Understanding Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, The Offspring of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry

Though they are royals, the lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children diverge significantly from those of other young British royals.

Residing in California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been nurturing Prince Archie, now 6, and Princess Lilibet, aged 3, away from the traditional royal spotlight.

Let’s delve into the world of Archie and Lilibet.

Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor: A Royal Start

On May 6, 2019, Prince Archie came into the world at Portland Hospital in London, soon after Harry and Meghan’s nuptials.

The Sussexes took to Instagram to announce his birth with a simple graphic saying, "It's a boy!" and expressed their joy over their healthy baby.

Diverging from royal customs, Harry and Meghan introduced Archie to the public at Windsor Castle's St. George's Hall instead of at the hospital.

In 2020, they explained that the name 'Archie' was influenced by the Greek word 'arche,' which signifies 'beginning or origin.' His middle name, Harrison, traditionally means 'son of Harry.'

Initially seventh, Archie's place in the line of succession became sixth after Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022. He was christened at Windsor Castle in July 2019.

At just four months old, Archie joined his parents on a royal visit to Africa, where they met Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Since stepping back from royal duties, the couple has opted to shield Archie from public life, allowing him a private upbringing in Montecito, California.

Welcoming Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor

In February 2021, Meghan and Harry shared their anticipation for a second child—a daughter. Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Lilibet holds the distinction of being the first royal family member born in the U.S. She was eighth in line to the throne at her birth, moving to seventh by 2022.

Her name honors both her grandmother and great-grandmother: Lilibet was the family nickname for Queen Elizabeth, while Diana pays tribute to Harry’s mother.

The family did not publicly share Lilibet's image immediately but unveiled her face in their Christmas card later that year.

In March 2023, she was christened in an intimate ceremony in Los Angeles with Tyler Perry, who previously hosted the Sussexes, as her godfather.

Shifting Titles After the Queen's Passing

Originally known as Master Archie and Miss Lilibet, they received their prince and princess titles following King Charles III's ascension.

The royal titles were allocated per the 1917 Letters Patent, which dictates titles for the monarch's children and grandchildren.

In a candid interview, Meghan suggested that race might have played a role in earlier discussions about withholding a prince title for Archie.

After the death of Queen Elizabeth, the Sussex children's royal statuses were formalized, yet they maintain limited visible ties with the wider family.

Amid ongoing tensions, Prince Harry revealed in a 2025 interview that difficulties with royal security have affected familial communications.