Why Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan's baby will have a different surname
The arrival of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s child is quickly approaching, but the royal baby’s surname is still in question.
While royals are recognisable without last names, they may still be required to use one for certain situations, such as when they are attending school, enlisting in the military, or signing official government papers.
It is common for royal parents to use their assigned dukedom for their children’s surname. For example, Prince William and Prince Harry went by William Wales and Harry Wales when they served in the military due to their father being the Prince of Wales. Similarly, Prince George is given the last name Cambridge after his parents, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
If Harry and Meghan decide to continue this protocol, their child will take on the last name of Sussex, after their titles as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
However, the couple might take on a very different last name: Mountbatten-Windsor. This is the official surname for the descendants of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II who don’t hold a royal title, such as His/Her Royal Highness, Prince and Princess.
As Prince Harry is not in the direct line of throne succession, his children will not carry any royal titles. Nevertheless, the Queen may grant the child a royal title should she wish to do so.
What do you think the surname of Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan’s child should be? Let us know in the comments.