When King Charles III ascended the throne in 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children became eligible for royal titles under longstanding royal customs.
Traditionally, grandchildren of the reigning monarch, through the male line, are entitled to be called Prince or Princess, even if their parents no longer serve as working royals.
In March 2023, following her christening in California, a representative confirmed that their daughter now holds the title Princess Lilibet Diana of Sussex. The royal family’s official website has since updated both Archie and Lilibet’s titles accordingly.
Harry and Meghan’s Royal Status Today
Although Archie and Lilibet now carry the titles of Prince and Princess, they do not use the “His/Her Royal Highness (HRH)” styling.
When Harry and Meghan stepped down from their royal roles in 2020, they agreed to stop using their own HRH titles, and Buckingham Palace has not announced any HRH designations for their children.
Since leaving their royal duties, Harry and Meghan have lived in the United States and no longer receive public funding. Instead, they focus on independent ventures, including projects with Netflix, Spotify, and their non-profit foundation, Archewell.
Public Reactions to the Children’s Titles
The decision to use royal titles for Archie and Lilibet has sparked public discussion, especially considering Harry and Meghan’s past criticisms of the royal institution.
However, the couple has not made recent official statements on whether their children will participate in royal life.
In a 2022 interview with The Cut, Meghan stressed the couple’s desire to protect their children’s privacy and safety.
She briefly addressed title-related concerns but did not confirm any claim that passport delays were linked to these titles—an allegation that remains unverified.
Looking Ahead: No Confirmed Royal Duties for the Children
With Archie and Lilibet still very young—born in 2019 and 2021, respectively—their future roles remain uncertain. Historically, the royal family allows young royals to decide for themselves as they grow up whether to take on official duties.
Examples include Princess Anne’s children and Lady Louise Windsor, who were given the option to accept or decline royal roles.
For now, any talk about Archie or Lilibet becoming working members of the royal family is speculative.
Clarifying Passport Claims
Some reports have hinted at complications in acquiring British passports for the children, possibly linked to their titles.
However, no official statements have been made by the UK Home Office or Buckingham Palace, and according to The Independent, titles do not affect eligibility for a passport. The Home Office typically refrains from commenting on individual cases.
In Conclusion: A Life of Choice and Privacy
Prince Harry and Meghan appear committed to raising Archie and Lilibet in a way that prioritizes freedom, privacy, and security, away from the obligations of royal life.
As of mid-2025, there are no plans for either child to assume formal royal responsibilities. Their current titles align with royal tradition, but what they choose to do with them in adulthood will be up to them.
