Harry and Meghan's real names as expert explains why they're hidden from public

02 December 2023 , 10:00

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Harry and Meghan's real names as expert explains why they're hidden from public

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's real names are kept hidden from the public as the Sussexes rarely use them.

Name consultant SJ Strum has exclusively revealed to The Mirror US the real reason why Meghan and Harry avoid using their first names and use replacements instead. Providing some context, she told us: "Princess Diana revealed she and King Charles disagreed on baby names.

"Charles reportedly wanted Albert and Arthur - names Diana confessed in her 1992 book “Diana: Her story” she vetoed for being too old fashioned. A compromise on Henry; with the nickname Harry."

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Meghan and Harry's real names are Rachel and Henry (Matt Dunham/AP/REX/Shutterstock)

She added: "For Diana, she was raising individuals who we know she was passionate about fitting in with their friends and peers outside royal circles. Names have the power to do just that; maybe she set her little Harry on a path where he could be playful, one of the lads and later shrug aside his royal title and just be Harry not Prince Henry."

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Meanwhile Meghan, whose real first name is Rachel, has gone by her middle name since her teens. SJ praises the Duchess' choice, explaining that the alliteration in ' Meghan Markle ' makes it more "memorable."

However, SJ believes Rachel might have fared better with the British public: "Would Rachel Markle have had an easier time in the UK? Arguably yes, royal memorabilia with a common and everyday name like Rachel, shared by so many of the population does warm people to Royals and helps them be seen as down to earth, something that is really appealing to Brits looking to connect with the young royals."

Meghan's character on Suits was called Rachel (AFP via Getty Images)

"Meghan's parents chose Rachel as it was one of the most popular baby names the year Rachel was born; meaning she would have been one of many Rachel’s in her peer group. I much prefer the flow of Meghan Markle so I see why she chose to be known by her middle name."

Lauren Gordon