The royal family have a new addition to welcome to the world! A baby boy, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was born at 5:26 am (London time) on May 6th. He weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces at birth. The boy is seventh in line to the British throne, behind his grandfather Prince Charles, uncle Prince William, cousins Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, and his own father Prince Harry. He is Queen Elizabeth’s eighth great-grandchild. The boy was a week overdue, but all reports say that he is healthy.
Prince Harry spoke with the press, overjoyed to be a first-time father. “How any woman does what they do is beyond comprehension, but we’re both absolutely thrilled and so grateful to all the love and support from everybody out there.” He delighted at the births of all of his brother’s children, and royal watchers believed it was only a matter of time before he and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, welcomed their own bundle of joy. The pair married in May of 2018.
No pictures please, we’re British
The young royals shunned convention and opted not to have a public photo op with their new son. This contrasts with what the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge did for all of their children. They even chose to give birth somewhere other than the famed St. Mary’s Hospital, where Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge had their children. Some are speculating that the royals opted for a home birth. Queen Elizabeth herself was born at the home of her maternal grandparents, and all of her children were also born at home.
What’s in a name?
The baby boy is believed to be the first multiracial child born to a senior member of the royal family in several centuries. Some speculate that his parents chose the name “Archie Harrison” because it bucks tradition. “Archie” is not a traditional royal name, the way that his cousin’s names of George, Charlotte, and Louis are. “Harrison” simply means “son of Harry”. “Mountbatten-Windsor” is the surname of all male descendants of the Queen who do not have a royal style or title (more on that later). Many gambling outlets predicted other names, such as Spencer (Princess Diana’s maiden name), James, Alexander, Arthur, and Albert.
Many thought that the baby would receive the title of Earl of Dumbarton, though it seems that the Duke and Duchess have decided not to give him an official title at this time. He could receive that title in the future, when his grandfather, Prince Charles, presumably assumes the throne. The Earl of Dumbarton is a possibility because the first son of a duke may use a lesser title that belongs to his father. The Queen bestowed the title of Earl of Dumbarton upon Prince Harry on the day of his wedding.
Pass the cigars!
Well wishers from all over the royal family, from Meghan’s former life as an actress, and all across the globe have used social media to share their joy. Former First Lady Michelle Obama tweeted her best wishes to the young couple, saying “Barack and I are so thrilled for both of you and can’t wait to meet him.”
