Following the sad death of Queen Elizabeth II,it has been noted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's children now have new royal titles, as their grandfather becomes King Charles III. Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, aged three, is now technically a Prince. His younger sister Lilibet “Lili” Mountbatten-Windsor, aged one, is technically entitled to the title of Princess.
Under protocols established by King George V in 1917, the children and grandchildren of a sovereign have the automatic right to the title Her Royal Highness or His Royal Highness (HRH) and Prince or Princess.
However, Archie and Lilibet's official titles all depend on King Charles III'sthoughts on royal protocol - he ultimately has the final say. Asked in their Oprah Winfrey interview last year, The Sussexes indicated that they had expected Archie would be given the title of Prince after Charles acceded the throne. However, they had been told that protocols would be changed – in line with Charles’s wish for a slimmed-down monarchy – so that the child would be excluded from becoming an HRH and Prince. It's now been reported that after 'tense discussions' Charles has agreed to allow the children to use the titles of Prince and Princess but not to use the HRH address.
If this is what he wishes then King Charles III will have to issue a Letters Patent revoking Archie’s right to be a Prince and Lili’s right to be a Princess. Until then - if it even happens at all - Lilibet and Archie will remain as Prince and Princess. However, after previous reported tension between the Duke of Sussex and the King - the public have been increasingly concerned that he will do just that. However, during King Charles III first address to the nation he said, ‘I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.' This seems to be an indication that they are amicable and on better terms these days. We never know what happens behind closed doors and grief can unite family.
There is also some speculation as to wether the Duke and Duchess will actually allow their children to use their royal title. Meghan was quizzed in the same interview if Archie being a Prince was important to her. Meghan replied, 'If it meant he was going to be safe, then of course.' This was said in response to the announcement that extended members of the royal family would not get an automatic right to police security.
When Archie was born, the Queen actually offered him the titles Earl of Dumbarton or Lord Archie Mountbatten-Windsor but Harry and Meghan chose not to use either for their son, instead deciding to call him Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor.
It should be noted that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will have no changes to their royal titles. The line of succession has also been reshuffled to reflect the Queen's death, and sees Prince William move up to next in line for the throne. He is followed by Prince George (nine), Princess Charlotte (seven), Prince Louis (four), Prince Harry, and Master Archie, (three.)