The relationship between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the wider British royal family has been a topic of international interest since their decision to step back from royal duties in 2020. Recently, discussions around the royal status of their children, Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, have resurfaced—prompting questions about titles, succession rights, and longstanding royal traditions.
This article outlines the facts around the status of Harry and Meghan’s children, clarifies public statements from the Palace, and dispels common misinformation circulating online.
Succession and Titles: What the Law and Royal Protocol Say
Under the terms of the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, the title of “prince” or “princess” is automatically granted to the children and grandchildren of the reigning monarch through the male line. When King Charles III ascended the throne in September 2022, this technically made Archie and Lilibet eligible for those titles.
As confirmed by Buckingham Palace in March 2023, both children are now styled as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. These titles reflect their status as grandchildren of the current monarch and are consistent with royal protocol.
“The children’s titles have been updated on the Royal Family website to reflect their current positions in the line of succession,” noted BBC News at the time.
Both children remain in the official line of succession to the British throne, with Prince Archie currently listed as 6th and Princess Lilibet as 7th, according to the official Royal Family website (royal.uk).
Clarifying Rumors About Exclusion from Succession
Recent online speculation suggested that Princess Lilibet had been “removed” from the line of succession due to her christening taking place in the United States. This claim is not substantiated by any official royal communication, and as of this writing, Lilibet remains on the official line of succession published by the Palace.
The notion that a child’s place in the royal succession is dependent on where they are baptized is not supported by constitutional law or historical precedent. In fact, numerous members of the royal family have been baptized in various churches and locations without affecting their succession status.
“A baptism is a religious rite, not a legal requirement for succession,” said royal historian Dr. Anna Whitelock in an interview with Sky News. “The law governing succession is based on descent, legitimacy, and religious affiliation—specifically being Protestant and in communion with the Church of England.”
Lilibet’s Christening and the Palace’s Position
In March 2023, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened in a private ceremony at the couple’s home in Montecito, California, in accordance with Episcopal Church rites. The ceremony was attended by close family and friends and officiated by the Bishop of Los Angeles, a senior figure in the U.S. Episcopal Church, which is part of the Anglican Communion.
While the location and format of the ceremony may differ from traditional royal christenings held in the United Kingdom, the event does not contravene any constitutional or legal requirements for the line of succession.
No formal statement has been issued by Buckingham Palace objecting to the christening or suggesting that it affects Lilibet’s status. Public claims to the contrary have not been supported by evidence or official records.
Meghan Markle’s Public Statements on Her Children’s Place in the Royal Family
While Meghan Markle has not issued any direct statement criticizing the royal family over her children’s titles or succession status, she and Prince Harry have addressed broader issues related to their treatment by the institution.
In their 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed that there had been discussions within the royal household during her pregnancy about whether Archie would receive a title and whether he would receive security protection.
“They didn’t want him to be a prince… which would be different from protocol,” Meghan said. “We weren’t told why.”
These concerns, however, were made before Charles became king, and before Archie and Lilibet automatically became eligible for titles under the Letters Patent of 1917. In March 2023, the Sussexes publicly announced that Lilibet had been baptized and referred to her by her full title, Princess Lilibet Diana, in their press statement—indicating their acknowledgment of her official royal status.
Media Speculation and Entertainment Coverage
In March 2024, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert referenced longstanding rumors involving the royal family, jokingly questioning recent public absences of Catherine, Princess of Wales, and revisiting past tabloid narratives.
While such commentary may influence public perception, it is important to note that these segments are entertainment-focused and do not constitute verified reporting. In the age of viral content and social media, distinguishing between satirical commentary, tabloid headlines, and factual news is essential.
Legal Response and Clarifications
When rumors about Prince William and Rose Hanbury circulated widely on social media, both parties denied the claims, and no credible evidence has ever supported such speculation. Similarly, legal representatives for individuals mentioned in other rumors related to the royal family have responded clearly when false narratives gained momentum.
In the case of Lilibet’s status, no such denial has been required because no official action to remove her from the line of succession has occurred. Any claims otherwise should be treated with skepticism unless confirmed by reputable media outlets or official royal communication.
The Role of the Royal Family Website
The official Royal Family website is the most reliable source for confirming royal titles and the current order of succession. As of the latest update, both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are listed with their correct titles and positions.
- Prince Archie of Sussex – 6th in line
- Princess Lilibet of Sussex – 7th in line
(Source: www.royal.uk/succession)
The website is updated periodically to reflect changes due to births, deaths, or formal title announcements.
Conclusion: Verified Facts Over Viral Rumors
While public interest in the British royal family remains high, especially regarding the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, it’s essential to rely on fact-based reporting and official sources when discussing issues like succession, titles, and protocol.
As of now:
- Both Archie and Lilibet retain their places in the royal line of succession.
- Both children have the right to use royal titles under the existing Letters Patent.
- No verified royal or legal statements suggest otherwise.
Unverified rumors—especially those spread through social media or entertainment commentary—should not be mistaken for legitimate updates.
Verified Sources:
- Royal Family Official Website – Line of Succession
- BBC News – Titles of Archie and Lilibet
- Sky News – Royal Historians on Succession
- Business Insider – Official Response from Rose Hanbury’s Legal Team
- The Oprah Interview with Harry and Meghan – CBS
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