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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have publicly referred to their children, Archie and Lilibet, using their royal titles for the first time. The announcement came as the couple confirmed that their daughter, Princess Lilibet Diana, was christened in California on March 3, 2023.
Daily Express learnt that, This decision has reignited the debate surrounding the Sussex children's royal status and the couple's relationship with the British monarchy.
According to the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, the grandchildren of the monarch are entitled to use the titles of prince and princess.
As such, Archie and Lilibet automatically became Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex upon the accession of their grandfather, King Charles III, to the throne in September 2022.
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However, the use of these titles by the Sussexes was not immediately confirmed, leading to speculation about whether the children would be granted the titles or if Harry and Meghan would choose to use them.
The couple's decision to step back from their roles as senior royals in 2020 and their subsequent move to California further complicated the matter.
In a bombshell interview with Oprah Winfrey in March 2021, Meghan Markle claimed that the royal family had expressed concerns about Archie's skin color and refused to grant him a title, which would have entitled him to security protection.
The Duchess of Sussex suggested that this decision might have been influenced by Archie's mixed-race heritage.
The palace denied these allegations, stating that the decision not to grant Archie a title at birth was in line with protocol, as he was not a first-born son of a future king.
However, Meghan's comments sparked a global conversation about racism within the royal family and the treatment of the Sussexes.
The timing of the announcement regarding Archie and Lilibet's titles has raised eyebrows among royal commentators and insiders. Some have questioned why the palace waited until March 2023 to confirm the children's status, despite the fact that they were entitled to the titles since September 2022.
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This delay has led to speculation that the decision may be connected to recent tensions between the Sussexes and the royal family, particularly in light of Harry and Meghan being asked to vacate their U.K. residence, Frogmore Cottage.
The couple's strained relationship with the monarchy has been further exacerbated by Harry's tell-all memoir, "Spare," and their Netflix docuseries, both of which contained criticisms of the royal family.
The news of Archie and Lilibet's titles has been met with mixed reactions from the public and media. Some have praised the move as a recognition of the children's birthright and a step towards inclusivity within the monarchy.
Others have criticized the Sussexes for seemingly contradicting their previous stance on wanting to raise their children away from the pressures and scrutiny of royal life.
Royal commentators have also weighed in on the matter, with some suggesting that the use of the titles may be a strategic move by Harry and Meghan to maintain their connection to the monarchy and ensure their children's security.
Others have argued that the decision could be seen as a snub to the royal family, particularly in light of the couple's recent criticisms.
The use of royal titles is governed by a complex set of rules and conventions, many of which date back centuries. The 1917 Letters Patent, which established the current system of royal titles, has been amended several times over the years to reflect changes in the monarchy and society.
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In recent years, there have been calls to modernize the rules surrounding royal titles, particularly in light of the Sussexes' decision to step back from their roles as senior royals.
Some have argued that the current system is outdated and fails to reflect the diversity and inclusivity of modern Britain.
The use of royal titles also has legal and constitutional implications, particularly in terms of succession to the throne. As it stands, Archie and Lilibet are sixth and seventh in line to the throne, respectively.
However, their positions could change in the future, depending on various factors such as the birth of new royal children or changes to the laws governing succession.
The decision by Harry and Meghan to use royal titles for their children has once again brought the couple's relationship with the monarchy into the spotlight. While some see the move as a positive step towards inclusivity and recognition of the children's birthright, others view it as a contradiction of the couple's previous stance on royal life.
As the Sussexes continue to navigate their new roles outside of the monarchy, it remains to be seen how their decision will impact their relationship with the royal family and their public image. The use of royal titles is just one aspect of the complex and often controversial world of the British monarchy, and it is likely to remain a topic of debate and discussion for years to come.
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Ultimately, the well-being and happiness of Archie and Lilibet should be the top priority for all involved. As they grow up in a rapidly changing world, it will be up to their parents and the wider royal family to ensure that they are supported, protected, and able to forge their own paths in life, regardless of their titles or status.
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