It’s official: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Archie and Lilibet, will not be given the prestigious HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) titles when they officially become prince and princess in the future. This decision by King Charles III has caused quite a stir, with some newspapers even reporting that the couple is “furious” about it.
Although Harry and Meghan may not be working royals anymore, they firmly believe that their children should still be entitled to the same level of royal protection and recognition as other members of the family. They point to Beatrice and Eugenie, the children of Prince Andrew, who still hold the HRH titles. However, the rules established by King George V in 1917 to limit the number of HRH titles within the royal family dictate that Archie and Lilibet are not eligible for these titles.
But here’s the thing: Archie and Lilibet will still be acknowledged as prince and princess, even without the HRH titles. This situation is not entirely new within the royal family. Both Princess Diana and Duchess Fergie faced similar challenges after their separations from Prince Charles and Prince Andrew respectively. Sarah Ferguson, for instance, is still known as the Duchess of York.
While Harry and Meghan may still be able to use the titles “prince” and “princess” in America, it’s important to understand that even if their descendants ascend the line of succession, they will not be active members of the royal family. Therefore, it is fair that they do not carry the HRH titles.
In fact, Harry and Meghan should appreciate the compromise that has been made for them and their children. The situation could have been much worse, with many people believing that they should have given up their titles altogether when they decided to step back from their roles as senior royals and move to the United States.
In conclusion, while Archie and Lilibet won’t have the HRH titles, they will still be recognized as prince and princess. King Charles III’s decision aligns with the established regulations for managing the usage of HRH titles within the royal family. It’s important for everyone to understand the reasoning behind this decision and to move forward with understanding and appreciation.
