Harry and Meghan criticised for choosing US TV network to cover baby reveal: 'They're treading on dodgy ground'

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have granted special access to today’s royal baby reveal to US television network CBS - which just so happens to be fronted by the Duchess’ close friend, Gayle King.

According to ITV, the previous agreement was to only allow a strict number of broadcasters (one television camera and one photo camera) into Windsor Castle.

UK streaming giants, ITV, BBC and Sky, put their names into a hat to choose the pool broadcaster with the latter channel winning the opportunity.

READ MORE: Royal baby news live: First photos of Harry, Meghan and son

However, Buckingham Palace added a camera from US network CBS on Tuesday -sparking widespread controversy across the nation.

The Queen’s former press secretary, Dickie Arbiter, told ITV: “Choosing a US network, fiend or not, is treading on dodgy ground.”

“That the inclusion of CBS in the pool means the pictures will make US breakfast shows is a fatuous excuse. The footage would have done so anyway as the UK TV nets have ties to NBC, ABC and CBS.”

Ahead of the big reveal, Sky News royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills revealed that the decision is designed to enable to the couple to “reach out to a wider audience.”

But there’s even greater reason to choose CBS, as Meghan’s close friend, Gayle King, presents the breakfast show.

The timings for the debut images of the couple’s first child mean that the grand reveal will be broadcast across the US in the morning.

A source revealed to the Daily Mail, that the arrangements have been made to “reflect the international interest in the story”.

King reportedly visited the couple at Frogmore House just a few days ago but flew back across the pond when it was revealed that their baby was overdue.

READ MORE: Inside the Duchess of Sussex’s baby shower

It’s interesting to note that the television star was also one of the 20 guests invited to Meghan’s lavish five-day baby shower back in February.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child, a newborn son, weighing 7lbs 3oz, at 05:26 on May 6, 2019.

Prince Harry gave a short television interview after the announcement on Monday, saying he was “over the moon”.

The new father added: “We’ll be seeing you guys in probably two days time as planned, as a family, to be able to share it with you guys so everyone can see the baby.”

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their newborn son will take part in an official, pre-arranged photo call in Windsor today.