In a move that has stirred considerable discussion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have officially bestowed royal titles upon their children, Archie and Lilibet. The young siblings are now recognized as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, titles that were long their birthright, as determined by the royal rules established since 1917. These titles became available to them after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, which saw King Charles ascend to the throne.
While the titles are a birthright, the Sussexes’ choice to publicly announce this change, especially after a turbulent departure from royal duties, has led some to speculate about their motivations. Harry and Meghan have always maintained that their children should not be deprived of their royal heritage, but some royal experts suggest that the timing could be related to other royal events, including Camilla’s grandchildren being given prominent roles at King Charles’ coronation.
A Royal Title with Emotional Context
The announcement that Archie and Lilibet are now officially recognized as prince and princess follows a key milestone: Lilibet’s christening in early March. The christening, held privately at the Sussexes’ California home, was attended by a small group of family and friends. It was during this ceremony that Lilibet was formally styled Princess Lilibet Diana, with Harry and Meghan reaffirming that this was her “birthright.” This change aligns with the rules set by King George V in 1917, which grants the children of sons of the monarch the title of Prince or Princess.
Despite their titles now being publicly used, it’s expected that Archie and Lilibet will likely reserve these titles for formal occasions, not everyday life. In line with their parents’ desire for a more private existence, the children are not likely to embrace their royal titles routinely.
The Timing and Speculation Around Camilla’s Coronation Role
The Sussexes’ announcement comes at a time of heightened tension between them and the royal family. According to some sources, there may be an element of retaliation behind the decision. The Sussexes had recently been evicted from their British residence, Frogmore Cottage, and news surfaced that Camilla’s grandchildren would play significant roles during the upcoming coronation. This includes holding a canopy over Camilla’s head as she is anointed during the ceremony, a role usually reserved for royal family members.
Royal expert Richard Eden suggests that Harry and Meghan may have strategically announced their children’s new titles as a form of “revenge” following these events, particularly the coronation plans. This theory hinges on the couple’s desire to assert their children’s place in the royal fold and perhaps challenge perceived slights.
Harry and Meghan’s Potential Attendance at the Coronation
As the coronation of King Charles approaches, there is much speculation about whether Harry and Meghan will attend. Reports indicate that they have received an invitation, but it remains unclear whether they will accept. Sources suggest that Harry may attend alone, with Meghan opting to stay behind, possibly due to the uncomfortable nature of the event given the family’s strained relationships. Camilla’s grandchildren are expected to play a significant role in the coronation, which may further fuel tensions with the Sussexes.
Some royal watchers speculate that the coronation could be an opportunity for Harry to mend ties with his family, though it may also be a moment fraught with tension. A royal friend suggested that Harry and Meghan might receive the “cold shoulder” from family members, reflecting the ongoing rift since their departure from royal duties.
Conclusion
The announcement of Archie and Lilibet’s royal titles is more than just a formal change—it’s a move that signals the Sussexes’ desire to ensure their children are not denied their birthright, despite the family’s distance. However, the timing of the announcement and the context of royal events, such as Camilla’s grandchildren being included in the coronation, have led some to speculate that it could also be a response to the perceived slights they have faced. The upcoming coronation promises to be a moment of high drama, with many eyes on whether Harry and Meghan will make the journey and how their presence will be received.
