From her son’s birth certificate to an artist’s controversial portrait, Meghan Markle has been at the center of fervent discussions. What are the different names Meghan has embraced since stepping into the royal spotlight?
Meghan Markle has undergone subtle yet significant changes since stepping into the royal spotlight. Beyond her royal title, she has quietly altered her name on multiple occasions, sparking curiosity about her evolving identity.
Earlier reports highlight four notable instances of Meghan’s name changes: on her son’s birth certificate, on a royal website, from a Nigerian royalty, and in a portrait.
Meghan Uses Royal Title in Son’s Birth Certificate
In January 2021, it was reported that Meghan and Harry quietly altered their son Archie’s birth certificate for the first time. They removed Meghan’s first name, “Rachel Meghan,” leaving only “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex.” This change sparked speculation and controversy.
Archie was born on May 6, 2019, and his birth was officially registered on May 17. Officials updated his birth certificate on June 5, amidst rumors of increasing tensions between Harry, his brother William, and their spouses.
Some saw the change as possibly a snub to William and Kate, who used Kate’s full names on their children’s birth certificates. Others viewed it as Harry honoring Meghan, reminiscent of his late mother, Princess Diana, who often referred to herself as “Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales.”
Notably, Meghan’s page introduces her using only her first name, omitting her family name. This was the second time her name changed. This decision reflects a common practice among British Royals, who are frequently referred to by their first names and titles.
Meghan conveyed in her letter how “deeply humbled” she was by the traditional Yoruba name bestowed upon her. “Thank you for your warm welcome to Nigeria. I’m deeply humbled by your blessing of the traditional Yoruba name, Adetokunbo,” wrote Meghan.
The painting of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has since sparked considerable interest among royal fans since it was shared online. Opinions on the portrayals have been mixed, with comments ranging from positive to negative, showcasing the diverse reactions to this intriguing artistic interpretation.