The couple's second child will arrive this summer.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced the arrival of their baby girl during their shocking interview with Oprah Winfrey. With the approaching date of the baby girl's arrival, fans are all trying to guess the potential names of the child.
According to People, U.K. gambling site Ladbrokes has seen the name Philippa as a popular prediction for the couple's daughter. The name became one of the top predictions after the death of Prince Philip on April 9, 2021.
"The support for baby Philippa is showing no signs of slowing down, and we've been forced to trim the odds again that it's the name for Harry and Meghan's daughter," said Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes, according to People.
In addition to it honoring the late Prince Philip, the name has a historical significance.
Philippa of Hainault was the first Black Queen of England and the wife of King Edward III. As per African American Registry, the late Queen, who lived in the 1300s, was of Black Moorish ancestry. Besides her race, she is remembered in history as "the most gentle Queen, most liberal, and most courteous that ever was Queen in her days."
She was compassionate and influenced her husband into changing his mind when he planned to kill Burghers of Calais as an example to the township people following his siege of the city. The Queen passed away in Windsor Castle in 1369. She was buried next to her husband at Westminster Abbey.
On various occasions, Meghan has spoken of how proud she is to be Black. "On one personal note, may I just say that while I am here with my husband as a member of the royal family, I want you to know that for me, I am here as a mother, as a wife, as a woman, as a woman of color, and as your sister. I am here with you, and I am here for you," she said during her visit to Africa in 2018.
During the couple's interview with Oprah, the duo disclosed how, when Meghan was expecting Archie, the color of their child's skin became a topic of discussion among the royal family. Harry revealed he was "shocked" by the remarks. This revelation shook the royal family and the public was left in a state of utter disbelief. At the time, Prince William came out to defend the family and claimed there was no room for racial discrimination in their household.
Meanwhile, other names that have entered the list along with Philippa are those that honor Princess Diana and Queen Elizebeth.
When Harry and Meghan were blessed with their baby boy, they named him Archie. Later, the duo explained the significance of his moniker when they decided to call their charitable organization Archewell.
"Before SussexRoyal came the idea of 'arche' — the Greek word meaning 'source of action.' We connected to this concept for the charitable organization we hoped to build one day, and it became the inspiration for our son's name. To do something of meaning, to do something that matters. Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon," said the royal couple.
References:
https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-prince-harry-favorite-girls-names/
https://people.com/royals/meghan-markle-prince-harry-hidden-meaning-behind-baby-girl-name-philippa/
Cover Image Source: Getty Images | Photo by Andrew Parsons
