Growing up as a gay child, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper thought he would never be able to have his own children

Nearing sixty, Anderson Cooper had already ended his relationship with Benjamin Maisani, his longtime partner, when he became a father. The two ex-couples did, however, reunite, but not in a romantic setting.

It took years before Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani’s relationship was made public because they were so secretive about it. The couple’s dating history dates back to 2009.

The pair was revealed to be residing together at Anderson’s firehouse home by Daily Mail in March 2018. He later made renovations to the $4 million Manhattan, Greenwich Village home he purchased.

Anderson Cooper on an episode of "Watch What Happens Live" on November 30, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
Anderson Cooper and Benjamin Maisani at the Windward School Benefit on March 10, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

In March 2018, after a decade of dating, Anderson’s spokesperson confirmed that the journalist and Benjamin had separated. According to reports, the CNN anchor explained the split by saying:

“Benjamin and I separated as boyfriends some time ago. We are still family to each other, and love each other very much.”

Anderson explained that he and his ex-boyfriend remained best friends and would continue sharing their lives. During an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, the television personality revealed one of the reasons that caused them to break up.

He shared how Benjamin wasn’t sure he wanted to have children. However, Anderson didn’t wait to have another partner before working on his dream of becoming a father and fulfilling it at age 53.

In 2020, when reaching the end of his segment on CNN, Anderson revealed that his first child and son, Wyatt Morgan, had been born. He also opened up about why the milestone was especially significant for him, stating:

“As a gay kid, I never thought it would be possible to have a child.”

The star shared his gratitude for the people who paved the way for him to realize his dream. He also shared his appreciation of the nurses and doctors who took part in helping welcome his son.

Following ten years of dating, Anderson’s representative said that the journalist and Benjamin had split up in March 2018. The CNN host reportedly stated the following to explain the split:

“A while back, Benjamin and I called it quits on our relationship. We still love and care for one another as if we were family.

Anderson clarified that he would continue to share their lives and that he and his ex-boyfriend were close friends. One of the reasons behind their breakup was disclosed by the television personality in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres.

He revealed that Benjamin wasn’t certain he wanted to start a family. But Anderson didn’t wait to find a new partner to work toward and realize his 53-year-old dream of becoming a father.

At the conclusion of his CNN segment in 2020, Anderson disclosed the birth of Wyatt Morgan, his first kid. He also revealed the reason the achievement held particular significance for him, saying:

“As a gay child, I never imagined that having a child would be possible.”

The celebrity expressed his appreciation to everyone who helped him achieve his dream. He also expressed his gratitude to the medical professionals that assisted in the birth of his son.

In addition, the TV celebrity shared four photos of his infant son on Instagram. The first picture shows him tenderly nursing Wyatt. He disclosed that the boy was just three days old in the caption of the photo.

He gave an explanation of how the child’s first name matched that of his own father, who died when he was only 10 years old. The second name belonged to his mother’s side of the family, Gloria Vanderbilt, and was also favored by his parents.

Anderson claimed at the time that he had discovered a list his parents had created 52 years prior while choosing his name. At birth, Wyatt reportedly weighed 7.2 pounds and was hailed as “sweet, soft, and healthy.”

The journalist also expressed gratitude to the surrogate mother for bearing him, providing him with a loving and sensitive watch, and giving birth to the boy. He also expressed gratitude to the surrogate’s family for their help both before and after the procedure.

In closing, Anderson expressed his hope that his brother Carter, mother, and father could have seen his son grow up. But he made the decision to think they could see his child, and he saw them cuddling up to each other while grinning and laughing.

He was content that their family line will live on and that their love was still present in both Wyatt and him. Anderson learned in August 2020 that Wyatt was sleeping on an unusual schedule for a youngster who was just about four months old at the time.

The newborn was getting twelve hours of sleep every night! The CNN anchor clarified that he was receiving help from a nurse and made a joke about not knowing what she did—but she didn’t use booze or Ambien—to put the youngster to sleep so much!

Anderson had one requirement, despite having help from someone else in caring for the child. The celebrity declared that he opposed having a single parent raise his child.

In May 2020, Anderson gave an explanation for his decision to not raise his child by himself on “The Howard Stern Show.” The celebrity talked about how his mother raised him and his brother as a single parent after losing his father and how she wasn’t very paternal.

He wished there had been another adult in his life to cover that absence. Someone who occasionally offered to take him out to lunch or a ball game, or who suggested having a conversation with him; the journalist added:

“Therefore, I reasoned that I would be in favor of more people loving my son and being in his life, even if nothing bad happened to me.”

He mentioned how, if it were possible, he would want to have two parents. Ironically, because of their good relationship, he and Benjamin continued to live together in their house after their breakup.

Anderson said that things were “weird” between him and the nightclub owner. Despite his early reluctance, Benjamin eventually changed his mind and is today a wonderful co-parent to young Wyatt.

The former couple resided in the Greenwich Village firehouse that Anderson purchased and remodeled in 2009. According to the celebrity, Wyatt would likely refer to Benjamin as “Papa” whereas he would be called “Dad” or “Daddy” because he was French.

Anderson quipped that the businessman was speaking to the young child in his own tongue and that he might be manipulating Wyatt by not understanding what he was saying! But the journalist denied that the ex-couple might reconcile when asked if it would be possible.

In August 2020, Anderson talked to WSJ magazine about how becoming a father had made him realize how much life had changed. Despite being 53 at the time, he talked about how he felt like he was waiting for his real life to start.

The actor claimed that he had been concentrating on moving forward or telling a tale, but that concentrating on Wyatt brought order to the situation. The anchor for the news said, “It’s changed everything.”

Due to his night shift employment, Anderson used to wake up late as well, but after Wyatt’s arrival, he now wakes up at seven in the morning. Since his son’s awakening marked the highest point of his day, it was his objective to rise before him.

Benjamin [Maisani] and the infant [Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper], who weighed 6.8 lbs. at birth, would also share co-parenting duties.
When the young boy saw him, he delighted to see him stretch and smile. From the third floor, Anderson went to his son’s room on the fourth, where he waited for him to make noises to let the star know he was awake before entering to see how he was doing.

The TV celebrity stated to People magazine in June 2020 that he would be willing to grow his family in the future. But first, he needed time to get a better night’s sleep and clear his thoughts!

It would be wonderful, he thought, to have a brother or sister for Wyatt. Then, on “Anderson Cooper 360°,” in February 2022, Anderson revealed that he had welcomed Sebastian Luke Maisani-Cooper, his second son, via surrogacy!

Benjamin and the infant, who weighed 6.8 pounds at birth, would also share co-parenting duties. The celebrity also disclosed at that time that Wyatt’s last name would be changed to Maisani-Cooper and that his former partner was in the process of adopting the child.

But in December 2020, following Wyatt’s birth, Anderson acknowledged that he was “tired more than I’ve ever been.” He did, however, adore being a father and “wouldn’t change it for the world,” and he frequently broke down in tears when he saw his kid.

Prince William Receives New Title from King Charles as Prince Harry Arrives in the UK

The Prince of Wales has received an esteemed new title from the King of England. King Charles III’s title bestowment comes at the same time his secondborn son, Prince Harry, is visiting the U.K. for the Invictus Games 10th anniversary.

King Charles III and Prince William ahead of the Committal Service for the late Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

This week has proved to be an eventful time for the British royal family. Yesterday, a media outlet reported that King Charles III is set to confer the role of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to his eldest son, Prince William. The announcement was made via Buckingham Palace.

Prince William during a visit to the Mercian Regiment in the South West, U.K. on November 23, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

According to reports, the official date for the role transfer is set for May 13 and will take place at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop.

“In August 2023, following His Majesty’s Accession, the King was pleased to announce military appointments including that the Prince of Wales would become Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. The role was previously held by His Majesty the King, as Prince of Wales, for 31 years,” discloses the Palace’s message.

Prince William and King Charles III at the National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication for King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

Interestingly, though Prince William is stepping into the role for the first time, the role itself is not new as it used to belong to his younger brother, Prince Harry. The Duke of Sussex’s affiliation with the Armed Forces runs deep.

Prince William and Prince Harry during the Committal Service for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in Windsor, England on September 19, 2022 | Source: Getty Images

Aside from previously holding the title, Prince Harry worked in the Armed Forces for ten years, serving two Afghanistan duty tours with the British Army before ending his operational duties in 2015. In addition to Prince Harry, other members of the royal family “have official relationships with many units of the Forces.”

The official website for the King and Queen of England states that the royal family pays soldiers, airmen, and sailors, who serve both at home and abroad, “regular visits.” They have long recognized and supported “the work of the Armed Services.”

Queen Camilla and King Charles III visiting members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards on peacekeeping duties in Banja Luka, Bosnia on March 1, 2007 | Source: Getty Images

News of the King bestowing the title of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps to Prince William comes amid the Duke of Sussex’s recent trip to the U.K., which has raised eyebrows in public spheres. Speculation has been swirling based on the fact that it is widely known that Prince Harry and his father’s relationship has been tense in recent years.

“This is one of the most public rifts in the world. If it was handled in private without so much press speculation, it would have a better chance of being resolved,” asserted royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams while speaking about Prince Harry and King Charles III.

King Charles III and Prince Harry at the "International Year of The Reef" 2018 meeting in London, England on February 14, 2018 | Source: Getty Images

The rift between the father and son runs so deep that even though Prince Harry is currently back in the U.K., a meeting between him and the King of England will not take place. This has sparked heated responses from the public.

“In response to the many inquiries and continued speculation on whether or not The Duke will meet with his father while in the U.K. this week, it unfortunately will not be possible due to His Majesty’s full program,” announced a spokesperson for Prince Harry.

King Charles III and Prince Harry chatting during the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Gallipoli event in Gallipoli, Turkey on April 25, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

The statement went on to explain, “The Duke of course is understanding of his father’s diary of commitments and various other priorities and hopes to see him soon.” According to a media outlet, King Charles III has a busy schedule because he recently returned to his public royal duties.

Since working behind the scenes amid his cancer diagnosis and treatment, King Charles III held an audience at Buckingham Palace yesterday, where the Prime Minister of Fiji, Sitiveni Rabuka, was welcomed. Further occupying the King’s time is the premiere garden party of the season, which is set to take place at Buckingham Palace today (May 8).

Like his father, Prince Harry is also booked and busy. His time in the UK has been spent on the Invictus Games’ anniversary which kicked off with a panel yesterday. Today, St. Paul’s Cathedral will host a service where Prince Harry is expected to give a reading.

The public has reacted with shock and outrage to the news that Prince Harry and King Charles III will not see each other during this time, with many people expressing disappointment in the King. “That’s absolutely unforgivable, that a Dad can’t prioritize his son. King or not!!!” chastised a social media user.

King Charles III and Prince Harry attending a memorial service marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of Gallipoli on the Gallipoli peninsula, Turkey on April 24, 2015 | Source: Getty Images

Similarly, someone else expressed, “Harry deserves better. Shame on #KingCharles. He treated #PrincessDiana terrible as well. #TheWholeWorldIsWatching.” “Shameful… but Prince Harry can sleep well at night. He has reached out numerous times,” commented another.

King Charles III and Prince Harry having a conversation during the the Opening Ceremony of the Invictus Games in London, England on September 10, 2014 | Source: Getty Images

Continuing to highlight the tumultuous nature of the late Princess Diana’s relationship with King Charles III, another user noted, “Charles is who Diana said he was 🙃.” Another King Charles III critic called him “petty.”

A Facebooker wrote, “As a parent I can’t imagine not being able to pencil my child into my schedule.” “I can’t imagine anything more important than getting to spend some time with a child that you really don’t see very often,” added another.

Someone else who felt particularly strongly about the matter stated, “Sadly, his father chooses his position over his family. His father has made it very clear where his love is. If he really wanted to see his son he would and could. This whole situation clearly shows that it is all about him and his ‘control over others.’”

Although King Charles III may not currently have the best relationship with his youngest son, with the recent news of Prince William receiving a new title from him, it would appear as though he remains in good standing with his eldest.

Furthermore, he also reportedly shares a great relationship with his daughter-in-law Princess Catherine. Like Prince William, the King had also conferred a new title on the Princess, which we previously reported on April 24, 2024.

Catherine Middleton, Princess of Wales, during the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in London, England on May 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

On April 23, King Charles III announced that the Princess of Wales would become the Royal Companion of the Order of the Companions of Honour. This was the first appointment for any royal. This prestigious appointment places her among an elite group recognized for their significant contributions across various fields, including the arts, sciences, and public service.

The Order of the Companions of Honour was established by King George V in 1917. It is an exclusive society limited to 65 members at any given time. However, additional honorary members from outside the Commonwealth are allowed. Notable figures among its ranks include Sir Elton John, Sir David Attenborough, Anna Wintour, Dame Maggie Smith, and Dame Judi Dench.

Queen Camilla, King Charles III, Prince William, and Princess Catherine after watching a fly-past by the British Royal Air Force's (RAF) aerobatic team from the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh, Scotland on July 5, 2023 | Source: Getty Images

The announcement of Princess Catherine’s new role raised eyebrows. It prompted a flurry of online comments expressing confusion and concern. Thoughts from the online community ranged from skeptical to supportive.

“Definitely a distraction as to what is really happening but okay,” one comment read, hinting at underlying royal dynamics. “But where is she?” asked another, highlighting the Princess’s noticeable absence from public engagements. “A Royal Companion never heard of that role,” a person noted.

“She still hasn’t been seen in public since Dec 25th, and no one seems concerned with this at all?” another person expressed. “I hope she is getting better,” a Facebook user shared. “Ermm what kind of title is that?” questioned another, puzzled over the significance of the new title.

It’s clear that while the honor is significant, it also casts a spotlight on Princess Catherine’s recent low profile. This has stirred public curiosity and concern about her well-being and the circumstances surrounding her new royal duties.

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