Following their royal wedding on May 19, 2018, at St George’s Castle in Windsor Castle, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle became parents for the first time on May 06, 2019. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born at the Portland Hospital and he is fifth in the line to the succession of the throne. 

On Archie’s birth certificate, Prince Harry has his full name written, His Royal Highness Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex. Meanwhile, Meghan Markle goes by Rachel Meghan Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex in the same document. However, it might surprise you that both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have different names written on their daughter Lilibet’s birth certificate. What is the reason behind the different names of the Sussex royals?

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have used their maiden names on Lilibet’s birth certificates

Unlike Archie, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor was born at the Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California on June 04, 2022. At the time of their daughter’s birth, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were not working royals. They had stepped down from their role and relocated to the United States from the United Kingdom. Also, following their exit, the couple was stripped from the titles of His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness.

Thus, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had to use their maiden names in Santa Barbara. The younger prince has The Duke of Sussex, His Royal Highness written on Lilibet’s birth certificate as it is his legal name. Markle, on the other hand, is addressed as Rachel Meghan Markle in the document as mentioned by TMZ.

It might surprise you that Meghan is not the first name of the Duchess legally. Over the years, she has adapted her middle name, Meghan, as her first name.  Interestingly, on Archie’s birth certificate, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have listed Prince of the United Kingdom and Princess of the United Kingdom as their professions. However, this is not the case with their daughter’s documents.

Do you think it was a good decision for Sussexes to move out of the United Kingdom? Let us know in the comments.