One Detail Missing from Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Son Archie’s Birth Certificate Is under Discussion
The recent resurfacing of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son's birth certificate raised eyebrows among the public yet again. One omitted detail in the document was questioned, with people comparing it to the birth certificates of Prince William's children.
The birth certificate of Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. | Source: Getty Images
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on May 6, 2019. Since then, the couple has remained in the public eye, while they have kept Archie largely out of the spotlight. However, Archie's birth certificate recently resurfaced and sparked discussions among the public due to a missing detail.
At the time of Archie's birth, royal fans quickly scrutinized his birth certificate, which is a public record. They noticed that Harry's name was listed as "His Royal Highness Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex," strikingly omitting the title "Prince."
Prince Harry carrying his son, Archie, dated December 2019 | Source: Instagram/SussexRoyal
On the same document, Meghan was listed as "Rachel Meghan Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex." Similar to her husband, her occupation was registered as "Princess of the United Kingdom."
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry holding their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
The absence of "Prince" from Harry's title on Archie's birth certificate led to a flurry of comments and speculations from the online community. One user exclaimed, "Because it is a fake birth certificate and so not valid another manipulation of Meghan and Harry."
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry holding their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England. | Source: Getty Images
Another questioned, "Harry without the word Prince? Is who is the biological father of Harry controversies could be exposed now?" Some simply dismissed Harry's royal status, with one stating, "He's not a Prince, period." Meanwhile, another responded with disbelief, "OMG... seriously?"
Further speculations about the children emerged, with a user asserting, "I believe that both children were born from a surrogate" and another echoing this sentiment, "Because they are not their children!"
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie at the at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
However, not all reactions were negative. Some defended the family, with one user noting, "This family is beautiful, please let them breathe".
Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Prince Archie at the at the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in South Africa in 2019 | Source: Getty Images
There were also comments on the children's appearance, such as, "His eyes are the same shape as Meghan's." Another person admired Archie, writing, "Aww how cute he looks like his dad adorable."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with their children Archie and Lilibet in a video shared on December 12, 2022 | Source: YouTube/Netflix
Despite the varied reactions, the missing "Prince" title on Harry's name in Archie's birth certificate remained a topic of interest.
In contrast, Prince William was registered as "Prince" on his children's birth certificate, which listed him as "His Royal Highness Prince William Arthur Philip Louis Duke of Cambridge."
Prince Harry and Prince William during the unveiling of a statue of their mother, Princess Diana at The Sunken Garden on July 1, 2021 in Kensington Palace, London. | Source: Getty Images
In addition, King Charles was also registered as "His Royal Highness Prince Charles Philip Arthur George Prince of Wales" on both William and Harry's birth certificates.
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
Interestingly, Meghan no longer used her HRH title on her second child's birth certificate. Harry and Meghan welcomed their second child, daughter Lilibet Diana, on June 4, 2021, in Santa Barbara, California.
Despite having been told they could no longer use their HRH titles following their decision to step down as working royals at the start of 2020, Harry again used his HRH title on Lilibet’s birth certificate. His last name was listed as "HRH," and his first name as "The Duke of Sussex." Meanwhile, Meghan's name was written as her birth name, "Rachel Markle."
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in New York in 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Besides Harry's name, other details surrounding Archie's birth were confirmed on the certificate. One detail was that Meghan gave birth at Portland Hospital in London. This negated earlier reports suggesting she had chosen a home birth.
Following Archie's birth, the Sussex Royal Instagram page paid a heartfelt tribute to Meghan and Harry on their first Mother's and Father's Day celebrations.
On Mother’s Day, they shared a sweet photo of Meghan holding Archie’s tiny feet, captioned with a quote about motherhood. For Father’s Day, a touching photo of Harry cradling Archie was posted, celebrating his new role as a dad.
Not much has since been shared by the couple about their children publicly. However, they sometimes talk about the two kids during public engagements and interviews. We previously reported about Meghan sharing about her upbringing and how the perspective she and Harry have on children in need is the same views they have on their own kids.
Speaking on their upbringing, she notes, "It’s what we see in our own children—to give them that promise and excitement for their futures."
Her role as a mother intertwines with her public endeavors. She seeks to instill the same hope and ambition in her children that she aims to inspire in children worldwide.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, and Prince Archie during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019 in Windsor, England | Source: Getty Images
Meghan and Harry's reflections on their family provide a deeper look into their evolving family dynamics. As their children grow, the couple has observed unique traits and potential in both Archie and Lilibet.
These traits resonate with their own aspirations and values. Meghan shared a touching anecdote about their daughter, Lilibet, who is nearly three years old.
Reflecting on her interactions with Lilibet, Meghan recounted how her daughter once looked at her and said, "Mama, I see me in you," a statement Meghan interpreted quite literally. This illustrated to Meghan the profound connection and reflection she sees in her children.
Each child has developed their own personality, which their parents cherish. Archie recently celebrated his fifth birthday and has shown a keen interest in construction. Lilibet, on the other hand, has taken an affinity towards singing and dancing.
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa | Source: Getty Images
These interests not only highlight the children’s individual personalities but also how Meghan and Harry nurture these traits. The couple encourages their children to explore and develop their unique talents and passions.
The personal reflections shared by Meghan provide a look into the thoughtful nature of her parenting. She has also talked about the impact of her children’s development on her own perspectives. Meghan gushed: "We’re just doing great. And happy to be watching our family grow up and evolve. Of course, I'm happy. We're really happy."
Meghan Markle, Prince Harry and their son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor during their royal tour of South Africa on September 25, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa | Source: Getty Images
In recent months, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have continued to make public appearances. However, not in the capacity that many once knew them—as "working royals." Instead, they now engage with the world on their terms. They still embody the same commitment that characterized their royal duties.
Among their recent trips was to Africa earlier this month to promote the Invictus Games. Before landing in Nigeria, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry secretly met at London's Heathrow Airport's VIP Windsor Suite, where Meghan landed solo from Los Angeles before joining Harry.
The couple's brief rendezvous was so discreet that only Harry was pictured at the airport when flying out of the UK. The prince visited his homeland to mark the 10th anniversary of the Invictus Games.