Welcome to the world, Archie!
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have officially introduced their newborn son to the world, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor. The couple presented Archie at Windsor Castle to a select group of the worlds media and spoke briefly about their first couple of days as new parents.
The Duchess described Archie as having the "sweetest" temperament and said that being a new mother was "magic". Prince Harry had spoken to the press on Monday following Archie's birth and was adorably giddy when talking about his son. During this photo call they also mentioned that it was still unclear who Archie may resemble more.
Later in the day, the new parents took Archie to meet his great-grandmother, the Queen and his great-grandfather, Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Doria Ragland, the Duchess's mother was also present as she has been staying at Frogmore Cottage with Meghan and Harry for a few weeks. It was after meeting with the Queen that the couple announced his name.
Archie means genuine, bold, and true while Harrison means 'son of Harry', both fitting names for the newest royal baby. His parents have elected to forego titles for now so he will be known simply as Master Archie. Archie is now the heir apparent for the title of Duke of Sussex and can choose to use Earl of Dumbarton, one of his fathers subsidiary titles, as a courtesy title.
Archie is seventh in line to the throne behind his father, cousins (Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte and Prince George), uncle and grandfather. Since he is further down the line of succession he will ultimately have more freedom and choice throughout his life than his cousins are likely to have. By foregoing a title for now, it seems his parents are eager to give him as normal a life as possible.
Since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are foregoing the 'traditional' photo calls that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge participated in, it is unclear when we will see Archie next. William and Catherine shared portraits about a week after each of their children's birth after also presenting them on the steps of the Lindo Wing. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex may decide to follow the example of their in-laws but have no obligation to.
Congratulations to the new parents, and welcome to the world Archie. xx