King Charles has officially and decisively stripped Archie and Lilibet of their royal titles, marking a devastating blow to Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s ambitions for their children’s royal status. This unprecedented move, backed by formal constitutional authority and supported by the House of Lords, signals a clear message from the monarchy: royal titles are privileges tied to duties and responsibilities, which Archie and Lilibet will no longer enjoy.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet automatically received their royal titles when Charles became king in 2022, under the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V. However, after Meghan and Harry stepped back from their senior royal roles and relocated to California, their children’s involvement in royal duties vanished. The palace clearly wants to draw a line and protect the monarchy from becoming a global brand exploited for personal gain.
Meghan reportedly reacted with fury and was blindsided by the abruptness and finality of the decision. Sources reveal there were no personal warnings or phone calls—just a formal announcement confirming that Archie and Lilibet are no longer recognized as Prince and Princess, nor entitled to the honorific "His/Her Royal Highness."
This move corrects the narrative Meghan built around her children’s royal identity, which had been a significant part of their media presence. It also contrasts starkly with the privileges maintained by Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children, who continue to hold active roles in the monarchy.
Experts view this as King Charles reclaiming control and streamlining the royal family, emphasizing that titles come with commitment. Without engagement in royal duties, Archie and Lilibet’s titles have been deemed void to prevent confusion about the monarchy's future.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in the Sussexes’ relationship with the royal institution and reshapes public perception of their place within British royalty.