Meghan Markle and Prince Harry threw everyone for a loop when they revealed the name of their baby boy: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. This isn’t a traditional royal moniker, as many predicted the Sussexes would go with. It turns out Markle and Prince Harry wanted something a little different for their child.
A source close to the duke and duchess tells ELLE.com the couple was keen on a “modern name” that still respected royal tradition. As for why Archie specifically, well, the answer is simple.
“There was no special meaning behind the name; the couple just loved it,” the source tells ELLE.com. That’s about as relatable of a reason as ever.
And it’s in line with what royals expert Katie Nicholl told Glamour a few weeks ago about Baby Sussex’s name. “I heard Meghan might want to go down the more modern route; they might want a more American name. But I think they will be respectful of royal traditions,” she said. “There are no strict rules at all. There’s no rule stipulating they must name a royal child after other royals.”
A few eyebrows were raised when it was revealed Markle and Prince Harry decided to forego a courtesy title (like “Prince”) for Archie, but Nicholl also called this in our interview.
“Harry is a man who, as a young boy, resented being a prince, resented the weighted burden that came with his title,” Nicholl told Glamour. “I think it’s very unlikely he’s going to want a title for his child. I think Lord or Lady is probably more than good enough for the Sussexes.”
Archie does have the title “Master” right now, but this could change when Prince Charles becomes king. All of the grandchildren under the current monarch have an HRH title, so it’s possible Archie will fall in line when the time comes. Or Markle and Prince Harry could stay firm in their decision.
Joe Little, a royal history expert and editor at Majesty magazine, says (per ELLE), “When Charles becomes King, his grandchildren will, where necessary, automatically be upgraded to Royal Highness and Prince/Princess. But perhaps Harry and Meghan will do what Prince Edward and Sophie have done and choose not to ‘burden’ their children with such styles and titles.”
Keep in mind that Queen Elizabeth II could issue a new “Letters Patent” to ensure all of Prince Harry’s children receive royal titles—so if she hasn’t done this yet, it’s probably because Prince Harry and Meghan Markle don’t want her to.
Prince or not, one thing is certain: Archie is a total cutie.
