Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have always valued their privacy, especially when it comes to their children. However, fans recently got a glimpse of their son, Archie, in Harry’s Netflix documentary, "Heart of Invictus." The adorable photo of Archie has everyone talking!
Archie recently turned four years old on May 6, the same day his grandfather, King Charles II, was crowned. This year, both Archie and his sister Lilibet were also bestowed with new titles. Lilibet Diana, who turns two in June, was christened and is now officially Princess Lilibet Diana. Likewise, Archie became Prince Archie.
Archie and Lilibet Now Officially Prince and Princess
Archie and Lilibet’s titles were settled after the Queen passed away and Charles became the monarch. Their official titles are now Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. The confusion surrounding their titles stems from a statement made by Meghan during her interview with Oprah. She revealed that there were discussions about not giving their children royal titles, which deviated from protocol.
According to historical rules set by George V in 1917, the grandchildren of the monarch are entitled to the titles of Prince or Princess. However, this does not extend to great-grandchildren, unless they are the children of the eldest son of the heir. This is why Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children have royal titles.
Despite these rules, Meghan and Harry’s children are entitled to their royal titles. However, it is unlikely that Archie and Lilibet will use their titles in everyday life. Instead, they will most likely be reserved for formal occasions. Harry and Meghan want their children to have the freedom to choose whether they want to use their titles when they are older.
Privacy and Future Relations with the Royal Family
Harry and Meghan’s decision to move to the United States has brought them more privacy, but it has also distanced them from their UK relatives. They have chosen not to publicly share photos of their children or expose them to media attention. However, this may become an issue in the future, as Archie and Lilibet might wonder why they are not part of the royal world.
As Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, suggests, the distance from their family and the lack of connection with their cousins may lead the children to question their heritage. But for now, it remains uncertain whether Archie and Lilibet have even met their royal cousins.
Royal protocols aside, the main concern for Harry and Meghan is ensuring the happiness and well-being of their children. They have chosen not to deny their children their birthright but plan to let Archie and Lilibet decide whether they want to maintain their titles in the future. The titles will likely be used only in formal settings and not in their everyday lives.
The future for Archie and Lilibet remains uncertain, but Princess Eugenie, Harry’s cousin, continues to have a positive relationship with them. Eugenie has visited the family in California and also has children of her own, which may lead to future playdates.
The Impact of Distance and Choice on Archie and Lilibet’s Lives
Archie and Lilibet’s upbringing in sunny California is drastically different from the lives of their cousins in the UK. The distance between them could become a source of sadness in the future, according to some experts.
Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, believes that if Harry tells stories about their grandmother, Princess Diana, in the future, it may confuse and even upset Archie and Lilibet. The lack of connection with their extended family is another concern. According to Burrell, it seems unfair that the children have been "cast out" and denied their heritage.
Archie’s birth was a significant event, surrounded by secrecy and controversy. Harry and Meghan wanted to keep the birth details private, but the public’s curiosity could not be ignored. Archie was born in The Portland Hospital, breaking the royal tradition of St. Mary’s Hospital. This decision, along with their reluctance to share photos, led to tension between the couple and the media.
A Glimpse of Prince Archie in the New Documentary
Recent footage from Harry’s documentary series, "Heart of Invictus," featured a new photo of Archie. The little prince is growing up fast and bears a striking resemblance to his father. In the photo, Archie is seen holding a toy, dressed in a blue jumper with the letter A, white shoes, and gray jeans.
In the documentary, Harry gave a heartfelt speech to the athletes participating in the 2022 Invictus Games. He shared personal anecdotes about his son, Archie, who had just turned three. Harry playfully revealed that Archie dreams of becoming an astronaut, a helicopter pilot, or a character from the cartoon series "Octonauts." He emphasized that it is their character that matters most, making him and Meghan proud parents.
Archie’s life may be different from that of his UK royal family members, but he is loved and cared for. As he grows older, he will have the opportunity to make choices about his own identity, including whether he wants to embrace his royal title.
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