Meghan Markle baby name: Why is the Royal Baby Mountbatten-Windsor?
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex introduced their newborn child to the world today in a rare interview, with the two beaming new parents cradling their child in front of the nation. Baby Sussex slept through his first television appearance while his parents doted on him, and the couple talked about their first nights of caring for their child. Meghan declared motherhood was “magic” and said, “I have the two best guys in the world, so I’m really happy”. Talking to the press on Monday followng Archie’s, Harry hinted the couple could reveal the name of their child today, and he has delivered
According to the Sussex personal Instagram account, the name of the Royal Family’s newest arrival is Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor.
Many people are surprised by the decision, which reflects a departure from the traditional names given to the children of the Royal Family.
Most are overjoyed regardless and have congratulated the royal couple once again on the new arrival.
However, some are puzzled by the child’s surname of Mountbatten-Windsor.
Why is Meghan and Harry’s child a Mountbatten-Windsor?
Prince William and Kate’s children have all inherited prince and princess titles from their father, but only because he is a direct heir to the throne.
Since Prince Harry is sixth-in-line to the throne, meaning Archie takes no title and inherits the Mountbatten-Windsor surname used by descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The surname is applied when the Royal Family member has no other higher title.
Most family members only use the Mountbatten-Windsor name where a surname might be required, such as on official personal documents.
The first use of the name came after the birth of Lady Louise Windsor in 2003, as the Queen decided the children Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones would not have the title of His or Her Royal Highness.
Instead, Lady Louise was given the surname Mountbatten Windsor.
Since Harry and Meghan decided they would not give Archie Harrison a title, he has also adopted the surname.
Harry and Meghan could have given their child Harry’s secondary ‘Earl of Dumbarton’ title, but Archie Harrison will not take it on.
Bookmakers were especially surprised by the chosen name, and they revealed there were few bets on a child named Archie.
According to bookmakers at Ladbrokes, only £100 worth of bets were placed on Archie.
The name with the highest odds was formerly Alexander at 4/1, while Archie was on odds of 100/1.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: “Harry and Meghan have settled for a 100/1 shot in the betting and we couldn’t be more pleased for the happy couple.”
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