Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor are now prince and princess after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to give them royal titles. The Sussexes explained that it was their birthright, though if the two young children will be invited to King Charles’ coronation is still unknown.
Harry and Meghan have reportedly received an invite from the king to attend the coronation on May 6, but it’s yet unclear if they will join the celebration. One thing that seems to be set in stone is that Camilla’s grandchildren will all play significant roles on the big day.
One royal expert argued that Camilla’s decision might make royal fans angry. Another Palace insider, meanwhile, even suggested that Harry and Meghan chose to style their children prince and princess in retaliation.
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When Harry and Meghan left royal life behind, they did not renounce their royal titles. So the Duke remains in the line of succession, and his two children, Archie and Lilibet, are currently behind him at sixth and seventh in line for the throne.
The two Sussex children were listed as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor in the line of succession. But now, a considerable alteration has been made, which may give an idea of what the future could hold.
In early March, Lilibet Diana, who turns two in June, was christened by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor. Her name is now Princess Lilibet Diana. Harry and Meghan, in a statement, said they believe the princess title is her “birthright.”
But was the change only to do with Harry and Meghan setting things to rights the way they see them in their eyes? Well, according to a royal expert, the timing of the announcement might have another explanation – and it’s one that concerns vengeance.
Lilibet’s christening occurred privately at the Sussexes’ home in Montecito, California, with around 20 to 30 people in attendance, as reported by the Mirror.
“The children’s titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch. This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace,” a spokesman for the couple said.
Archie & Lilibet is now prince and princess
The Royal Family’s website has been updated accordingly – Archie and Lilibet are now listed as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. This is the first time their royal titles have been used publicly.
The fact that Archie and Lilibet now bear the titles of prince and princess has confused many. Meghan spoke about the subject during the infamous Oprah interview shortly after she and Harry relocated to the States.
“They were saying they didn’t want him to be a prince or princess, not knowing what the gender would be, which would be different from protocol,” she said.
In 1917, George V created the rules that are still in place today. He decided that the children of the sons of any Sovereign “shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style title or attribute of Royal Highness with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names or with their other titles of honor.”
More simply explained, the monarch’s grandchildren have the right to titles His Royal Majesty and Her Royal Majesty. However, this does not extend to great-grandchildren.
Yet, there is one reported exception; the children of the eldest son of the heir. That is why the children of Prince William and Kate Middleton – the Prince and Princess of Wales – were given the royal titles Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis while Queen Elizabeth was still alive.
Archie and Lilibet became eligible for their royal titles after the Queen passed and Charles became monarch. So, irrespective of any circumstances regarding Harry and Meghan, the children are entitled to them.
“Discussions took place after the Queen’s funeral”
As per the Daily Mirror, Harry and Meghan are understood not to want to deny their children their birthright. Instead, it’s their wish that Archie and Lilibet have a chance to decide for themselves if they wish to keep or drop their titles when they are older.
Archie and Lilibet will most likely not use their royal titles in everyday life. Instead, they will probably be reserved solely for formal settings.
“It wasn’t clear if they would use them or not since Harry and Meghan have left the family as working royals and headed to the States,” TalkTV Royal Editor Sarah Hewson told Sky.
“We understand discussions took place after the Queen’s funeral and it has been agreed that they will be known formally as prince and princess – although Harry and Meghan won’t be using it in everyday life.”
Harry and Meghan have been very outspoken about their life within the royal sphere. However, there remain critics who argue their penchant for talking about the royals – for example, their Netflix, Spotify, and book deals – is simply so they can earn money.
Sarah Hewson claims that the new titles for Archie and Lilibet might benefit their parents financially. However, that is only speculation.
Royal insider Richard Eden has another theory, one that involves Camilla – and her grandchildren.
It’s been reported that Prince George, son of Prince William and grandson of King Charles, will have some sort of role in the coronation. New reports have also suggested that Camilla’s grandchildren might be involved.
Camilla’s grandchildren to have big role at the coronation
Camilla has two children, Tom Parker Bowles and Laura Lopes. She has five grandchildren by them: Tom’s two children, Lola and Freddy, and Laura’s daughter, Eliza, and twins Louis and Gus. It has previously been revealed that they call her by her nickname, “GaGa.”
According to the Daily Star, Camilla has suggested that Lola and Eliza, both 15, as well as Freddy and twins Louis and Gus, all 13, could hold the canopy above her head as she is anointed with holy oil.
Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the royals has been rocky since they left the family. In several interviews, the Netflix documentary series, and Harry’s book Spare, they criticized several royals, including King Charles.