The Duke of Sussex has always been known as Harry to royal fans around the world, but many may well be surprised to hear that it isn’t actually the name he was given at birth
The Duke of Sussex is known around the world as Harry, and he admits he doesn’t know why as it wasn’t the name he was given at birth.
It may be a surprise to many royal fans that Harry isn’t actually used on official documents as his name is really Prince Henry Charles Albert David. He is known to joke about how this is not commonly known and quite a mouthful compared to the regular nickname he is usually called.
Furthermore, Prince Harry doesn’t have a surname as such. Instead, he goes by either Sussex or Mountbatten-Windsor. While fans have always known him as Harry, his birth name Henry is used in official documents and during formal events.
For instance, when his engagement to Meghan Markle was announced by Kensington Palace, the notice referred to Harry as “His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales”. At the WellChild Awards, while engaging in friendly banter, he remarked: “My name is Henry, but everyone calls me Harry. I have no idea.”
This was in response to a young boy named Henry who was intrigued about why he was called Harry. The reason for referring to him as Harry instead of Henry remains something of a mystery but it could be that Henry originates from the Old French Henri. The English began using Harry as a popular nickname for Henry during the medieval period, which also applied to monarchs like Henry VIII.
While serving in the military, Harry was referred to as Captain Harry Wales, referencing his father’s title as the Prince of Wales. If required, “Mountbatten-Windsor” is an alternate option for a surname, as decreed by the late Queen.
Meanwhile, Meghan also doesn’t use the full name that she was given at birth as it is Rachel Meghan Markle, and her character on Suits even shared the same first name, Rachel Zane. However, she chose to use her middle name professionally, which is now known worldwide.
Following the arrival of their son Archie, his birth certificate listed his parents’ official titles as “His Royal Highness Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex ” and “Rachel Meghan Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex”. An alteration occurred a month post-Archie’s birth when “Rachel Meghan” was cut out from the Duchess’ title, simply leaving it as “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex.”
