Why is Duchess Meghan listed as a ‘princess’ on Archie Harrison’s birth certificate?

By Meaghan Wray

When Archie Harrison’s official birth certificate was released (and his birth location revealed!) on May 17, royal watchers likely noticed the spot where mom Meghan’s occupation was listed as “Princess of the United Kingdom.” ... Wait, what?!

Over the past couple weeks, royal watchers have been delighted with news of Prince Harry and Meghan’s royal baby – from the birth date, to his gender and name. This latest detail is likely to spark a buzz, partly because... isn’t her official title the Duchess of Sussex?!

Meghan’s occupation may be princess, but you won’t see people addressing her or referring to her as “Princess Meghan.” Why?

We can look to Duchess Kate for an explanation. Eagle-eyed Royal Family fans will remember her occupation was listed the same way on the birth certificates for Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. So why isn’t she Princess Kate?

“While Catherine is absolutely a princess, her correct title is ‘Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge,’ Victoria Arbiter, CNN’s royal expert, told Yahoo Style in 2016. “She wasn’t born a blood princess, so she is not a princess in her own right. When she married William, she took on the rank of her husband, a royal prince. However, referring to her as ‘Princess Kate’ is simply incorrect.”

Royals are usually given a dukedom when they marry direct descendants of the monarch. They may also become an earl, in the case of a younger son. That’s why Meghan’s occupation is Princess of the United Kingdom, but her title is Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex. So she is not referred to as Princess Meghan because she married Prince Harry in the same way Kate is not referred to as Princess Kate for marrying Prince William.

MORE: Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s royal baby: Everything we know

Regardless, this is still exciting news, as are the details of where Archie was actually born, which were also revealed on the certificate! While many thought 37-year-old Meghan would opt for an at-home birth – avoiding the chaos of the Lindo Wing – she decided to heat to Portland Hospital for Women and Children in London.

The birthing plans were kept mum for quite some time to give Meghan and Harry some well-deserved hours with baby Archie out of the spotlight. Just hours after her labour was announced, it was revealed she’d given birth to a boy. On the certificate, it reads that the royal baby was born at 5:25 a.m., weighing in at 7 lbs. 3 oz.

Meghan and Harry looked delighted to be new parents. Photo: © Getty Images

Holding his son in his arms at Archie's Windsor Castle debut, new dad Harry gushed: “Parenting is amazing. We are just so thrilled to have our own little bundle of joy and to be able to spend some precious times with him as he slowly, slowly stars to grow up.”

MORE: Full royal baby coverage
