Saturday 30 March 2019

Guess Baby Sussex's Name & a Baby Shower Making a Difference

As we prepare to bid farewell to March and say hello to April, royal watchers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Baby Sussex in the coming weeks. Details surrounding Harry and Meghan's plans have been kept very much under wraps. The Duchess is said to be due mid-late April and several reliable outlets believe Meghan will give birth at the Lindo Wing, the hospital where Harry was born. As to whether or not the couple will follow in Diana and Charles' or the Cambridges' footsteps by introducing their son or daughter to the world with a photo-call on the Lindo's steps remains uncertain. The couple may elect to introduce their first child by releasing private photos in the days following the birth. We can expect clarification over the next several days as the Palace plans to brief the media with information on the Sussexes' plans.


Prince Harry is remaining close to home with engagements this week in London. On Wednesday he will visit YMCA England and Wales as part of his work with Heads Together, and on Thursday he will join Charles and William for the global premiere of Netflix's Our Planet. Meghan wrapped up meetings with her patronages when she visited Smart Works last week. Much of the couple's focus has been on readying their new home, Frogmore Cottage, in time for their baby. Of course, renovations rarely go to plan and there have been delays. Emily Andrews reports they are very much hoping to be in at some point in April. It's an incredibly exciting time for Harry and Meghan and I'm sure they are counting down the days until their bundle of joy makes his or her appearance :)


Now, I think it's time for our royal baby polls beginning with, do you think Baby Sussex is a boy or a girl?

Do you think Baby Sussex is a boy or girl?


pollcode.com free polls


One topic which has commanded quite a few articles concerns name possibilities. Will Harry and Meghan opt for a family name, give a nod to a close relative, or opt for something completely unexpected? People reports members of the public are hoping Diana will be incorporated in some way if the baby is a girl.

'Although the parents-to-be have said they do not know if they’ll have a son or daughter when their first child arrives in the coming weeks – they want it to be a surprise! – many fans are hoping they’ll honor Harry’s mother, who died in a 1997 car accident in Paris.
U.K. bookies Ladbrokes now puts Diana as the top contender for a girl’s name, with 6/1 odds. (Victoria is No. 2 at 8/1.)
Prince William and Kate Middleton had Diana in mind when naming their daughter, Princess Charlotte. The 3-year-old royal’s full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana, paying homage to both her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and late grandmother.'

I've narrowed down possible name suggestions to include family names from both sides and the most popular names at the moment in the UK and US. If your chosen name is not on the list, simply click 'Other' and leave a comment sharing your choice.

Vote For Girl Names


























pollcode.com free polls


Submit your boy names choice, and once again if your selection isn't on the list click 'Other' and leave a comment.

Vote For Boy Names



























pollcode.com free polls

************

I think you'll agree, our final topic tonight is a very special one indeed. Several members of the Meghan community on social media came together and created the perfect way to celebrate Baby Sussex's imminent arrival. The global fundraiser #GlobalSussexBabyShower officially kicks off at midnight, fittingly coinciding with Mother's Day, and offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate by giving back to causes close to Harry and Meghan's hearts.



The three selected charities are Mayhew, WellChild and Camfed. Following several private visits and meetings, Meghan chose animal welfare charity Mayhew as one of her first patronages. Mayhew is a grassroots charity working tirelessly to improve the lives of animals both in London and internationally. Mayhew looks for innovative ways to reduce the number of animals in need through pro-active community and educational initiatives and preventative veterinary care. This includes working with homeless charities across London to ensure people and their dogs can be kept together; running a pet refuge programme to provide shelter and care for the pets of people in crisis for short periods of time; and educating young people about animal welfare and the importance of responsible pet ownership. Internationally, Mayhew works with governments, local communities and charitable groups in Afghanistan, Georgia, Russia and India to help improve animal welfare. In 2018, Mayhew handled over 1,000 welfare cases, rehomed 98 dogs and 380 cats. They vaccinated over 32,000 dogs against rabies overseas to name just a few of their achievements. If you wish to donate please click here.


WellChild is the national UK children's charity helping to get seriously ill children and young people out of hospital and home to their families. Harry has been incredibly touched by the "inspirational" children and young people he's met since he became Patron in 2007. Speaking about their courage he said: "Many of the children and young people WellChild support have been dealt the hardest card imaginable in life, and yet their courage inspires the most incredible strength in those around them." The annual Awards have become a staple on Harry's calendar. Meghan became part of the WellChild family last year when she joined Harry for their inspirational awards. If you wish to donate please click here.


CAMFED is an international non-profit organization tackling poverty and inequality by supporting girls to go to school and succeed, and empowering young women to step up as leaders of change. Since 1993, CAMFED’s innovative education programmes in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania and Malawi have directly helped more than 2.6 million students to attend primary and secondary school, and more than 5 million children have benefited from an improved learning environment. Meghan has met privately with representatives from the organisation several times. On International Women's Day, she joined a panel with executive director Angeline Murimirwa to discuss the importance of education. The Duchess said: "That is one huge thing, a lack of access to education in my mind is the single largest hindrance to this equality that we are all seeking out." If you wish to donate to CAMFED please click here.


Well-wishers, royalists and those interested from all over the world can participate not just by donating to the above charities, but by doing a good deed in their own community. Volunteer. Help someone in need. Simply spread the hashtag #GlobalSussexBabyShower on your social media pages. We've seen and heard so much about the negativity and difficulty social media platforms represent; this is a tremendous way of harnessing the positive power of these tools and coming together. I spoke with one of the ladies involved in spearheading this and she didn't want personal credit, nor to be named and thanked publicly, she simply wants to call attention to the incredible work of the chosen organisations. The response has already been amazing...


 I can't think of a better way to mark this exciting time.

150 comments:

  1. As someone named Amelia I have to vote for Amelia as the girls name! And I’m voting for Philip as the boys name - even if it’s not Baby Boy Sussex’s first I would be very surprised if it wasn’t at least a middle name.

    Both me and my two sisters are all named after british Princess’s and my nephew is named Arthur Charles [Surname]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can i ask your sisters' names?

      Delete
    2. Beautiful names, Amelia. I love that your names have historic significance. I went to school with three sisters named after Queens: Catherine, Christina and Victoria. I remember thinking that was wonderful.

      Amelia would be a perfect name for the new baby. Anon 3:41

      Delete
  2. This is wonderful! Thanks for posting! I plan to donate.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for posting! You can donate to the three charities or any other charities H&M are patrons to. You can also donate to local charities either money, supplies or even time! Make sure you use the hashtag #GlobalSussexBabyShower and spread the word!

    Not only are we supporting wonderful causes but we are helping to create a positive narrative! Its time we set the tone instead of following a negative tone set by others.

    I'm so happy about this campaign!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Eleanor for girl, David Henry for boy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Charlotte, very nicely done. I was a bit early but i donated to Mayhew and used the wrong hashtag! 🙄

    ReplyDelete
  6. Meghan had an engagement at Smart Works last week? I must have missed that post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was private, but recorded in the Court Circular.

      Delete
  7. I'd love to see a girl named Doria Diana or Diana Doria. For a boy, I think it's time that Philip is honored, though I bet that Charles will be one of the names, considering MM's closeness to him.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for bringing Baby Sussex campaign to our attention. It's heartwarming. Brava to the people who thought of this wonderful idea during this period of the little Sussex to make his or her appearance. It can overcome all the negativity and vileness of floating in cyber space, and restores our faith in the ability of social media to be used for good, and restores balance. I think the charities are well-chosen, too, and good to include one of Harry's. As to the baby's name, I imagine they will honor Diana/Charles/Phillip/Queen is some way, but I hope that if it's a girl, she will not be burdened with Diana as a first name. A child in these circumstances deserves her own first name. Personally, I think Victoria or Alexandra would be great choices for a girl.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I voted Alexandra for a girl. It has a regal ring to it.

      Delete
  9. What a wonderful way to celebrate Baby Sussex! I’m really happy that the response has been so positive. As far as the voting goes, my feeling is they’re having a girl and are going to give her a somewhat unusual name.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Susan In Florida30 March 2019 at 22:11

    Phillip William for a boy and Elizabeth for girl, I can’t seem to settle on a gir’s middle name . I love the #GlobalSussexBabyShower

    ReplyDelete
  11. I donated to SmartWorks, Camfed and WellChild in honour of BabySussex.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Royal 👑 Watcher30 March 2019 at 22:30

    I’m traditional, Victoria for a girl, Albert for a boy. But it would not surprise me if they choose something completely off the charts. Who knows! Are they bound by ‘royal protocol’ here I wonder?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think they have a lot more freedom than the Cambridges had when it comes to names.
      Especially since I believe their children will never be know as HRH (I explained my thinking down thread). But the names would still have to go with Lady... or Earl..
      I just have a gut feeling that Lady Apple will not make it past the powers to be. 😉
      But I won’t be surprised if they go for something unusual.

      Delete
    2. I think the child is far enough down the line of succession so that they are not bound by royal names (George, Charlotte). The Cambridges were already more free when naming Louis (not a royal family name but stil traditional). I would expect something similar here, I think it doesn't have to be a royal family name but the Queen would probably be happy if it was still a traditional name.

      Delete
    3. This baby is akin to Anne/Andrew/Edward's kids. So we could end up with traditional royal names a la Andrew/Edward's kids, or we could get names a bit off the royal path like Zara and Peter. With Anne's children we already knew they wouldn't be titled, so it wasn't a surprise to see less royal names pop up. The Sussex baby will at the very least have a title and might be styled HRH Prince(ss), depending on whether or not the Queen extends that title to him/her. So I'm inclined to think we'll see slightly more traditional names, though I wouldn't be surprised by a bit of a twist.

      Delete
    4. I picked Victoria and Albert too! Less traditional but also liked Lily, Madeleine & Adeline.

      Delete
  13. I’ll vote for Alice Elizabeth Diana for a girl and Alexander Henry Charles for a boy

    ReplyDelete
  14. Honoured to donate, the best initiative in a long, long time!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I’m so pleased to hear that Meghan has inspired others to be giving and kind. In my humble opinion this is the reason for royalty, to inspire and to shine a light on those causes and situations close to their heart. After consulting with my furry daughter, we will be making a donation to Mayhew.

    Thank you Charlotte for such a lovely post! I haven’t decided yet on my name choices but once I do I’ll post again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I made a donation to Mayhew too!

      Delete
    2. Hi bluhare!! I really like that Mayhew works to help people in crisis or who are homeless to keep their companions. It must be such a comfort for those experiencing hardship to know that during the crisis their friend is safe and well cared for and that they'll be reunited in due time.

      Delete
  16. Argh! My first comment seems to have been eaten :(

    #GlobalSussexBabyShower was such a wonderful idea! It made me feel so happy to make donations to Camfed and the Mayhew on behalf of baby Sussex. It's been great being a part of the Sussex Squad! I've been tweeting madly for the past 30 minutes with my favorite pictures of the Sussexes :)

    With regard to names, my predictions are:
    Alice Frances (with Frances being a nod to Diana's middle name, or
    Dorian Charles, but will go by Charlie (Dorian being a nod to Doria)

    I'm also holding out hope (a very small, dwindling hope...getting smaller by the day) that the queen will issue new LP and baby Sussex will be an HRH princess/prince from birth.

    Can't believe we only have a matter of weeks now before we see baby Sussex. So exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I vote Victoria Diana (of course, I'm biased) for a girl and Elijah Edward for a boy.

    -Victoria, Oregon

    ReplyDelete
  18. Being slightly untraditional here, Doranna Lily for a girl, and Dorian Charles for a boy.

    Great causes. I wish them every success in the fundraising.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love Dorian for a boy but with Philip-Dorian or Dorian-Henry or Philip-Henry. Diana-Grace d'or girl. But Charlotte if Meghan gives birth to 2 babies ?

      Delete
  19. hmm i love its girl i will named her isabella frances if i boy Micheal Alexander by the way where or which she going to give birth baby sussex a what heard she even considering lindo wing where her sister in law gave birth to three children

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think a girl. No clue on names though.

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a great idea #GlobalSussexBabyShower is :)
    My three names for each gender: Girl - Alexandra, Diana & Grace. Boy - Albert, Charles & Philip.
    Thank you, Charlotte! We’re getting close! 👶

    ReplyDelete
  22. I know many people like the name Dorian for a boy, but I cannot get on board with that. Every time I see that name in this comment section, I'm reminded of one of the worst books I've ever read - "The Picture of Dorian Gray" (by Oscar Wilde).

    I really want Harry and Meghan to have a girl, but I have chosen my favorite names for both genders. Two of my favorite girl's names are Sarah and Elizabeth, and two of my favorite boy's names are John and Nathan (an easy combination of the two is Johnathan).

    Sarah Elizabeth Rose (girl)
    Johnathan David Henry (boy)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved the book by Oscar Wilde but don't feel that the name has been forever tainted by that evil character. Not that many people are familiar with it anymore, is what I would guess.

      Delete
    2. I loved the book too--it was thought-provoking and well written. Many a time I wondered if certain strange people had a portrait hidden somewhere!

      Delete
    3. It is one of the best books in English literature. But I don't think people are aware of fictional characters when choosing names or why are Ophelia and Cassandra so popular right now?

      Delete
  23. Nicole from france31 March 2019 at 08:58

    What a great way of celebrating baby Sussex arrival ! Definitely’ that shows what kind of persons are following Meghan and Harry , making a difference , sweeping off negativity .... congratulations to the persons who had this great idea !
    I do hope the baby is a girl , I would name her Alexandra or Anne (Princess Anne has been a great support to both boys after their mother’s death) Doria Diana . I have always felt sorry that the Cambridge’s did not use any of the Middleton grand parents names for their children ....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have also wondered about the fact that none of the Cambridge kids was named after the Middleton’s, but I think the mistake we make is to think they were named after anybody. Yes they used traditional royal names, and there were hundreds of articles telling us who they were named after, but except for Charlotte’s middlenames (Elizabeth Diana) I think the rest were purely names they liked.

      And I actually expect the same with Harry and Meghan. Just because you are close to your family does not mean that you have to name your children after them.

      Delete
    2. Elizabeth is Kate's middle name

      Delete
    3. And Charlotte is Pippa's middle name. I've always thought Charlotte was named for Pippa, and not as the feminine for Charles, as many believed.

      Delete
    4. And Carol'S middle name too.

      Delete
  24. First name Spencer, for a girl or a boy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh! I adore that, unisex names very American.

      Delete
  25. If they go traditional
    Victoria Alice Elizabeth Diana
    David Philip Charles Albert
    But I would not be surprised if there was a non traditional name in the mix as a nod to Meghan’s heritage.
    Victoria or David - imagine if the Beckhams ended up as godparents!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I think Mildred or Rara for a girl, and Euripedes or Wigbert for a boy. Something a bit unusual rather than traditional. The #GlobalSussexBabyShower initiative is fantastic - I donated to Mayhew, One25 and Camfed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Would you want to be nicknamed "Wiggie"?

      Delete
  27. Maghan. And. Harry. Let. Your. Love. Grow. Every day. And With. The. Baby. Remember. let. Your. Love Grow day By. Day

    ReplyDelete
  28. With no Letters Patent being issued yet I think it is fair to assume that Baby Sussex will not be Prince/ss Name of Sussex. So I am hoping for a Lady Phillippa Mountbatten-Windsor if it is a girl. It seems fitting that the first great-grandchild that will use Mountbatten-Windsor will be named after Phillip. It is something that was very important to him.
    For a boy I would go for Alexander, Earl of Dumbarton.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why would it go with Mountbatten-Windsor? I guess the bay will use Sussex like George uses Cambridge and not Mountbatten-Windsor.

      Delete
    2. At some point (in the fifties I think) the Queen announced that all their decedents that is not HRH will use Mountbatten-Windsor as a surname. Up to know it hasn’t really come up since they were all HRH, but it seems more than likely that baby Sussex would not have a title, hence Mountbatten-Windsor.
      It is only the prince/ss that borrow their titular distinction from their dad.

      For example, while Sophie and Edward often use Wessex as a surname themselves, their daughter is Lady Louise Windsor, not Lady Louise Wessex. And their son borrows one of Edward’s titles and is known as Viscount Severn and not James Wessex. Although I would not be surptised if his friends at school knows him as James Wessex or James Windsor.

      That is the official story, how that plays out in practice is a different matter.

      Delete
    3. I think it would be Lady Windsor, just like Louise is Lady Louise Windsor, not Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and not Lady Louise Wessex.

      Delete
    4. Apparently on official documents she is Lady Louise Moutbatten-Windsor, but for some reason the palace refers to her as Lady Louise Windsor. So yes there is a bit of flexibility in what they decide to use in the end.

      Delete
  29. Steph from Canberra31 March 2019 at 12:45

    I'm really not sure what to expect in terms of baby names. It wouldn't surprise me if the name goes a little off script, since they aren't so much in the direct line of succession. Plus Kate and William managed to surprise us, particularly with Louis (I can't remember the odds for George or Charlotte), so I wouldn't expect the bookies to pick the name anyway.

    This waiting game is going to be difficult - especially as we've gotten so used to seeing Meghan regularly. Maybe some time to finally catch up on the end of year polls!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The betting houses did pick George and Charlotte. They were the number one choices.

      Delete
  30. I think a girl, named Caroline or Carolyn. Meghan is such a huge fan of the late Carolyn Kennedy and it's a lovely name. Caroline Doria, maybe?

    ReplyDelete
  31. Meghan is a thinker outside of the box. I wonder if they'll go for something not used before, but still honouring their mothers. Pandora or Isadora (nod to Doria) with a play on Frances, something like Francesca ! The same with Elizabeth, maybe Eliza !
    For a boy, Maximilian or Sebastian, maybe using Francis (male version of Frances) as a middle name.
    I hope HM issues the letters of patent, so that the baby has the HRH title. He or she will eventually have the it once Charles is King.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They will not necessarily have it once Charles is king. Edward's children do not have it.

      Delete
    2. My gut feeling is also that what the baby is styled now will be how they will be known throughout their life. If they didn’t plan to go the Wessex route I think Letters Patent would have been released now to settle it. Or even more likely, Harry’s children would have been included in the Letters Patent that settled the titles of William’s children. I have a feeling that it was decided at that point that Harry’s children, should he have any will not be HRH.
      But of course I could ve wrong.

      Delete
    3. I think if Harry and Meghan want to raise their baby as normally as possible, as they've said, they probably wouldn't want to saddle the baby with the HRH title. Princess Margaret's children are Lady and Lord, and they've lived more normal, quieter lives. Isn't it only the children of a future monarch that can be titled HRH? I don't see the need to change that.

      Delete
    4. Anon 15:50 as it stand at the moment all the grandchildren (but not greatgrandchildren) of the monarch in the male line are HRH. So when Charles becomes king, Harry’s children will be HRH unless they choose not to (like the Wessexes) or new Letters Patent are issued that limit HRH to the grandchildren in the direct line (only William’s children).
      I think both these options are more likely than them “upgrading” to HRH when Charles becomes king, but we will probably only know for certain when the time comes.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous 20501 April 2019 at 17:55

      I think the only royal whose title/styling automatically changes with a new monarch is the immediate heir-
      otherwise,one is neither automatically promoted nor demoted from the title at birth . The eldest Sussex child will one day be Duke, assuming that daughters will be able to inherit titles by.then. Unless The monarch decrees otherwise, that will be The only change.The Duke of Gloucester went from son of the monarch to brother to cousin yet remained Prince Richard and the Duke. However, Elizabeth's father went from Duke of York to briefly) Prince of Wales to King.

      Delete
    6. Not to be too technical but the Queen’s father was never the Prince of Wales.

      Delete
    7. Anonymous 20502 April 2019 at 01:22

      Good point.His brother was not king long enough to appoint him POW.I had read somewhere that George VI was briefly POW. Obviously incorrect. His father George V would have been a better example. Also. technically, starting with Edward II, the POW was traditionally awarded to the eldest surviving son of the monarch.
      However, my point was that a royal does not automatically change title as his proximity to the monarch changes, other than the immediate heir.

      Delete
  32. CategoryIsPod@gmail.com31 March 2019 at 14:09

    Boy: Spencer Philip Dorian
    Girl: Alexandra Frances Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  33. Diana Doria Ange for a girl. Philip Charles Henry for a boy. Love the Sussex and love our angel baby Sussex.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I think they will choose traditional names that are palatable to Americans. So, for a girl: Isabella, Sophia, Alexandra. She may do what Jessica Mulroney did. Name a daughter a traditional name but
    call her a combo of the two.

    For a boy: Alexander, Sebastian, Maximillian, Nicolas even Leopold to be called Leo.

    I think she will have a boy. )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tammy from California31 March 2019 at 18:47

      Ooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I LOVE Leopold!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE! Good one Anon14:30!

      Delete
    2. Ya she might do a combo like Jessica. But I don’t see how two royal names can make a combo. Like how do you combine Alexandra Elizabeth, or Alice Elizabeth.

      Delete
    3. I also love Leopold but probably because I love the movie "Kate and Leopold"!

      Delete
    4. Hi Tammy! Leopold has family history as Prince Albert' s uncle/father's name.That would highlight the German ancestors, who have been scuffed under the rug somewhat. Although I believe Princess Margaret Rose chose David for her son, I think it is time one of the Queen's immediate family has David for a first name. However, the association with her Uncle David could also bring back unhappy memories. I could certainly see H&M choosing a name from one of the African countries they have visited--one meaning kindness or hope, perhaps.I don 't know if that would imply preference of one tribe over another.

      Delete
    5. Anon 10:32 Elizabeth Margaret= Emma

      Delete
    6. Whitney from Baltimore1 April 2019 at 03:55

      I love the name Leopold but feel certain that they won't use it for the same reason that I won't- King Leopold of Belgium was responsible for the horrible genocide in Congo 100 years ago. It was so bad that the first Western human rights campaigns were mounted against it, which is saying something when you consider what white people thought about Africans in 1900. To people that know African history, it's like naming your kid Adolf. Pity because it's not the name's fault in either case, but you just can't, imo.

      Delete
  35. Okay now I have made my Sussex baby name selections...

    For a girl I pick Amelia Grace, but she'll use her middle name, Grace, like her mother does.
    For a boy I pick Jacob Charles. Charles to honor Harry's dad.

    I have to admit that every morning for the last couple of weeks I've been checking this site hoping to see the news that Meghan's in labor :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha me too Lauri, I have been checking to see a labor announcement as well. But I don’t think it will happen until mid or late April.

      Delete
  36. I feel like they will pick a lovely African name because Africa is so important to Harry and because they spent such precious time there while dating, so I couldn't begin to think what it might be. Diana would be terrible as a first name because of the burden it would place on the child to be like her. Plus it would force Camilla and Charles to use the name forever. I think a nod to Philip is likely. Meghan may have names she always wanted to use for children that of course we don't know about, so that may be another reason the usual royal names may not be chosen.

    The baby shower was such a great idea! I gave to Mayhew and Camfed. Hope the idea snowballs while we wait. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tammy from California31 March 2019 at 18:46

      Alison, I think you may be right on the Philip.

      I think you are also right on the burden of Diana as a first name.
      Lots of insights there girl!

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Tammy!

      Reading the other suggestions makes me think that Spencer could be a middle name. I don't know about the UK, but in the US, family last names are used as middle names for both girls and boys, so Spencer could be used for a girl or boy.

      I hope M&H have thought about this a lot so we don't have to wait very long after baby Sussex is born.

      Delete
    3. Allison, I like the idea of an African_themed name .Tswana is spoken in several southern Africa countries, including Botswana and Namibia. It seems concepts such as kindness and hope use phrases instead of single words. I believe we have at least one South African commenter here. Perhaps you or another familiar with the languages could come up with a name.

      Delete
    4. But then won't it look as if they are favoring certain nations in the Commonwealth?

      Delete
    5. I see someone has replied further down with some Tswana names. Thanks!

      Delete
  37. Anonymous in Colorado31 March 2019 at 16:26

    Yay for #GlobalSussexBabyShower! An incredible endeavor & a call to worthy causes.

    girl name (I think it's a girl in there): VIOLET
    boy name (I think boy names are tough to figure out!): JAMES or HENRY

    Remember when 'Charlotte Elizabeth Diana' individually got the most votes here ahead of Princess Charlotte's birth?! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we picked George here too.

      Delete
  38. The #GlobalSussexBabyShower has been amazing! Remember the campaign lasts until May 12th so there is no hurry to donate today!

    I hope the campaign helps usher in a more positive spirit. There is so much bad news that we all need kindness and positivity!

    Kindness always wins in the end!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Wondering if they will choose a British aristocratic name rather than a traditionally royal name such as India, Iris or Hugh.

    As Commonwealth Ambassadors they need to be diplomatic, perhaps. Nothing that could be offensive or exclusionary to any groups.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lady Lillian Diana Rose

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha! I read Lady Lillian Diana Ross at first. An American icon. How about Meryl Sarah Grace in honor of three great American actresses?

      Delete
    2. Which actress named Sarah do you mean?

      Delete
    3. Anonymous 20501 April 2019 at 00:23

      Well, not SJP. However, I am glad you asked, as the actress I had in mind was French, not American. Sarah Bernhardt. She did several tours in the US and that was my knowledge of her. (not from personal experience;I am old but not ancient) A very limited view, indeed. Meghan being somewhat internationally oriented would approve of her inclusion. Besides, there is another connection-she was thought to be a close acquaintance of Harry's fourth great grandfather -Edward VII.

      Delete
    4. Ha! Ok. Lady Lillian Rose Diana

      Delete
  41. Any thoughts on whether the rumored second, in-the-UK baby shower might occur? On another topic, I'm happy to see Harry stepping out this week with William and Charles.

    ReplyDelete
  42. For a boy: Philip Charles Spencer Sussex
    For a girl: Frances Elizabeth Victoria Sussex

    ReplyDelete
  43. I'm not sure what the name will be but I do believe it will be something that has special meaning to Meghan and Harry and somewhat unexpected (based on everything else they have done... wedding veil as an example). That being said my random guesses are:

    Boy:
    Vincent Charles Henry
    Spencer Henry Charles
    David Charles Henry

    Girl
    Victoria Diana Elizabeth
    Elizabeth (Lily) Diana Jeanette
    Olivia Elizabeth Grace

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why Jeanette? That's my first name. Only mine has two "N"'s. My mother pronounced it Jean-nette--two syllables, as if it was French. She named me for three of her sisters. Jean, Floretta and Laurene. Laurene was the middle name. When I was born, the doc asked my mother what she was going to name me. When she told him, he said, "All that? Why don't you just name her Susan?" I spent the rest of my life wishing she had listened to him. With my last name, the count came to 22 letters in all. I ended up being Renee, pronounced Re-knee, but no one could remember that, so I got Ren-a, as in the French pronunciation. Or dozens of other mispronunciations. I hope Meghan and Harry don't saddle their baby with a name he/she doesn't like. I have no guesses, except I think the first name for a girl will be something less traditional, with more traditional middle name and possibly third name. Maybe Doria for a middle name. How about Camilla? Boys names? How about Thomas as one of the names for a boy, after her dad?

      Delete
    2. I believe Jeanette was Meghan's grandmother's name (Doria's mom).

      Delete
    3. Caroline in Montana1 April 2019 at 16:27

      RM in PA, I really don't see any form of Thomas in their future child/rens names. her father is the opposite of how a father should be, downright despicable.

      Delete
    4. I suppose either way, she will be damned if she does, or damned if she doesn't, in her Markle family's opinion. I agree, he's not much of a father.

      Delete
    5. Mae, that's neat! Maybe my name will make the cut. :-)

      Delete
    6. RM in PA, I really like the name Jeanette too! And Meghan was quite close to her grandmother. She and Doria looked after her grandma from when she was sick until her death. I think Lady Jeanette Windsor sounds pretty good! Lol.

      Delete
  44. I donated to Mayhew and Camfed. What a wonderful shower!
    Although I originally se!ected Philip for a boy, I now want Charles Philip Henry with the moniker Charlie, which seems to fit both British and American sensibilities. I'm thinking mostly of the PoW of course, but there's always Charlie Van Straubenzee as well.
    For a girl, I see a flower name in there somewhere (remember Meghan is called Flower by Doria). I also do love the name Philippa, although I'm not sure I love Pippa for an adult.
    Whatever they select, it will be lovely. Wishing health and happiness, that's the important part!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Angelina Bucket4 April 2019 at 15:17

      Just had the same flower thought!

      Delete
  45. Wasn't the name Charles a bit of a surprise when the PoW was born? Was it just a name the parents loved or was there a special reason they chose it? Just wondering!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Actually I found a good answer to my own question on Quora and other places online. Apparently stated as a personal preference and pick, sources inidicated that it was a nod to Scotland and the Stuarts, given that Princess Elizabeth would soon be Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and Scotland had never had an Elizabeth I. Also given Charles' family love of Balmoral and Scotland it makes good sense. Someone on the Quora article actually quoted from The Canberra Times of the day...hopefully a reliable source.

      Delete
  46. I like Victoria Elizabeth Loyce for a girl and Phillip Charles David for a boy.
    Love the #GlabalSussexBabyShower and have given to Camfed, Well Child and Mayhew so far. Glad something good is coming from such a iffy place.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Brilliant “Baby Sussex Baby Shower” idea; expressing kindness and generosity. Thanks, Charlotte for a wonderful post.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I also made a donation. Again, thanks Charlotte.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Girl = Caroline Loyce Frances in honor of Charles Diria and Diana
    Boy=David Phillip Alvin in honor Harry and great grand fathers
    I am over the moon thrilled for the young couple

    ReplyDelete
  50. Pam from Boston1 April 2019 at 13:46

    I think maybe the first name is going to be something more of a surprise, not a traditional British Royal name. I do think Philip will be in there somewhere if it’s a boy. I wonder if Thomas as the 2nd or 3rd name is a possibility.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly, given the horrid choices Thomas Markle has made the last couple of years with regard to his daughter, I doubt we will see his name make an appearance on Baby Sussex.

      Delete
  51. I'm thinking something traditional but not necessarily royal, and that might seem a bit uncommon to American ears, but that's not unheard of.
    For a girl I'm thinking Eleanor, Matilda, or Imogen. Middles will probably honor Diana (perhaps Frances) and Doria.
    For a boy I wouldn't be surprised to see something like Elliot, Lucas, or Theodore. I would have said Thomas as a middle, but we all know how that's gone...

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hello,

    Delightful news to share today. The #GlobalSussexBabyShower has raised over £15,000 for Camfed, Mayhew and WellChild, not to mention a very large number of donations to other charities including One25, Smart Works and the Queen's Commonwealth Trust.

    There's an excellent report from Good Morning America here.

    https://twitter.com/GMA/status/1112691713024262146

    Fantastic news to start the week off with :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The donations are now well over the £20,000 mark with Camfed receiving £14,000.

      Delete
    2. And Mayhew is up around £5K! I think WellChild was hampered by not having a good site for people outside Britain.

      The Meghan Twittersphere may be populated with bots and trolls, but I think they've proved they're incredibly kind and motivated bots and trolls! What's really amazing is to see how much the media has picked up on it. Freepeeper has done an amazing thing here.

      Delete
    3. Pam from Boston1 April 2019 at 23:58

      I donated to WellChild with ease. Paid in Pounds but my credit card company will convert it to dollars. I chose WellChild because my heart breaks for sick kids.

      Delete
  53. so proud to have participated in this event so positive and it's not over it continues until the American mothers day and maybe I'll donate at the birth of the baby

    ReplyDelete
  54. I read about it on People Magazine's site, so hopefully the contributions will continue to grow. What a wonderful idea, and it shows how one person can make a difference with an idea.

    ReplyDelete
  55. That is so great about the donations! Hope it will continue. I also hope they are having a boy. I expect that the name will be unusual, probably something none of us could ever guess! I wonder if the baby will come early? She seems so very pregnant in the last set of pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I hope the donations continue as people become aware. Much more satisfying than sending a little onesie to the palace. :)

    First day of April -- if she is possibly really due in May, we may not make it! I bet Harry is nervous.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Girl(s):
    Emmeline Diana Mary
    Florence Doria Alexandra

    Boy(s):
    Francis Phillip Henry
    Robert Alvin Charles

    ReplyDelete
  58. I am partial to April babies because I was one myself - it's also not a bad birthstone to have, diamonds are very shiny and beautiful.

    I do love the idea of including Diana in the baby's name and while I would love for the first name to be Diana if she has a girl, I do realize that would be leave her with a massive shadow to fall into - knowing how close Meghan is to her mother, I also think Doria could be a contender for a middle name. I do love Amelia and Alice and I think Amelia Diana/Amelia Doria or Alice Diana/Alice Doria would flow nicely. I was slightly disappointed that Diana was the third name for Charlotte but I think there is a little more freedom in naming for Harry and Meghan.

    If they were to have a boy, I think Spencer would be the perfect name - it can be formal but also very personal. I do think Charles and Philip are strong contenders for a middle name or even Henry.

    Meghan and Harry seem to be forging their own path so I would not be shocked if they surprise us all and go for something completely unexpected.

    ReplyDelete
  59. So excited about the donations. Thanks Charlotte for posting totals.

    ReplyDelete
  60. I donated to all 3 charities!

    THIS IS FREAKING AWESOME!!

    Now this is what social media is about! Positivity and kindness!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Love the candid photo of Harry and Meghan leaving the apothecary last Friday. She looks so lovely and healthy. Love her Jack Ryan T Shirt.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Thanks for this great post i think they are having a girl but can't even fathom which name it will be but definitely think it WON'T be DIANA. I think that charity idea is great to not spread hate but positivity!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Bronwyn, Sydney2 April 2019 at 08:30

    Not even going to attempt to predict anything, I always get it wrong, just wish them all the best for a safe and uneventful delivery🍼👶💖

    If this comment is not appropriate i understand if its removed but on a very different note, Harry's greatest Aussie admirer, Daphne, has passed away😪

    ReplyDelete
  64. I agree, they could well have a Swahili name as a middle name. They could go with the same name as the Obamas did - Malia - except it means Queen, so maybe not... Or Kenyada for a boy, it means Jewel. But Kenya is where William proposed to Kate, so maybe not.

    They could pick a Tswana name, seeing as they got to know each other in Botswana. My guess is on Albert for a first name - Albert Philip Dorian. If they go with four names - they might want to use a lot seeing as they’re probably not going to have more than two children - Albert Philip Dorian Kagiso. That’s Tswana for Peace. Other Tswana names are Oteng, Thabo, Thumelo... And if they do give him a title, it would probably be Viscount Dumbarton.

    For a girl, I’m guessing Frances, though I think Amelia would appeal to Meghan. But my pick is Frances Elizabeth Doria Masego (means Blessing in Tswana). Other Tswana names are Lesedi, Kefilwe, Naledi...

    So! Albert, Viscount Dumbarton, or Lady Frances Windsor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that's possible too--a a Tswana name. Maybe "Setswana" meaning "flower" (or another African word that means "flower") if it's a girl to pay homage both to her relationship with her mother and to Botswana? I'm sure there will be a more traditional name in the mix as well, and maybe more "modern" as well as mentioned earlier akin to Zara's and Phillip's name choices for their kids.

      Jen you might be right about a name for "Peace" as well.

      Delete
  65. Steph from Canberra2 April 2019 at 10:22

    Hi everyone, I just heard the sad news that Daphne Dunne had passed away (Harry's 99 year old fan from Australia) and thought many of you would like to know as well.

    https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/news/daphne-dunne-99-prince-harrys-biggest-fan-has-passed-away/news-story/930286fdbbc752d3a04d605198e843d9

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pam from Boston2 April 2019 at 14:47

      I always loved the photo of Daphne touching Harry's face.

      Delete
  66. Charlotte, I sent you a couple of links via messenger, take a look at them. :)

    ReplyDelete
  67. Saw that? https://www.instagram.com/p/BvunKxVFKFa/

    ReplyDelete
  68. I think the global baby shower donations are wonderful. I would add that, in addition to those organizations that were chosen, it would be wonderful for people to consider giving to some mental health organizations. Given that Harry is working hard with their Heads Together initiative, it would be nice to see some financial assistance given to those charities. In addition to his work with Invictus and the mental health of veterans, Harry is also specifically working to support the mental health of teenagers and young adults. He has an engagement tomorrow for just that purpose.
    Mental health advocacy and education is one of the young royals greatest initiatives and I hope it will be supported more through financial assistance and volunteerism over the coming months.
    For those of us in the US, I would encourage people to consider supporting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Mental health concerns often get buried underneath national and international news, politics, and entertainment stories, but here in the US, there were media reports of 4 people who died by suicide within a week's time - Alan Krueger (President Obama's assistant secretary of the treasury), Jeremy Richman (the father of one of the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting), Sydney Aiello and an unnamed student (both survivors of the Parkland Fl shooting at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School). In the US, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death and in 2017 (the year with the most recent statistics), 47,173 people died by suicide. In 2017, there were an estimated 1,400,000 suicide attempts. On average, there are 129 deaths by suicide per day. The AFSP is working hard to not only conduct suicide and mental health research, but to also train everyone to recognize signs and warning signs, to provide support to those families who have been affected by the loss of someone to suicide, to work on suicide prevention initiatives, and to educate the media and public in the language we use about suicide and mental health. To learn more, go to: www.afsp.org

    Here is a helpful article about the importance of language and words (in reducing stigma) when talking about suicide:
    https://www.huffpost.com/entry/mental-health-language-committed-suicide_l_5aeb53ffe4b0ab5c3d6344ab?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000050

    In the wake of so much negativity in the news and world, I am glad that people are choosing kindness and compassion for others to celebrate the birth of a baby. I hope that spirit of giving holds steady from now on and that everyone chooses to be more supportive and encouraging instead of critical and divisive.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I think the baby will be a girl! The Duchess seems to be carrying very high throughout the pregnancy and can't you just see Harry with a little girl?! Ah! I am so very excited!! I think it's absolutely possible they will include Diana in the name if it is a girl but I highly highly doubt it will be her first name. I voted for Victoria! I can see them liking something that old and classic. We shall see!!! Love the global baby shower donations, and I saw the New Zealand Prime Minister is donating to one of the chosen charities. I love how well she and Meghan get along. I'm excited to see everything unfold this month and also just see how differently they raise their child/children in the future. I know they will be great parents and Diana would be very proud! Really loved voting on the gender and the names!!! Can't wait to see what they have and what names they pick!!!

    Also, I just wanted to point out, as I'm typing this it is April and that shows Meghan wasn't pregnant at the wedding like some very rude people were saying (not necessarily on here, just in the tabloids and such). She did get pregnant quickly, but she was very much married. But so did Queen Elizabeth, she had Charles one year after her wedding. It's a very royal thing to do. Also, as we all know, Meghan is a little older and Harry and Meghan both expressed how much they wanted children so it wasn't that much of a surprise! I hope the baby is healthy and Meghan has a smooth delivery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't carrying high a sign for a boy? Girls normally show more midsection and in the width.

      Delete
    2. Medical science has determined that gender has nothing to do with how a woman is carrying.

      Delete
    3. I've always heard the opposite! I had a little boy almost 3 years ago and carried very very low my entire pregnancy.

      Delete
  70. I was so glad that Daphne Dunne was able to receive and enjoy her birthday card but what a shame she did not live to see the baby being born. And the visit to the apothecary was so incredibly cute but I wonder if they hoped to keep it private. They must have arrived via vehicle as there were no photos after the ones of them emerging from the shop. I saw that Harry again has taken my advice to wear grey. He looked so cute, as did of course Meghan. She may be finding the last weeks a bit nerve-wracking and needs some outings.

    Regarding names and titles, I think they will go the way of Zara and Peter. All told, I have a lot of sympathy for the Cambridge children. Being the grandchild of the king will be special enough.

    It would be lovely to read about increased shower donations everyday!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous 20502 April 2019 at 19:32

      It reminds me of Kate out shopping with her Mum shortly before George was born. I believe they purchased a Moses basket. I really do hope Doria is around somewhere close-by, perhaps at Frogmere Cottage supervising the move.

      Delete
  71. New twitter account for the Sussexes!
    SussexRoyal

    ReplyDelete
  72. I'm behind & thought you all may have already discussed this or Charlotte you may have already explained this... When I read the newest post, did I read correctly that the Sussex's have eschewed the step outside photo op after the baby is born?

    ReplyDelete
  73. My final choice for a Tswana boy name (to honour Botswana) is Thabo, meaning ”Joy”. It would be so cute having two cousins named James Alexander Philip Theo, Viscount Severn, and Albert Philip Dorian Thabo, Viscount Dumbarton.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Zora from Prague3 April 2019 at 14:39

    I voted for Hope for a girl (somehow it seemed fitting) and Philip for a boy. I think the baby is a girl and I have a strong suspicion the couple are going to surprise us with their name choices! 😉
    Thank you so much for the poll, Charlotte! It's so interesting to read the comments and all the name combinations! 🙂

    ReplyDelete
  75. Prince Charles gave a hint when he said jokingly " they might choose Sean or Kylie ...Baby Sussex name might be unconventional. We will have to see when the time comes. It's so exciting! Can't wait.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Angelina Bucket4 April 2019 at 15:07

    I could imagine they choose a name of an famous feminist for a girl and a human rights activist for a boy, but I really don't have a clue which names. Maybe Amelia for a girl, but the boy? Can you imagine a royal Nelson or Malcolm?

    ReplyDelete
  77. Angelina Bucket4 April 2019 at 15:14

    Just had another thought - Doria calls Meghan "flower" so maybe a girl will become a little flower like Rose (my daughter is a little rose, too) or Lily :-) Does anybody know Diana's favourite flower? That would be a really thoughtful name.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read peonies are her favs but thats not a name.

      Delete
  78. For a girl. Claire or Carolyn or daphne

    ReplyDelete
  79. Lydiana Mary Jeanette for a girl
    Alexander Philip Charles for a boy

    ReplyDelete

Welcome to Mad About Meghan! We do so look forward to reading your thoughts. Constructive, fair debate is always encouraged. Hateful, derogatory terms and insults are not welcome here. This space focuses on Harry and Meghan, not any other member of the Royal family. It's not the place to discuss politics either. Thank you for reading, we look forward to your comments :)