Archie – the newest British royal
Harry and Meghan announce ‘dream’ son’s unusual name
WINDSOR: Britain’s Prince Harry and wife Meghan announced their new “dream” son’s name is Archie, hours after showing him off to the world for the first time.
“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are pleased to announce they have named their first born child: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor,” the couple announced on their Instagram account, ending months of speculation on Wednesday.
The informal choice defied the bookmakers’ predictions and confirmed the couple’s determination not to be bound by tradition.
Archie’s proud parents emerged in front of the cameras inside Windsor Castle earlier Wednesday to show off their son, ahead of introducing him to great-grandmother Queen Elizabeth II.
“He’s just been a dream,” said a smiling Meghan, 37, in her first public comments since giving birth to the 3.26kg baby, who stayed firmly asleep during his public unveiling.
“He has the sweetest temperament. He’s really calm,” added the Duchess of Sussex, as Prince Harry cradled the newborn, wrapped in a white blanket, by her side.
Royal watchers had been desperate for a glimpse of the new baby, who is seventh in line to the British throne, ever since the couple announced his birth to their 6.5 million followers on Instagram with the message “It’s aBOY!”
“Parenting is amazing,” said 34-year-old Harry, the day after brother Prince William had jokingly welcomed him to the “sleep deprivation society that is parenting”.
“We’re just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy.”
Meghan added: “It’s been a special couple of days.”
The couple revealed Elizabeth’s husband Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, had got a sneak preview in a chance encounter in the corridors of Windsor Castle.
“We just bumped into the Duke as we were walking by, which was so nice,” said Meghan.
“It’ll be a nice moment to introduce the baby to more family.”
The inspiration behind the name is now likely to be the main source of speculation.
The name has traditionally been used as a shortened version of the old English and Scottish name Archibald, meaning “truly brave”, but has recently become increasingly popular in its own right.