The clue in Archie’s name that gave away the Sussex’s plans to leave
The news of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan announcing their departure from the British Royal Family has left many shocked at the decision.
However, for royal fans that have kept a close eye on the couple, the decision wasn’t a surprise and it all comes down to the naming of their eight-month-old son Archie.
Before Archie was born, there were whispers about what his name would be, and it was expected that the newborn would receive a royal title.
As per royal tradition, Archie could have assumed the title Earl of Dumbarton, but the new parents decided to opt out of the title.
Instead, Harry and Meghan decided to name him Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, also known as Master Archie.
Speaking to The Express, Majesty magazine managing editor Joe Little said that the name choice for Archie could have signalled the first sign that the couple were planning to break rank.
"The fact Archie isn't Earl of Dumbarton or styled HRH makes me wonder whether this wasn't already part of a wider masterplan," he told the publication.
Others are saying that the couple’s request for privacy surrounding the birth of Archie when Duchess Kate had a photoshoot on the steps of the hospital after the birth of her children signalled that something was wrong.
The speculation comes after the Queen issued a statement after ironing out some of the details of the Duke and Duchess of Sussexes departure from the royal family.
“My family and I are entirely supportive of Harry and Meghan’s desire to create a new life as a young family,” the statement reads.
“Although we would have preferred them to remain full-time working Members of the Royal Family, we respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life as a family while remaining a valued part of my family.
“It has therefore been agreed that there will be a period of transition in which the Sussexes will spend time in Canada and the UK.
“These are complex matters for my family to resolve, and there is some more work to be done, but I have asked for final decisions to be reached in the coming days.”
Some royal commentators noted that the Queen not referencing to the couple as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex by their titles means that they might be stripped of their titles in the future.
However, Prince Harry’s biographer Penny Junor was impressed by the statement from the Queen.
“It’s quite optimistic. It’s the best that could be hoped for,” she explained.
“At least she’s telling us they will be part of her family. She couldn’t have done anything else. There was a gun to her head.”