Just when we thought we may well be naming Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s first child “Baby Sussex” forevermore, we’ve finally got a name for their son, and it could not be more perfect.
Harry and Meghan’s official social media channel @SussexRoyal announced the exciting news two days after his arrival, revealing that Meghan and Harry have chosen the rich, glossy and royally perfect name of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.
Suffice to say, we’ll just be over here repeating that regal title over and over for the foreseeable future.
In the Instagram post, which featured an incredible photo of Harry, Meghan, the Queen, Prince Philip and Doria Ragland, the caption read: “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pleased to announce they have named their first born child.”
The statement confirmed that Queen Elizabeth had been present for the big reveal: “This afternoon Their Royal Highnesses introduced Her Majesty The Queen to her eighth great-grandchild at Windsor Castle. The Duke of Edinburgh and The Duchess’ mother were also present for this special occasion.”
Introducing Archie Harrison! (Image: Dominic Lipinski / PA / AAP)
The name has come as a surprise to many, especially as it was not among the firm favourites at betting agencies – the list of which included Arthur, James and Alexander.
“I don’t think anyone of us saw either of these names coming,” Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty royal magazine explained.
He added that Archie doesn’t appear to have any British royal connotations, and nor does Harrison – which is a totally new name for the royal family.
Young Archie takes the surname Mountbatten-Windsor, which is a combination of the Queen’s official last name, and Prince Phillips’ surname, and is often given to royals who do not take an official title such as “Prince” or “Earl”.
While many wondered if the baby would be bestowed the title “Earl of Dumbarton”, which is one of Harry’s subsidiary titles, it appears Archie’s parents have decided to forgo this, with a source revealing to Hello!: “[Meghan and Harry] have chosen not to use a courtesy title.”
Meanwhile, the young royal will not take up the title of “Prince” either, unlike his cousins George and Louis. However, when Prince Charles becomes King, Archie, who is currently seventh in line to the throne, will be eligible for the title.
What does the Royal Baby’s name mean?
It is yet to be confirmed if there is a personal meaning behind the gorgeous name for Meghan and Harry, but some fans have spotted a sweet pattern that could have been on purpose…
Indeed, with Archie’s initials being A.H.M., these letters all stand for Archie, Harry and Meghan – how fitting!
Archie also means ‘genuine’ and ‘bold’ and ‘brave’ – a solid choice from the royals!
It was the 18th most-popular boy’s name in the UK in 2017, and has remained in the top 50 consistently since 2003.
Furthermore, Archie’s middle name, Harrison, actually means “son of Harry”.
The name is also common in the US, to which Little said Meghan might have found a connection with.
“It may well be it’s a name that Meghan is familiar with… Archie has a British feel to it, whereas Harrison is more of an American name,” he explained.
Earlier in the day, royal fans got their first glimpse of young Archie in his debut photoshoot. (Image: Dominic Lipinski / PA / AAP)
Following their highly anticipated first photoshoot earlier in the day, another amazing photograph of Harry, Meghan and Archie was taken alongside his royal great-grandparents, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, as well as Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland.
The picture captures a beautiful moment of the royals gazing lovingly at the newborn, a rare and candid insight into the regal family.
During their first photo call, Meghan told media that she was “really happy” about becoming a mum.
“It’s magic, it’s pretty amazing. I have the two best guys in the world so I’m really happy,” she told the cameras.
Meghan opened up about her first impressions of motherhood! (Image: Dominic Lipinski / PA / AAP)
Meanwhile, proud new father Prince Harry didn’t hold back from sharing his excitement.
“It’s great. Parenting is amazing.
“It’s only been two and a half days, three days, but we’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy and to be able to spend some precious times with him as he slowly starts to grow up.”
Welcome to the world, Archie! (Image: Dominic Lipinski / PA / AAP)
The Duke and Duchess welcomed their first child on May 6th in what might have been the most highly anticipated royal moment in modern memory.
The Sussex Royal Instagram account confirmed the exciting news in a statement, which read: “We are pleased to announce that Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their firstborn child in the early morning on May 6th, 2019. Their Royal Highnesses’ son weighs 7lbs. 3oz.”
The statement continued: “The Duchess and baby are both healthy and well, and the couple thank members of the public for their shared excitement and support during this very special time in their lives.”
The wait is finally over! (Image: Getty)
Harry and Meghan’s son, who is seventh in line to the British throne, has already melted proud dad Harry’s heart, who gushed earlier in the week that “this little thing is absolutely to die for. I’m over the moon.”
Options for the royal baby’s name was the talk of the town throughout Meghan’s pregnancy, with some saying the royal couple would opt for something classic, while others suggested it might have a hint of California cool.
“We’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support from everybody out there, it’s been amazing,” new dad Harry said earlier in the week. (Image: Getty)
While the whole world was convinced Baby Sussex would be a girl called Diana, it was a true delight and surprise when in fact it ended up being a boy.
On Sportsbet.com.au, the most popular boy name was Alexander at $4.80, followed by James at $5.20, Arthur at $6.00 and Spencer with $9.20 odds.
WATCH: Our favourite royal dads of all time. Story continues below…
The long wait for a new royal baby’s name is not an uncommon one – when Duchess Catherine and Prince William welcomed their children, we waited at least two days to hear their chosen titles. While it was almost a week until we found out Prince Louis’ title last year.
We can’t really blame them though, choosing the right name for a royal is paramount, especially when you consider how many people around the world will know and use it!
Prince William himself even admitted to taking his time to name Prince Louis, saying he and Kate were “working on” the decision.
And with that being said, we think it was well and truly worth the wait and we’re hedging our bets it’ll be topping the most popular baby names list for 2019 and years to come!
Now to Love will be bringing you live updates on Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry’s baby so be sure to keep checking back in on nowtolove.com.au!
Want more on the Royal Baby? We’ve got you covered!
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Meghan Markle’s dad Thomas shares his “pride” and “delight” after the birth of Baby Sussex
Where did Meghan Markle give birth? A comprehensive investigation
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s celebrity mates post gorgeous tributes to Baby Sussex
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Inside Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s amazing nursery
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