Meghan Markle's first names have been discreetly removed from her and Prince Harry's son's birth certificate, and replaced with her royal title, it's been reported.
The couple's son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6 2019.
Archie's birth papers listed 'Rachel Meghan' as his mum, as is traditionally done.
It's alleged that 11 days after he was born, on June 5, the couple took out 'Rachel Meghan' and replaced it with 'Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Sussex'.
A name change like that would be considered unprecedented among the Royals, the Mirror reports.
Prince William and Kate Middleton's children's name all follow royal protocol, with their mum's first names listed on their birth documents.
Prince Harry and Meghan's bold move could then be viewed as a snub to the Cambridges.
It comes as rumours surfaced of a growing rift between the two Royal princes, according to The Sun.
It may also be viewed as Harry placing Meghan at equals with his mum Princess Diana who always used “Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales”.
Days after the changes were made Harry and Meghan walked away from the Fab Four’s joint charity and had quit the Royal Family within months.
The caustic split from the royals was dubbed 'Megxit' by commentators.
Harry and Meghan have since moved to North America with Archie and secured lucrative deals with powerhouse companies like Netflix and Spotify.
Lady Colin Campbell, who discovered the amendment, said: “It is extraordinary and raises all kinds of questions about what the Sussexes were thinking.”
Dickie Arbiter, the Queen’s ex-press secretary, said the changes could be "an early part of their plan.”
Royal expert Ingrid Seward added: “For a royal to change a birth certificate is unprecedented but to remove forenames is remarkable.
“Perhaps this is another sign they were desperate to do something different to the Cambridges.”
The news comes as reports claim Meghan may not return to Britain with Harry during several planned visits later this year.
The Duchess of Sussex is said to be unlikely to accompany her husband at a number of functions this summer - although the move is not said to be a snub.
Sources, speaking to the Daily Mail, said the choice has been made for several reasons and her absence will avoid the inevitable public and media hype a joint appearance would bring.
Insiders also stressed that the situation is still very much up in the air due to the ongoing global pandemic and other factors.
It is thought that Harry, 36, will return to Britain to see his relatives in June and July, when his grandfather Prince Philip turns 100 and a statue erected in tribute to his late mother Diana is unveiled.
The Mirror has contacted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's representatives for comment.
