In a recent revelation, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have opened up about their feelings of disappointment and hurt regarding the titles bestowed upon their children, Archie and Lilibet. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who stepped back from their roles as senior members of the royal family in 2020, have been at the center of public scrutiny and speculation ever since, as reported by Express.
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the couple’s firstborn, was not granted the title of prince when he was born in 2019. Traditionally, grandchildren of the reigning monarch are given such titles, but a century-old royal decree limited these titles to the children of the sovereign, the children of the sovereign’s sons, and the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales. As a result, Archie was styled as Master Archie, a decision that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle found disappointing.
The couple’s disappointment did not end with Archie’s title. The birth of their daughter, Lilibet “Lili” Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, in June 2021, brought about a similar situation. Despite Archie being eligible for a royal title upon birth, Lilibet was not automatically given the same courtesy. This unexpected turn of events has reportedly left the Duke and Duchess of Sussex feeling hurt and frustrated.
The issue of royal titles has long been a subject of fascination and critique, with critics arguing that such traditions contribute to an outdated hierarchical structure within the royal family. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, known for their efforts to modernize and bring transparency to the monarchy, have expressed their desire for a different approach, one that allows their children to have both the privileges and responsibilities associated with royal titles.
The couple has not shied away from addressing these concerns publicly. In interviews and statements, they have emphasized the importance of ensuring their children have a normal upbringing while still being aware of their place within the royal family. The disappointment over titles reflects a broader narrative of the couple’s struggles with the rigid conventions of the monarchy and their attempts to forge a new path that aligns with their values and vision for the future.
While the royal family has a rich history and a set of longstanding traditions, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s approach to parenthood challenges the conventional norms associated with royal titles. As the discussion around Archie and Lilibet’s titles continues, it prompts a broader conversation about the relevance and adaptability of these traditions in a modern, evolving world.
In the midst of this ongoing dialogue, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex remain committed to carving out their own identity and raising their children in a way that balances tradition with contemporary values. The disappointment and hurt expressed by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shed light on the complexities of navigating royal life in the 21st century, as they seek to redefine their roles within the monarchy and leave a lasting impact on its future trajectory.