. I just thought I must be doing something wrong because he couldn’t do this stuff. The worst part is I really felt that this somehow reassured them that they were doing great.

    • Becks1 says:

      Well, a 6 month old should absolutely being trying to verbally communicate. But 5 clear, understandable, comprehensible words? That’s really not common. At all. That’s why baby sign language is so common and popular.

    • Betsy says:

      You don’t have a lot of experience with kids, do you?

      • Mustlovedogs says:

        @nahema I am sending you hugs. And that quiet warm understanding from another mother of a child with disabilities. You know, when you don’t have to say much to each other because you both just get that wrenching combination of grief at what they won’t be able to do, and fierce pride and joy at what they will.
        But Archie is adorable and they are such a lovely family.

  2. Astrid says:

    I think people see what they want to see in babies.

  3. Becks1 says:

    Well, I think most parents describe their 6 month olds as super smart. First – we mostly believe that our babies ARE geniuses, lol, and second, what else are you going to say? “I’m not sure how smart this one is, he doesn’t seem to want to crawl yet.”

    So I appreciate this for being a nice baby story, it sounds like typical new parent stuff, especially with the bickering, ha.

  4. ME says:

    From what I’ve seen, it appears EVERY parent things their child is a genius.

  5. Anna says:

    Happy six month Archie.

  6. La says:

    He is just so cute!

    I think there is some truth that you see your child’s personality from a very young age. Even when our daughter was tiny we could see she was pretty mellow but stubborn when she wanted to be (and she still very much is!). I have to say though everyone always says a baby is “just so smart!” when they are just hitting one milestone or another earlier than expected. Doesn’t mean they aren’t smart, but don’t quite call up Mensa just yet, lol

    I also related hard to the comment about Meg and Harry bickering at the beginning. My husband and I were the same way. We love each other dearly and everything is good now but those first few sleep deprived months will do a number on anyone’s patience! We tell our friends who are expecting to just know you will probably bicker like crazy for a few months until everyone gets some sleep again!

    • C-Shell says:

      Wasn’t it during that phase when it looked like Harry said something sharp to Meghan on the BP balcony and she seemed to tear up? I thought then that they both looked very tired and strained. Anyway, I’m glad they’re settling into a more normal routine. Archie is adorable!

  7. DaisySharp says:

    I dunno, my nephew looks almost exactly like my brother but has a completely different personality. He doesn’t have his mother’s personality either. This is a good thing, to be clear. But I don’t think whether they look like a parent means anything regarding personality. I have to tell you I often make my mother laugh by wondering aloud where my nephew got his sense of humor and sparkle because he is hilarious and both my brother and sister in law are like two undertakers.

  8. Eliza says:

    I mean every comment they says reads as “normal baby behavior.” 6 months is common to sleep through night, begin crawling, and not cry a lot. Also the comment about him going to friends… he’s not 9 months yet so why would he be a problem? Stranger danger kicks in about then or later in babies.

  9. Seraphina says:

    I don’t know. My second was very laid back and wasn’t as energetic as my first. And the second is in advanced classes and my first is “normal” like his parents. Never judge a book by its cover and babies tend to change a lot. And no two kids are the same even if they have the same parents.

  10. Mirage says:

    My daughter was born a few hours before Archie, so has also just turned 6 months.
    Sure I’d love to think she is smarter than average, but I tend to compare her to her brother at the same age.
    She still doesn’t sit unaided and does say ‘dadadada’. But she DOESN’T sleep through the night, which is my fault as we still co-sleep.
    I think I can tell for sure she is a happy baby (whilst I’m exhausted) which is what matters.

    • Eliza says:

      Grass is always greener. My baby did everything early, and I just wanted her to slow down and be a baby. By 6 months she was a fast crawler, 7 months lifting herself up, and 9 months running. We scrambled for gates as we weren’t expecting good crawling so early. She wanted to be so independent. Enjoy those 6 month snuggles.

    • Your cousin Vinny says:

      @mirage I’m right there at the same point in time that you are, it feels like the nights are getting harder. Every time someone asks me if my baby is sleeping through the night I feel despair and then blame myself.

      • Mirage says:

        @ Your cousin Vinny
        Yes the expectation for sleeping through the night is crazy. I personally don’t push for it at all. In my own time I will gently help her get back to sleep by herself during the night.
        But I’m not hurrying it!

      • Kristina says:

        @mycousin it can usually be done with sleep training or other means, but none of my 3 were sleeping through the night into nearly prek territory. And I was fine with it. It was “my fault” because I went to every cry. But again- that’s my mothering style. So as long as you’re ok with it, don’t compare or despair! And 2/3 of mine are in school now. 2 very different personalities, mellow vs Type A, clingy vs independent, etc, and both are very advanced. They all grow up- I personally didn’t rush any of it. <3

      • Your cousin Vinny says:

        @mirage and @kristina thanks for the support and reassurance. The nights are tough but I can’t not pick up my baby when they cry so I guess this is what it will be for the foreseeable future

  11. Lorelei says:

    The way this article is written reminds me a little of the articles about Kate — a bit too over the top considering we’re talking about a 5-6 month old.

    That said, I wish we got daily pictures of Archie. He’s adorable and we all need that kind of thing right now.

    • Valiantly Varnished says:

      Good. It’s about time someone in the H&M household gets treated with the same kid gloves as Kate does. They refuse to do it for Meghan so baby Archie gets a cute story about what a sweet and smart baby he is. Im here for it.

  12. MrsBanjo says:

    My 2nd daughter made her personality clear in utero. It was bonkers. We were having the second ultrasound and she didn’t like the doctor digging the wand into my belly. We watched on the screen as she kickboxed the thing and then crossed her legs. She’s 10 now and is just as opinionated as ever.

  13. Marie says:

    The bickering thing is something I relate to. My husband and I did the first few months. We were new parents and SO tired. I would snap at him for the dumbest things. Neither of us remember the first few months of our sons life lol. I can’t think of any new parents that don’t bicker in the first few months.

    Archie Is adorable and seems to be a good baby.

  14. S808 says:

    Eh, all parents say their baby is “super smart!!1!1”. Based on what we saw in SA, Archie does seem to be a social butterfly like his parents. I’ve never had a kid myself, but I can definitely relate to being so tired the smallest things piss you off.

  15. Senator Fan says:

    LOL! Cute story about lil Archie. Sounds like he’s hitting all of his milestones. Typical first time parents tales. I hope they enjoy this time as they grow so fast and the changes babies to through seem daily. Even though he may go to strangers now he may not in a few months. He sounds like a bundle of joy and has a good disposition. My first was like that, barely cried and happy go lucky, and the second was the complete opposite. Fun times!

  16. Dana says:

    I still say this baby looks like his Grandpa. It’s all I see when I look at him 😳

  17. Lucylee says:

    Nothing in this article that could not be copy/pasted from Baby Talk magazine.

  18. Bettyrose says:

    I don’t have kids but I do think babies have personalities already forming. Presumably most kids are already curious at that age…and at the very least they’re curious about different things, though environment has some influence in what they’re exposed to and to what degree their curiosity is encouraged.

  19. Scorpio ♏️ Rants says:

    Lord please stop me from rolling my eyes all the work back into my head and help me not comment on the abject silliness of this.

    Amen

  20. Lowrider says:

    What a CREEPY article from US Weekly. Why can’t the press leave the kids alone to develop their own personalities?

  21. jenner says:

    Says every parent about their baby.

  22. spookie says:

    But it is Archie and this is CB so it must be true. 😆

  23. Wilma says:

    I would say that my daughter has had the same personality since birth, but we have stayed away from knowing any timetable on milestones and that has been a great experience. We always said to each other that if something was wrong with her development we would hear it from one of the many professionals she meets in daycare, pre-school and kindergarten and we would not worry or stress about those on our own. I was very early with everything and it hindered me in lots of ways, mostly in developing age-appropriate social skills. I sat in classes with kids who were six years older for instance. I hoped my kid would be normal and happy and I think she is.

  24. PizzaLove says:

    All babies like to be around mom/dad, so of course he gets excited when he sees his dad. He isn’t a social butterfly, just wants to be with his parents. 100% normal.

    And no way they can tell he is super smart at this age. Even Royals are stereotypical parents and think their baby is exceptional.

    Cute baby and getting lots of love, so all is good.

  25. DS9 says:

    I have three and while kids grow and change, they do have traits that are pretty evident at six months.

    All of mine were trying to talk then. It’s a common milestone but the way they each coasted through that milestone was different and in keeping with who they are 5+ years down the road.

  26. MsIam says:

    As long as he is a happy health baby, it’s all good! He’s adorable!

  27. Eyfalia says:

    Meghan training Archie to say “daddy” or “dada”! 😀 Harry will be so proud that Archie calls him at night. 😀

  28. Holly hobby says:

    I see a lot of Harry in Archie. Such a sweet baby

  29. JanetFerber says:

    Archie is gorgeous and I’m so happy for Harry and Meghan, I sure do hope they have another baby soon!

  30. Amber says:

    My mom says my personality and my sister’s were both baked in from the start. Some babies love exploring and meeting new people, and some are shy and just want to stay with mom. I HATED new people as a baby, and I’m still very shy. But so much of our personalities are shaped over the course of early childhood, too–that’s what attachment theory tells us. I have an anxious-ambivalent attachment style (I can either feel very clingy about someone or push them away, and my relationships tend to be off and on) because of what was happening with my parents’ marriage when I was one/two years old. If your primary caregiver as a baby is emotionally unavailable or overprotective or neglectful, it affects your relationships for the rest of your life. If little Archie is relaxed around new people and likes exploring, that means he feels safe and securely attached to his parents.

    • MrsBanjo says:

      Yeah, my three kids’ core personalities were pretty apparent from the outset. It’s been really fun to watch them develop individually. Environment definitely plays a big part, though.

  31. Mego says:

    Some more fiction from US today. Pleasant fiction but fiction nonetheless.

    • carmen says:

      Yep. Typical for US weekly though, isn’t it? At least they aren’t attacking Meghan like the Fail and the other rags. But who refers to a 6 month old as being “well behaved” ffs? What could a child that young possibly do that’s considered bad or disrespectful?

  32. Gaboo says:

    Every one thinks this about their kid. I’m sure he’s just an average baby and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. Most of us are average

  33. Sibi says:

    Everyone is different. I believe that Archie is trying to speak. I was potty trained and didn’t need diapers at 4 months but that doesn’t mean that you can tell if a baby is smart. Albert Einstein started talking when he was 3 years old for example which is pretty late compared to others.