The Real Reason Meghan Markle’s Name Is No Longer on Archie’s Birth Certificate

Meghan Markle and her team are speaking out about a recent story that claimed she had her name removed from Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor's birth certificate. Allow us to explain. 

Over the weekend, The Sun reported that the Duchess of Sussex, in an “unprecedented move,” had her first and middle names, Rachel Meghan, removed from the birth certificate. This means that under the mother section of the document, all that remains is her official title: “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex.”

However, it wasn’t long before the 39-year-old’s team got wind of the report and quickly made some clarifications regarding the decision. 

“The change of name on public documents in 2019 was dictated by The Palace, as confirmed by documents from senior Palace officials,” a spokesperson revealed in a statement posted on Twitter. “This was not requested by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex nor by The Duke of Sussex.” The note also went on to accuse publications of click-baiting and not focusing on the important things taking place in the world right now. Ouch. 

We first got a look at Archie’s birth certificate one week after he was born back in May of 2018. It confirmed that Markle was taken to The Portland in London, a private maternity-only hospital near Regent's Park. She gave birth to her son at 5:26 a.m. on May 6. The private women's-only hospital, which reportedly costs upward of £15,000 (nearly $20,000) for a delivery, is the same place where both Princess Beatrice and Eugenie were born. The duchess was originally listed with her full name as Rachel Meghan Markle on the birth certificate, with the title of Princess of the United Kingdom. 

We wonder what other changes were made at the Royal Family’s request. 

Stay up-to-date on all things Meghan Markle by subscribing here.