Social media users jest at claims Harry and Meghan refused to let Archie be ...

Social media users jest at claims Harry and Meghan refused to let Archie be ...
Social media users jest at claims Harry and Meghan refused to let Archie be ...

Twitter users reacted with a mix of laughter and disbelief at today's claims Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not want their firstborn Archie to be called the Earl of Dumbarton because it contained the word 'dumb'.

Many joked the couple may be holding out for the Earl of Wokingham - because the LA-based Sussexes are considered so right-on - or pondered whether a dukedom on the Isles of Scilly would be better. 

Others were angry on behalf of the people of Dumbarton in Scotland - a small town west of Glasgow on the banks of the River Clyde - saying it is 'insulting' to residents. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are said to have not been keen on the Earl of Dumbarton title because they feared the young royal might be mocked and bullied as he grows up, the Telegraph reports.  

Reacting to the story Ant Watts, tweeted: 'Should have offered the title Earl of Wokingham surely…?' another wrote: 'How about the Earl of Wokingham? Seems to fit better!' Dozens more made the same joke.

GB News presenter Colin Brazier offered an alternative and said in a tongue-in-cheek tweet: 'The Dukedom of the Isles of Scilly never stood a chance'. 

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not want to use the Earl of Dumbarton title for their son Archie because it contained the word 'dumb', it has been reported

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle did not want to use the Earl of Dumbarton title for their son Archie because it contained the word 'dumb', it has been reported

Many rushed to suggest the Earl of Wokingham as an alternative to the right-on couple

Many rushed to suggest the Earl of Wokingham as an alternative to the right-on couple

Some suggested it was an insult to the people of Dumbarton in Scotland

Some suggested it was an insult to the people of Dumbarton in Scotland

The history behind the title 'The Earl of Dumbarton' 

The Earl of Dumbarton is a historic Scottish title which has been extinct for more than 250 years.

It was first created in the reign of Charles II in the 1670s and given to professional soldier George Douglas

It was first created in the reign of Charles II in the 1670s and given to professional soldier George Douglas

It was first created in the reign of Charles II in the 1670s and given to professional soldier George Douglas, who was also made Lord of Ettrick at the same time.

Despite being born in Scotland, most likely in Douglas Castle, Lanarkshire, to the Marquess of Douglas, George, a catholic, spent much of his time in the service of French king Louis XIV.

When James II ascended to the English and Scottish throne he was a trusted servant - even following him to exile in France after the Glorious Revolution.

Following the death of their only son, the unmarried second Earl, both of Douglas' titles became extinct in January 1749. 

The second creation of the title was in 2018, when Prince Harry was made the Earl of Dumbarton and Baron Kilkeel on his wedding day to Meghan Markle. 

Dumbarton in Scotland pictured today

Dumbarton in Scotland pictured today

The Scottish town of Dumbarton, from the Gaelic Dùn Breatann, is rooted in rich history that can be traced back to the Iron Age.

It was once the strategic stronghold of the Alclud Kingdom, making it the centre of British power in the north.

The town was later granted the status of Royal burgh by Scotland's Alexander II in 1222. 

After his capture by the English in 1305, William Wallace was shortly imprisoned in Dumbarton Castle - today a popular tourist spot. 

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Harry and Meghan were given the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Earl and Countess of Dumbarton and Baron and Baroness Kilkeel by the Queen on their wedding day. 

However, they have rarely used the two other titles, with the couple instead going by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.  

Sources meanwhile have reportedly told the Telegraph that the couple were not keen on using the Earl of Dumbarton - a title of Scottish nobility - for Archie because it began with the word 'dumb' and they were 'worried about how that might look'.

Another insider reportedly told the paper: 'It wasn't just Meghan who pointed out the potential pitfalls, it also bothered Harry.'  

Prince Harry, 36, is said to have not wanted to give his children titles anyway. Instead it is believed he wants to follow in the footsteps of his aunt, Princess Anne, who did not give titles to son Peter and daughter Zara.   

Meanwhile, the Telegraph also reported how sources close to the Sussexes claim the couple 'never raised an issue' about Archie, two, not being made a prince.

It comes after reports in the Mail on Sunday suggested that Prince Charles had told Meghan and Harry that Archie would not be made a prince when he becomes king, as he plans to slim-down the number of 'front-line' royals. 

The issue was raised during their jaw-dropping interview with Oprah Winfrey earlier this year, when Meghan claimed Archie had been blocked from a royal title - and could no

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