News about the British royal family tells us that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have two children: Prince Archie, born in 2019, and Princess Lilibet, born in 2021. It’s hard to explain who they are because some people even “doubt their existence.” Here’s more information about Archie and Lilibet, including some sad parts.
Archie was born in the UK before Harry and Meghan’s 2020 move to the US. There are some photos of him, but fewer of Lilibet, whose birth wasn’t officially announced by the palace. Archie was proudly shown off by his parents in an official portrait, while Lilibet, born in the US, only has one photo that is reused each year for her birthday. This “lack of public appearances” has made some people wonder if Lilibet is real.
In a famous 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan shared that she felt “suicidal while pregnant with Archie.” The Markle children have never met their grandfather, Thomas Markle, because Meghan is reportedly feuding with him. King Charles only sees his grandchildren through video calls. Many people worry about how healthy it is for Archie and Lilibet to have limited family interactions. Royal expert Michael Cole says that the “tension between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family” has made normal family relationships very difficult.
Archie and Lilibet have never met their grandfather Thomas Markle, even though he lives close to them in California. Reports suggest that Meghan was upset with him for missing her wedding due to a heart attack. Thomas has the right to legally ask to see his grandchildren but doesn’t want to cause more conflict: “I don’t want to involve my grandchildren as pawns in a game they’re not part of.”
Princess Lilibet was named after Queen Elizabeth’s nickname. Harry and Meghan say they had the Queen’s approval, but opinions differ on this. Additionally, Archie and Lilibet couldn’t see their grandmother before she died in September 2022. Reportedly, the Sussexes did not get the security they wanted, so they left the children at home. Harry went to King Charles’ coronation alone, while Meghan and the children stayed in the US. Royal expert Victoria Murphy says this shows that not everything is resolved between the Sussexes and the royal family.
Future Questions
Former royal butler Paul Burrell thinks that Archie and Lilibet will ask about their estrangement from both sides of the family. He believes they will wonder why they aren’t part of the royal world despite being a prince and princess, and will feel deprived of their heritage. However, they do have a simpler life, including playing with “rescue chickens.”
