Two days after Meghan Markle gave birth to her first baby boy on May 6th, she and Prince Harry announced the full name of the royal baby: Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. But what is the meaning and significance behind the name of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s little boy?
The real meaning behind Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's son's name, Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, welcomed a baby boy on May 6th, 2019. Clearly already doting over their firstborn child, the couple took to St. George’s Hall at Windsor Castle to give the world a glimpse at the new royal draped in a hand-finished white wool shawl made by GH Hurt & Son.
They followed up with a picture of the new parents and newborn with Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, announcing the name Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. But where did the inspiration from the name come from? And why, unlike Prince William and Kate Middleton’s three children, doesn’t he have a title? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex present their baby boy Archie Harrison to the world
Master
Unlike Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis who are direct royal heirs, Prince’s Harry’s children are not automatically granted a royal title. Following the lead of his cousin Zara Tindall, new dad Harry has decided to omit a royal title from his son’s name. When necessary, his forename will be prefaced with simply Master. By birthright, Archie would not automatically be granted a title (thanks to the Letters Patent, passed by King George V in 1917) but could have had one bestowed upon him by his Great Grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II.
Archie is traditionally short for Archibald
Archie
It’s been said the couple wanted a modern name for their child, hence why opted for the name Archie. It’s a modern, shorter version of the name Archibald, which means bold and brave. Interestingly, in January of this year, five-year-old Prince George told a member of the public that his name was Archie, hinting at his future cousin’s moniker.
Meghan Markle gave birth to Archie Harrison on May 6th 2019
Harrison
Quite literally, Harrison means the son of Harry, which is obviously fitting for the Prince – whose full name is actually Henry Charles Albert David Mountbatten-Windsor. It also has an American feel to it, tying in Meghan’s heritage too.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed a baby boy on May 6th and announced his name as Archie Harrison two days later
Mountbatten-Windsor
While the official surname of Prince William, Prince Harry, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle is Mountbatten-Windsor, is it hardly ever used nor needed. The official royal website states: “For the most part, members of the Royal Family who are entitled to the style and dignity of HRH Prince or Princess do not need a surname.”And adds: “If at any time any of them do need a surname (such as upon marriage), that surname is Mountbatten-Windsor.”
As Archie will not be taking on a title, however, this will indeed be used as his surname. Windsor was adopted as a surname in 1917 by the royal family. When the Queen married Prince Philip in 1947, the name became double-barrelled with his family name, Mountbatten to make a new official royal surname.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry married on May 19th, 2018
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