Prince Harry and Meghan Markle 'rejected' THIS royal title for Archie to protect him from cruel teasing

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attend a Creative Industries and Business Reception on October 02, 2019 in Johannesburg, South Africa
(Image credit: Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reportedly declined to use a significant royal title for their son Archie after both had concerns about the “potential pitfalls” and "unfortunate nicknames" that could arise from it.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle allegedly decided against using a prestigious title for their son Archie after concerns it could lead to 'unfortunate nicknames'. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child in May 2019 and the exciting arrival of the Queen’s new great-grandchild came almost exactly a year after Harry and Meghan got married at St George’s Chapel. The couple went on to reveal their son’s full name is Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

This might well have surprised some fans, who could’ve expected that as the son of Prince Harry, who is now sixth in line to the throne, Archie would have a royal title.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor during a photocall in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle on May 8, 2019

However, Archie is not a prince, as royal protocol brought in by George V in 1917 states that only children and grandchildren of a sovereign have the automatic right to the title HRH and prince or princess. However, it was speculated that Archie could perhaps use another title.

Though Harry is most commonly referred to as Prince Harry or the Duke of Sussex, he also has subsidiary titles, such as Earl of Dumbarton. Reports have previously suggested that Archie could perhaps have used this title, though now it’s been claimed that his parents decided against it for a key reason. 

According to The Telegraph, multiple sources have alleged to the publication that Harry and Meghan decided against using this Scottish noble title as they had concerns it might attract "unfortunate nicknames" or that Archie could be "bullied" because of it. This is said to be because the title has the word “dumb” in it, which is more prevalent in the US as slang for “stupid”.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and their baby son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor meet Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter Thandeka Tutu-Gxashe

“They didn’t like the idea of Archie being called the Earl of Dumbarton because it began with the word 'dumb' [and] they were worried about how that might look”, a source is said to have claimed to The Telegraph.

Whilst another insider reportedly added: “It wasn’t just Meghan who pointed out the potential pitfalls, it also bothered Harry.” 

The Earl of Dumbarton is what Harry is known as when he is in Scotland, whilst he is known as Baron Kilkeel in Northern Ireland. Neither Prince Harry or Meghan have spoken out on the recent claims.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for their visit to Social Bite on February 13, 2018 in Edinburgh, Scotland

The couple have recently welcomed their first daughter, Lilibet 'Lili' Diana and are embracing life in their new LA home since they "stepped back" as senior working royals. However, Archie and Lilibet will be eligible to gain a royal title when Prince Charles becomes king.

At this time, the Sussex children will be grandchildren of the monarch and therefore entitled to the titles of prince and princess.  

Emma Shacklock
Senior Lifestyle Writer

Emma is a Senior Lifestyle Writer with six years of experience working in digital publishing, ranging from book publishing to magazines. She currently looks after all things Lifestyle for Woman&Home, Goodto.com, and My Imperfect Life.