ROYALSA Snub? Meghan Markle Says Buckingham Palace Removed Her Name From Son Archie’s Birth Certificate
After it was reported that Meghan Markle removed her name on her son Archie’s birth certificate, there was intense speculation about whether or not the move was to snub Kate Middleton. Now, the couple has given a reason for the change.
Archie was born on May 6, 2019, but his birth was not registered until May 17. The adjustment was changed on June 5 of that year, and Markle’s name was changed from Rachel Meghan to "Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex," while Prince Harry's name read "His Royal Highness Prince Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex."
Rumor had it that the change was a slap in Middleton's face since she has included her name on her children's birth certificates in the past.
Princess Diana was also listed as "Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales" on both Prince William and Harry’s birth certificates.
"The change of name on public documents in 2019 was dictated by The Palace, as confirmed by documents from senior Palace officials," a representative for Markle said on Sunday, January 31. "This was not requested by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex nor by The Duke of Sussex."
The spokesperson also said that the suggestion that the change was "a calculated family 'snub'" or that Meghan "would oddly want to be nameless on her child’s birth certificate, or any other legal document, would be laughable were it not offensive."
"It is extraordinary and raises all kinds of questions about what the Sussexes were thinking," Lady Colin Campbell said of the amendment.
"For a royal to change a birth certificate is unprecedented but to remove forenames is remarkable," royal expert Ingrid Seward remarked. "Perhaps this is another sign they were desperate to do something different to the Cambridges."
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Markle decided early in her acting career to go by Meghan rather than by her first name, Rachel.
Markle and Harry tied the knot in May 2018, and they welcomed Archie one year later. Shortly after their son was born, the couple announced that they would step back from royal duties in January 2020.
The duo then moved to California.
Harry has reportedly mended his relationship with Prince William, but the couple apparently wants their "Megxit" deal extended for another year.
As OK! previously reported, Harry is said to be planning a return to London for events such as Prince Philip's 100th birthday, Queen Elizabeth's 95th birthday, in addition to the unveiling of a statue of Princess Diana. However, Markle is apparently not joining her husband at the events.
"It should be strongly stressed that there is still an element of uncertainty about this because of the unpredictable Covid situation, but the understanding is the duke is more than likely to come back on his own," a source said.
"This is a personal and practical decision by the couple, but it would certainly help officials navigate what is likely to be a fairly tricky situation."
The Palace did not comment on the name change on Archie’s birth certificate.
The Sun was the first to report on Archie's birth certificate change.
