Say what you want about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but we bet that you know more about them than you are willing to admit. It is hard not to learn anything about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in this day and age. We have all heard of their decision to step down as senior royals, as well as the recent Oprah interview. But with everything going on, there is something else that has escaped the notice of the public. You see, there has apparently been a sneaky change to the birth certificate of their son… and it can have huge implications in the future.
They Made A Subtle Change To Archie’s Birth Certificate, And It Caused A Royal Fuss
No One Noticed It Right Away
This sly switcheroo evaded the radar of the general public. It did not take long before the tabloids picked up on it, however. Everyone had their own theories about what it could mean. Who would have thought that a piece of paper can create a ruckus this big? Things truly are different when you are a royal.
No One Noticed It Right Away
Meghan Seemed Bothered By It
It looks like the gossip annoyed the mother most of all. When her spokesman talked to Harper’s Bazaar, they said that all the rumors surrounding the change “would be laughable were [they] not offensive.” Her camp dismissed the claims by saying, “There’s a lot going on in the world. Let’s focus on that instead of creating clickbait.” It is clear that they want people to stop speculating about it.
Meghan Seemed Bothered By It
So Subtle It Was Hardly Noticeable
If you ask us, the most interesting part of the story is that the change was so subtle that it is surprising that anyone even noticed it at all. However, we know by now that people go gaga over anything related to the royals. Her press time did not want us to focus on it, but it did not raise eyebrows for no reason.
So Subtle It Was Hardly Noticeable
Why No One Paid Attention To It
We are not surprised if this is the first time that you have heard of it. This coincided with the Oprah interview, which overshadowed the birth certificate change. Aside from that, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had great news to share with the rest of the world. On Valentine’s Day of 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared that they had a second child on the way. With so many things going on, the press and public chose to focus on this instead. A new addition to the line of succession is a big deal.
Why No One Paid Attention To It
A Couple Of Weeks Later
Archie’s birth certificate, however, was updated a couple of weeks after he was born on May 6, 2019. It was only natural for the couple to be delighted with his birth. Prince Harry made this clear only a couple of days later. When he talked to the press, the Duke of Sussex shared, “How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension, but we’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful for all the love and support from everybody out there. It’s been amazing, so we just wanted to share this with everybody.”
A Couple Of Weeks Later
Moving Forward With The Press
But the couple soon realized that they did not want to share everything with the general public. This was especially evident in April 2020. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle informed a couple of tabloids that they do not plan to work with them in the future. This decision was made because of the treatment that the Duchess of Sussex received both during and after the birth of her first child.
Moving Forward With The Press
Documentary About Harry And Meghan
Did you see the documentary about them that came out in 2019? In Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, she talked about the way the press made her feel. “Any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging. And then when you have a newborn, you know… especially as a woman, it’s really, it’s a lot,” the Duchess of Sussex shared.
Documentary About Harry And Meghan
He Was There For Her
Prince Harry took her side right away. He took his duty as a husband and father very seriously. This might have to do with the fact that he has always been in the limelight. Among other things, they did not have photo ops at the christening of their son. It was a private affair that left the press in the dark.
He Was There For Her
Because Of His Mother
A source close to the royal family defended his actions. In 2019, this person told the Daily Express, “[Harry] is fiercely determined to protect his newborn from the glare of public opinion which he has had to bear. [It] became especially oppressive when he lost his mother Diana.” This insider was clearly talking about the tragic death of Princess Diana. She died in a car crash in Paris in 1997.
Because Of His Mother
Protective Of His Own Family
The tipster went on to say that Prince Harry is “fiercely protective of Archie and has promised him he will never have to go through that.” Mind you, the Duke of Sussex is not the only one making the shots here. The source added, “Meghan, who has lived a large part of her life in front of cameras, agrees wholeheartedly.” We wonder if they were disappointed that people noticed the birth certificate change.
Protective Of His Own Family
A Normal Life For Him
It has come to light that the couple wants Archie to have a pretty normal life. This will not come easy, but they are willing to try. It must help that the little boy did not get a lordship. He did not even receive the title of prince. Meghan told Oprah that it was not up to them, but this remains up for debate.
A Normal Life For Him
Perhaps In The Future
There is still a chance that Archie will earn the prince title in the future. This might happen when Prince Charles, his grandfather, ascends the throne. By then, the little boy will be sixth in line in the succession. Oh, and he will have to take on the royal duties that both of his parents have since stepped down from.
Perhaps In The Future
Less Strict With The Rules
It is not exactly surprising to hear that the royal family has since gotten less strict when it comes to the rules. We wonder how Archie will do when he gets the prince title. This will likely not happen soon. After all, he is only a toddler. But this only makes the interest in his birth certificate all the more appropriate!
Less Strict With The Rules
What They Learned From It
The press first talked about the document change on May 17th, 2019. This was nine days after the birth of Archie. Both royal watchers and fans found it to be a goldmine of information. After all, it confirmed his birth of place. People were surprised to learn where it took place since no one had guessed it.
What They Learned From It
Where She Went For The Labor
No, Meghan Markle did not give birth to Archie in Windsor. Most people go to the hospital to deliver their child, and she did the same thing. To be specific, she went to the Portland Hospital, which is a private medical facility in London. Both Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie were born there.
Where She Went For The Labor
Her Job Was Listed There
There was something else that people found curious about the birth certificate of the little boy. It listed Meghan’s job too. It did not say “actress” nor mention her old roles in TV shows and movies. People were surprised to see that the form instead listed her occupation as “Princess of the United Kingdom.”
Her Job Was Listed There
How Her Name Was Listed
That is already interesting enough on its own, but it was not what caught the attention of those who noticed the switch. A couple of months after his birth, a new birth certificate was issued for Archie. People focused on the way her name was listed there. The original birth certificate listed the mother as “Rachel Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.” In case you did not know, her real first name is Rachel.
How Her Name Was Listed
It Was Changed For Some Reason
The Sun reported that this part was different in the second document. In the new document, the mother was listed as simply “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex.” This change was made in June 2019, although it only got out in early 2021. The press had a field day when this came to light.
It Was Changed For Some Reason
What It Might Have Meant
People wanted to know if this meant anything. Why did they change her name on the birth certificate? There was already a lot of tension in the royal family at the time. People wondered if that had anything to do with this. It turns out that there was already bad blood even prior to the Oprah interview.
What It Might Have Meant
Stepping Down From Their Duties
It is possible that the feud dates all the way back to January 2020. This was when the duke and duchess shared their choice to “step back as senior members of the royal family.” They talked about their desire to be financially independent even though they would still “fully support Her Majesty The Queen.”
Stepping Down From Their Duties
A Life Of Their Own
In March 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle crossed the pond. They have since settled down in her home state of California in the United States. It does not look like they plan to return to the United Kingdom in the near future, at least according to a source close to the royal family. The insider shared this with People: “This is what Meghan and Harry have always wanted – to create their own life. It’s got to feel like an immense relief to get out of the U.K. and go down their own path.”
A Life Of Their Own
It Came With Certain Disadvantages
By doing this, the couple had to bid adieu to certain royal perks. In February 2021, the world found out that they did not plan to resume their royal roles after the probationary period that went on for twelve months. Among other things, this meant that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle lost their patronages.
It Came With Certain Disadvantages
The Change In The Document
We wonder if this had anything to do with the birth certificate change. Meghan’s role in the royal family has since changed, after all. It might be the reason they updated the document. It sounds plausible, but the edit only took place in 2021. The shortened birth certificate had been approved back in June 2019.
The Change In The Document
There Were A Lot Of Theories
What reason did they have to chop down her name on the birth certificate of her son? Let us take a look at all the ideas floated by others. A lot of theories had to do with the feud said to have occurred between the royal couples. Is there any truth to the tension between the Cambridges and the Sussexes?
There Were A Lot Of Theories
Compared To Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton has her name on the birth certificates of her kids. People wondered if Meghan Markle tried something else to go against the tide. If not, maybe this was her way to distance herself from Prince William and Kate Middleton. Could this have been a hint even before they left for North America?
Compared To Kate Middleton
Too Similar To Princess Diana
It also occurred to people that Prince Harry might have had a part in this. On his own birth certificate, his mother is listed as “Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales.” This does look close to “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex.” These titles are close enough for people to start spreading rumors.
Too Similar To Princess Diana
Who Gets The Blame For It
Who deserves the blame for these things? A royal watcher by the name of Lady Colin Campbell had been the first one to point out the difference between the birth certificates. When she talked to the Daily Express, she explained, “It is extraordinary and raises all kinds of questions about what the Sussexes were thinking.” A royal expert called Ingrid Seward agreed and said it was “unprecedented.”
Who Gets The Blame For It
There Was Something Else There
People talked about this so much that they missed something else in the document. It was about names and titles too. The first one listed the father as “His Royal Highness Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex.” But in the new version of the document, they tacked on the “Prince” title before his first name.
There Was Something Else There
To Fix His Legal Name
“The omission of ‘Prince’ from Harry’s title would seem to be more urgent, as it is a part of his legal name,” Erin Vanderhoof of Vanity Fair said. It makes sense that they would fix this part for that reason. The writer went on, “The title is included on the birth certificates of Prince William’s three children.”
To Fix His Legal Name
Not Part Of The Title
There was a logical way to explain the way for her name change. You see, her first and middle names are not part of her title. At the time, the proper title for her was Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Sussex. It makes sense as “Prince” was added to the father to ensure that it followed his official name and title.
Not Part Of The Title
It Makes A Lot Of Sense
This makes the most sense to us, but both the public and the press wondered if Meghan was the one who asked for the change. It looks like this is not the case. The Duchess of Sussex herself wanted to clarify this part with the gossipers. She explained that she was not the one to make these changes.
It Makes A Lot Of Sense
The Palace Dictated It
Her spokesperson took the time to explain this to Harper’s Bazaar. This happened once the birth certificate change started to make headlines. “The change of name on public documents in 2019 was dictated by the palace, as confirmed by documents from senior palace officials. This was not requested by Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, nor by the Duke of Sussex,” they said.
The Palace Dictated It
The Attention Is Laughable
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex had something to tell The Sun too. The statement went on, “To see this U.K. tabloid and [its] carnival of so-called ‘experts’ [choose] to deceptively whip this into a calculated family ‘snub’ and suggest that she would oddly want to be nameless on her child’s birth certificate, or any other legal document, would be laughable, were it not offensive.” You can tell they were not happy.
The Attention Is Laughable
A Lot Going On Out There
The statement had one last thing to say to everyone who was speculating about this. The spokesperson basically told both the press and the public to get a life. As a way to conclude the matter, they said, “There’s a lot going on in the world. Let’s focus on that instead of creating clickbait.”
A Lot Going On Out There
It Is The Ultimate Reply
While it was a strong statement, it did not mark the end of this. In February 2021, a royal insider shared the identity of the people behind this with the Daily Mail. This person claimed that it had been the aides of the couple: “The certificate was changed by the former office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. It was changed to ensure consistency of the name and title of the duchess with other private documents.”
It Is The Ultimate Reply
Just Got Lost In Translation
You might feel confused by now, but there is more in store. A different insider informed the Daily Mail that Meghan’s team in the United States was mistaken. It was allegedly nothing more than a case of “lost in translation.” This tipster felt like the Duke and Duchess of Sussex made the wrong call by releasing a statement on this. They believed that it only added fuel to the fire instead of putting it out.
Just Got Lost In Translation
No One Has Owned Up To It
In the end, no one admitted responsibility for the changes. To be honest, it was likely less significant than the press was making it out to be. The source also told the Daily Mail, “These are civil documents. There is no protocol.” Oh well. You know what they say about making a mountain out of a molehill…
No One Has Owned Up To It
A Second Child On The Way
At any rate, we are keeping our fingers crossed that the second child will arrive with no complications. Perhaps they can get the birth certificate right the first time around. When they spoke to Oprah, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex let the world know that they have a baby girl due in the summer of 2021.
A Second Child On The Way
They Now Live In California
Right now, the family calls California their home. Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and Archie are a long way from the rest of the royals. In April, he got to return to the United Kingdom for the funeral of Prince Philip. It is also possible that he might cross the pond to unveil a statue of his mother later this year.
They Now Live In California
Nothing Is Set In Stone
Of course, his schedule is going to depend on the birth of his second child as well. On the other hand, it looks like Prince William will carry out his royal duties even though he has three children of his own. It is pretty obvious that the brothers and their respective wives have different ideas on how to raise kids.
Nothing Is Set In Stone
Parenthood Is Not Easy For Anyone
Parenting is never going to be easy no matter how you look at it. We bet that it is even harder for royals since there are so many rules. For one thing, you almost always see Prince George in shorts since this is a tradition for royal princes. They often do this until they are eight years old. Kids do not usually like the idea of having someone else pick out their clothes. We wonder if he is old enough to understand!
Parenthood Is Not Easy For Anyone
In The History Of The Royal Family
You can say that royal parenting has a checkered history. For example, Queen Victoria did not like motherhood. It is said that she went through a controlled and suffocating childhood of her own. Experts believe that she would rather not have had children of her own if she had the choice. Regardless, she went on to have nine of them. She made up her mind to mold them all into perfect little royals.
In The History Of The Royal Family
From One Generation To The Next
Her harsh ways have been passed on to new generations. King George VI is her great-grandson, as well as the dad of Queen Elizabeth II. He is said to have developed his famous stutter due to the pressure and strict rules courtesy of her father. The Queen is not immune to problematic parenting techniques either.
From One Generation To The Next
She Was Not An Affectionate Mother
Reports say that Queen Elizabeth II was not a very demonstrative mother to her kids. It makes sense since she had to rule the commonwealth at the same time. She has less time on her hands than most mothers. Nannies had to step in to raise the kids, while Price Philip tried to shape Prince Charles into his idea of an heir. Among other things, this involved a lot of harsh words and pressure.
She Was Not An Affectionate Mother
When Prince Charles Was Growing Up
It does not look like Prince Charles had the easy childhood most people imagine. We can’t deny that he was born into privilege, but it was still challenging for him. When the Queen returned home after six months away, she greeted her five-year-old son with a handshake. Biographer Jonathan Dimbeley said Prince Philip wanted to “toughen up” their eldest child, but it turned into plain bullying at times.
When Prince Charles Was Growing Up
Princess Diana As A Mother
It all changed when Princess Diana joined the royal family. She wanted Prince William and Prince Harry to be normal kids. It did not matter to her that they might ascend the throne in the future. When she went on a tour of New Zealand, she did not leave baby William with a nanny but took him with her.
Princess Diana As A Mother
Her Desire To Be Around Them
As a mother, she wanted to be involved with the lives of her sons. Diana went as far as to arrange her schedule around them. She also made them go to school instead of relying on a governess. She showed them a lot of affection. You can even see photos of her running to the boys with outstretched arms!
Her Desire To Be Around Them
They Had A Nice Childhood
Prince William and Prince Harry fondly look back on the childhood their mother gave them. In 2017, the latter talked about this in Diana, Our Mother: Her Life and Legacy. “She made the decision that no matter what, despite all the difficulties of growing up in that limelight and on that stage, she was going to ensure that both of us had as normal life as possible,” he shared in the TV documentary.
They Had A Nice Childhood
Comparing Their Wives To Princess Diana
In August 1997, Diana died in Paris and left the two boys behind. They were both still young back then. In fact, Prince Harry was just 12 years old. Once they grew up and married lovely women, everyone wanted to see if Kate Middleton and Meghan Markel have similar motherhood styles to that of Diana.
Comparing Their Wives To Princess Diana
In Their Own Ways
They did in their own ways. In 2020, Fabulous got to discuss this with a parenting expert by the name of Sue Atkins. She talked about how Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have been tackling motherhood. She called Kate a “lighthouse mom,” which means that she prefers to guide the kids from the sidelines.
In Their Own Ways
Kate Is A Warm Mother
We agree with that. After all, this really seems to be what Kate does. She looks like a warm mother like Diana. In November 2015, the Duchess of Cambridge talked about her past at an event for a children’s mental health charity called Place2Be. “I know that I was lucky. My parents and teachers provided me with a wonderful and secure childhood where I always knew I was loved, valued and listened to.”
Kate Is A Warm Mother
The Way She Was Raised
Over the years, Kate Middleton has stressed that she is just trying to raise the kids in the same way that her parents raised her and her siblings. In 2017, she talked about this during a visit to a children’s school in London. “My parents taught me about the importance of qualities like kindness, respect and honesty. I realize how central values like these have been to me throughout my life,” she shared.
The Way She Was Raised
A Traditional Childhood For Them
There is no need to worry as Kate had always wanted to let the kids have a traditional childhood. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge do not want their kids to use screens too much and prefer to have them play outside. Insiders say that Prince George only gets an hour of screen time each day.
A Traditional Childhood For Them
Not Allowed To Have iPads
It is interesting to hear that Prince William and Kate Middleton do not let the kids have iPads. “They’re very much seen as Mummy and Daddy’s toys, not for children,” a tipster shared with Us Weekly in 2017. They went on, “As two people who grew up without gadgets for entertainment themselves, William and Kate are firm believers in toys, outdoor play and encouraging an active imagination.”
Not Allowed To Have IPads
The Children Play Outdoors
Kate Middleton insists on making the kids play outdoors as much as possible. Have you seen “Back to Nature”? It is a garden she designed herself in 2019. Ahead of the unveiling, the duchess revealed, “In recent years I have focused much of my work on the early years, and how instrumental they are for outcomes later in life. I believe that spending time outdoors when we are young can play a role in laying the foundations for children to become happy, healthy adults.”
The Children Play Outdoors
Her Eldest Child Will Be King
As you can see, Kate wants to give her kids normal lives as well. But it is not easy when one of them is being primed for the throne. In 2016, Prince William informed the BBC that his firstborn still did not know this. He said that there was going to “be a time and a place” to explain that he will likely be king.
Her Eldest Child Will Be King
Third In Line For The Throne
Prince George is third in line for the throne, coming only after his grandfather and father. It is the reason the press has been especially interested in the little boy. This can cause trouble in the future. In August 2015, Kensington Palace condemned the “extreme lengths” taken by the press to take photos of him.
Third In Line For The Throne
Away From The Public Eye
The statement said that both the Duke and Duchess of Sussex felt “concerned about their ability to provide a childhood for Prince George and Princess Charlotte that is free from harassment and surveillance.” Once, a pap even hid in a car outside a kiddie playground to get photos of the little prince!
Away From The Public Eye
Not The Same For Archie
This is not exactly a problem for Meghan Markle as Archie is further down the line of succession. It is not likely that he will find himself on the throne. Prince Charles will ascend the throne after the death of Queen Elizabeth. William comes after him, and then his own children. They all come before Archie.
Not The Same For Archie
She Was Under A Ton Of Pressure
In October 201, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shot an ITV documentary. It is called Harry and Meghan: An African Journey. In it, she got emotional as she talked about all the pressure she was experiencing. The press had not made it easy for her. Mind you, she was pregnant and then a new mom!
She Was Under A Ton Of Pressure
Why They Stepped Down
It looks like these things were part of the reason Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their royal duties in January 2020. The Instagram statement laid out their plains. They said that they were still planning to “raise our son with an appreciation for the royal tradition into which he was born.”
Why They Stepped Down
Meghan Is A Lawnmower Mom
But what did Atkins have to say about the parenting style of Meghan? She called the Duchess of Sussex a “lawnmower mom.” It means that she is the type to adopt a modern approach and make decisions. The expert explained, “Even when Meghan was preparing to give birth, she made it clear she would do things her own way as a parent.”
Meghan Is A Lawnmower Mom
Doing Things Her Way
That sounds right to us as well. Meghan has never been the type to do things the traditional way even before she gave birth to Archie. For one thing, she made it clear that she would not head to St. Mary’s Hospital like the other royal mothers before her. In April 2019, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex said that they would prefer to “keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private.”
Doing Things Her Way
Forced To Pose For Photos
What was the matter with the hospital? Sources claim that Meghan did not like the idea of having the mother go outside to pose for the cameras not long after the birth of the baby. In April 2019, a person claiming to be her friend shared with the New York Post that the Duchess of Sussex “felt sorry” that Kate Middleton was “forced” to smile for photos.
Forced To Pose For Photos
Not Eager To Do It Either
The truth is that Kate does not look enthusiastic about this either. She might not have refused to stick to tradition, but she did tell a podcast called Happy Mum, Happy Baby that it had been a “slightly terrifying” experience. The Duchess of Cambridge added, “There were all sorts of mixed emotions. If you ask us, it is both sad and impressive that she has done this thrice in her life already.
Not Eager To Do It Either
A Royal Rebel Of Sorts
Atkins talked more about the way Meghan defies traditions. The expert expounded, “She chose to have her own birth plan rather than stick to the usual birth of royal babies. She also didn’t go along with the day-of-birth photo opportunity that Diana or Kate had and she also chose a modern buggy rather than the classic Silver Cross that was used by royals – and Kate and William – for generations.”
A Royal Rebel Of Sorts
She Has Broken Rules In The Past
Meghan Markle has always been subtle about her defiance of tradition. She is not the type to simply follow the rules because it is the norm. For one thing, she does not dress as “modestly” as her fellow royals. She has gone sleeveless in the past and ditched legwear in public as well. The Duchess of Sussex has also been spotted sporting dark nail polish, which has always been considered a no-no for royals.
She Has Broken Rules In The Past
The Future Of Their Children
People can’t help but wonder if Archie, as well as their future daughter, will be a rule-breaker as well. Let us not forget that Prince Harry earned a reputation as a rebel back in the day. Here is what Atkins shared with Fabulous: “I think she will be proactive in passing on her values and beliefs to her son Archie with an authoritative style of parenting, modeling healthy living, exercise and the importance of talking about problems and feelings.”
The Future Of Their Children
Instilling Important Values In The Children
It is definitely nice to hear that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle want to raise feminist children. In August 2020, she engaged in a question and answer session with Gloria Steinem. Over the course of the conversation, the Duchess of Sussex confessed, “I look at our son and what a beautiful example that he gets to grow up with: a father who is so comfortable owning [feminism] as part of his own self-identification.” We do not know about you, but it sounds like they are trying their best to raise lovely kids!
Instilling Important Values In The Children