Meghan Markle changes name on Prince Archie's birth certificate as royal rift deepens

In a move that has no precedent, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle erased the Duchess of Sussex's first names from their son Archie's birth certificate .

Archie, born on May 6, 2019, had his birth registered 11 days later, with an amendment coming not too long after, on June 5. 'Rachel Meghan' was removed from the designation 'mum' on his birth papers, which now read 'Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex'.

It is asserted that this action could be interpreted as a slight towards the Prince and Princess of Wales since all three of their children have Kate's names on their birth certificates. It could also signal Harry positioning Meghan at a similar standing to his mother, Princess Diana, who went by "Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales".

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This peculiar change happened amidst rampant rumors of a rift between Harry, his brother William, and their partners, according to The Sun. Interestingly, the changes occurred just days before Harry and Meghan decided to part ways with the joint charity of the 'Fab Four', and within months, they had exited the Royal Family - a move commentators labeled as 'Megxit'. Harry and Meghan since relocated to North America and warmly welcomed their second child, Lilibet, into the world.

Lady Colin Campbell, who unearthed the amendment, commented: "It is extraordinary and raises all kinds of questions about what the Sussexes were thinking." Dickie Arbiter, former press secretary to the Queen, suggested the changes could be "an early part of their plan."

Royal expert Ingrid Seward chimed in: "For a royal to change a birth certificate is unprecedented but to remove forenames is remarkable. Perhaps this is another sign they were desperate to do something different to the Cambridges."

The couple's relationship with the Royal family doesn't seem to be improving following the release of Harry's memoir, Spare, last year, which detailed his account of his relationship with senior members of the Firm, including his father, King Charles, and brother, Prince William. The couple's two children are now known as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet following the late Queen's death.