Ever since Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped away from their royal duties, they have been open about their strained relationship with the royal family.
Their decision to have their children use their royal titles in 2023 surprised many and reportedly stemmed from a significant conversation with two of Harry’s relatives.
Following their daughter Lilibet’s christening in California, the couple expressed their desire for their children to embrace their royal titles, even though Meghan had previously stated her disinterest in the grandeur of royal life.
A spokesperson for the Sussexes clarified that the children’s titles were a birthright established when their grandfather ascended the throne, as Buckingham Palace had already settled the matter.
It was revealed that after discussions with Harry’s cousins, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, Meghan and Harry reconsidered their stance on the titles, with the couple seeing the value of maintaining royal status in certain circles.
Archie and Lilibet were entitled to princely and princess titles due to a royal decree by King George V, which dictated that only specific descendants of the monarch and the Prince of Wales could hold such titles.
An updated Letters Patent in 2012 by Queen Elizabeth granted the HRH title to all children of the Prince of Wales’ eldest son, making Prince William’s offspring princes and princesses from birth.
As a result, Harry and Meghan’s children are now officially recognized as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, reflecting a change in the British royal family’s line of succession.
The couple’s decisions regarding their children have often surprised royal observers, with their choice to name their daughter Lilibet Diana stirring controversy due to the historical significance of the name.
There was speculation about whether Harry and Meghan sought permission from the Queen before naming their child, with conflicting reports on whether the monarch had been consulted or not.
While some sources claimed the Queen was not directly asked, the Sussexes’ spokesperson maintained that the Queen was supportive of the name choice, emphasizing that Harry had discussed it with her beforehand.
In a book by author Robert Hardman, it was alleged that the Queen was displeased by the public handling of the naming announcement, prompting the Sussexes to take legal action against those disputing the Queen’s involvement.
Despite initial backlash and legal threats, the matter was eventually resolved, highlighting the complexities surrounding the couple’s interactions with the royal family and the media.
