Here’s What You Need To Know About The New Royal Baby’s Title

Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle and Duke of Sussex Prince Harry announced today that they are expecting their first child together. The news comes five months after the couple wed on May 19, 2018, at Windsor Castle. The baby is due sometime in spring 2019.

The newest member of the royal family, regardless of its sex, will be seventh in line for the throne. Prince Harry is sixth in line for the throne, behind his father, Prince Charles; his brother, Prince William; his nephew, Prince George; his niece, Princess Charlotte; and his nephew, Prince Louis.

It is traditional for the eldest son of a duke to inherit the duke’s title. If the newest royal is a boy, he may be known as the Earl of Dumbarton (the secondary Sussex title), before he inherits the dukedom, as William Bortrick, chairman of Burke’s Peerage, explained to People.

Subsequent sons would be known as Lord (His Name) Windsor, and daughters will be known as Lady (Her Name) Windsor.

While that would be the traditional route, People notes that it’s possible the new royal baby may be given the title His Royal Highness Prince (His Name) of Sussex or Her Royal Princess (Her Name) of Sussex, similar to the titles held by Prince William and Duchess Kate Middleton’s children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Prince Harry’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, has the power to make that decision, as she did for Prince William’s children. “The queen might well intervene in this case,” royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams told The Washington Post.

As for the baby’s name, that’s anyone’s guess. Already bookies have released their odds with many people assuming the baby will be given a regal name that has been in the family for generations. Odds of the couple choosing Victoria are reportedly at 8-1, odds of them using Albert, Arthur or Philip are at 10-1, and the odds of there being a little Alice are at 12-1.

In addition to the royal moniker, however, there may be a nod to Markle’s American heritage somewhere within the new baby’s name as well.