Samantha Markle's reaction to the royal baby name is confusing everyone

(Image credit: Beretta/Sims/REX/Shutterstock)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially welcomed Baby Sussex this week, announcing yesterday that they had named their baby boy Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor via their new Instagram page, SussexRoyal.

But it wasn’t just the little one’s arrival that got people talking, but also the family’s reactions, with everyone from the Queen to Prince William and Kate Middleton announcing that they were ‘delighted’.

Doria Ragland was present and the royal family made a statement on her behalf to announce her happiness. But two people who were left to their own devices to comment were Meghan’s father and half sister, Thomas and Samantha Markle, famed for their repeated correspondence with the press despite Meghan’s pleas.

‘I’m delighted to hear that mother and child are doing well,’ Thomas Markle reportedly announced according to The Sun. ‘I am proud that my new grandson is born into the British royal family and I am sure that he will grow up to serve the crown and the people of Britain with grace, dignity, and honour.

Thomas’ statement continued: ‘GOD bless the child and I wish him health and happiness, and my congratulations to my lovely daughter Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry, and GOD save the Queen.’

Samantha’s statement, via DailyMailTV however, came after the announcement of Archie’s name - and it’s very long.

‘Well, I love it,’ Samantha announced in a statement. ‘I’m already an aunt and am lucky enough to have Thomas and Tyler as my nephews. I spent a lot of time with them when they were babies and I love them. Family is family. What I think is incredible is that it’s a great moment historically and although the adults have a lot of water under the bridge, I would really like to see everyone reach out. We’ve extended the olive branch and now it is Meghan’s turn.’

meghan markle difficulty

REX/Shutterstock
(Image credit: REX/Shutterstock)

She continued: ’We’re all welcoming the baby—Markles, Raglands, Sussexes, Windsors. In terms of the gene pool, we’ve all made a contribution to this wonderful little boy who will probably grow up to be an exceptional man and we’d like to treat this as if we’re all a big family. It would be nice not to react to what we’ve heard in the news but to personally meet him and let him judge us for himself.

‘I want him to know he’s got a big family and he’s part of an amazing historical time and we’re excited for him. We’re excited for Meg and Harry—I am really excited for her. I love her, she’s my baby sister and it doesn’t matter what we’ve all said back and forth but she’s got to do the right thing. I just want to say Meg, you’ve got a world here and family here that’s excited for you.

‘I want Meg to be part of [Thomas Markle’s] life, I want Meg to be able to share this beautiful time with him in whatever way she can. I think it’s important for her too. I hope something sticks with her—that she decided to do the right thing for my dad. Life is short and we’re family. I hope she decides to do the right thing this time.’

Well, that’s that.

Jenny Proudfoot
Features Editor

Jenny Proudfoot is an award-winning journalist, specialising in lifestyle, culture, entertainment, international development and politics. She has worked at Marie Claire UK for seven years, rising from intern to Features Editor and is now the most published Marie Claire writer of all time. She was made a 30 under 30 award-winner last year and named a rising star in journalism by the Professional Publishers Association.