Prince Harry and Meghan Markle reveal real birth names that not many people know about

Prince Harry has always been known by his nickname – but he has a much longer ‘real’ name that is used on more formal occasions, and he’s previously joked about the confusion.

Both Harry and Meghan go by names that are not actually the ones given to them at birth (Image: Getty)

Many might be taken aback to discover that Prince Harry’s real moniker isn’t actually Harry at all.

His birth name is rather distinct and not commonly known by the general public with the duke making light hearted jokes about the confusion in the past.

The Duke of Sussex was christened Prince Henry Charles Albert David, a far lengthier name than the familiar ‘Harry’ we’re accustomed to calling him.

Moreover, he doesn’t possess a traditional surname, instead being known by either Sussex or Mountbatten-Windsor, OK! reports.

While the world knows him as Harry, his official documents and at formal occasions, his given name Henry is utilised.

Harry has previously joked about why he has ‘no idea’ why nobody addresses him by his real name (Image: Getty Images)

For example, Kensington Palace used “His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales” in their announcement of his engagement, stating that the Royal “and Ms. Meghan Markle Are Engaged to Be Married”.

Prince Harry has even poked fun at the confusion surrounding his name. During the WellChild Awards, he quipped: “My name is Henry, but everyone calls me Harry. I have no idea.”

This humorous exchange occurred when he was questioned by a young lad named Henry, curious about why the Prince was called Harry.

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The rationale behind the nickname Harry as opposed to Henry is somewhat mysterious. However, Metro has shed some light on the matter, explaining that Henry is derived from the Old French Henri.

In medieval England, Harry became a popular diminutive for Henry, which was even used for monarchs such as Henry VIII. Harry carries numerous titles and uses them accordingly.

The Telegraph reports that during his military service, he was known as Captain Harry Wales, a nod to King Charles’s former title as the Prince of Wales.

However, if needed, “Mountbatten-Windsor” is another option, as decreed by the Queen for any Royal Family member requiring a surname.

Interestingly, Meghan Markle has more to her name than what is commonly known. Her full name is Rachel Meghan Markle, with Rachel being the same first name as her character in the hit show Suits.

Meghan Markle’s first name is actually Rachel (Image: Getty Images)

However, Meghan prefers to use her middle name professionally, which is now recognised worldwide.

Following the birth of Archie in 2019, the birth certificate listed Harry, officially known as “His Royal Highness Henry Charles Albert David Duke of Sussex”, and Meghan as “Rachel Meghan Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex.

However, a shift was noticeable a month after Archie’s birth when “Rachel Meghan” was removed from the Duchess title, leaving only “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex.”

Recently, an insider told The Times that Meghan and Harry have chosen Sussex as the official surname for their family of four, aiming to foster unity.