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Privacy NoticeThe Duke of Sussex’s relocation the the US has seen him mark many exciting moments in his life – from welcoming his daughter, Princess Lilibet, in June 2021, to various birthdays and anniversaries. However, there is another celebration on the cards as he is turning 40 on 15 September. Before he stepped back from his role, Prince Harry was frequently ranked as one of the favourite members of the Royal Family as he was seen as the cheeky chap who could do no wrong. While times have certainly changed, did you know that Harry uses a completely different name than the one he was given when he was born in 1984?
Prince Harry was named Henry Charles Albert David at birth
(Image: Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images)
Choosing a name for a new royal baby is a delicate art, especially if the child is destined to one day wear the crown. Almost every royal name has at least one, or more, links to previous royals. Whether it’s William, George, Henry or Elizabeth, it’s crucial that there are no overriding historical associations that could spark future comparisons. So when the-then Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales welcomed their second son on 15 September, 1984, the name they chose expertly fitted with royal convention – but there was also a twist.
Prince Harry’s real name is Henry and Meghan’s is Rachel
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
The baby’s name was revealed to be Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales, but it was immediately confirmed that he would be known by the name Harry. While this came as a surprise – Harry isn’t the only member of his family to use a different name. The Duchess of Sussex is globally recognised for her role as an original cast member of the legal drama Suits, where she played Rachel Zane. Interestingly, Rachel is actually Meghan’s real first name. She was named Rachel Meghan at birth, but her parents always referred to her by her middle name. Harry and Meghan are the latest in a long line of royals to alter their names.
King George VI’s real name was Albert
(Image: PA Media)
The late Queen’s father, King George VI, is remembered for many things – his stammer, ascending to the throne after his brother’s abdication in 1936, and his early death from lung cancer. However, he was an incredibly popular king who led Britain through World War II alongside leaders like Winston Churchill. Interestingly, his first name wasn’t George, rather Albert. Born as Prince Albert Frederick Arthur George in 1895, he was named after his great-grandfather, Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria’s real name was Alexandrina
(Image: Getty Images)
Queen Victoria, too, opted for a different regal name when her time on the throne came. She held the title of the longest-reigning British monarch until the late Queen surpassed her on September 9, 2015. Known for having nine children and mourning her husband’s death for 40 years, it might come as a surprise that Victoria wasn’t her birth name. She was born Princess Alexandrina Victoria of Kent on May 24, 1819, at Kensington Palace and was a granddaughter of King George III. It’s believed she chose to be known as Victoria because she didn’t like the name Alexandrina.Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnMeghan MarklePrince HarryRoyal FamilyKing George VIQueen VictoriaKing Charles IIIPrincess DianaHarry and Meghan
