Meghan Markle and Prince Harry continue their plan to step down as senior members of the royal family. Although their announcement seems to surprise everyone, it looks like the two have been dropping clues about their royal exit all along. Is this one particular hint proves that the Sussexes have been thinking to abdicate their seats in the monarchy?
When the royal couple welcomed their first child in May last year, they didn't give baby Archie a royal title. Instead, they gave them a surname -- Mountbatten-Windsor.
According to Express, their decision to never call Archie a duke, prince, or a Lord seems to be a big indicator of what is suppose to happen. By the looks of it, they decide to give him a surname so that they can all share the same name when the time comes that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry quit as senior members of the royal family and their titles get removed.
However, it remains to be a big question until today if Queen Elizabeth II will strip off the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's titles. The two don't have surnames as they are called Duke and Duchess.
If they decide to drop their titles, too, along with their roles, they need to have surnames. Hence, they can also use Mountbatten-Windsor, which baby Archie uses. If this happens, the eight-month-old kid doesn't have to change his name at all. So, they will end up having the same surname.
The use of Mountbatten-Windsor is also a nod to Prince Philip, who reportedly complained of his inability to give his surname to his own children. Since then, the Privy Council declared that the Duke of Edinburgh's last name would be given to all the male-line descendants of Queen Elizabeth II without royal titles.
Prince Harry also reportedly uses the surname when required. Meghan Markle, on the other hand, can use her maiden name if ever needs be.
Queen Elizabeth expressed her support for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. In a statement after the royal crisis summit, she admitted that their decision came with regret, but their "constructive discussions" about her grandson and family's future ended on a positive note.
The entire royal family supports their desire to create a new life as a young family. Although Queen Elizabeth wanted them to remain full-time working members of the monarchy, they respect and understand their wish to live a more independent life. She also revealed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would remain a valued part of their family.
