THEY’RE NOT BEING CALLED ARCHIE AND LILIBET MOUNTBATTEN-WINDSOR ANYMORE… AND THE CHANGE HAS ROYAL WATCHERS TALKING.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children have quietly entered a new chapter in their royal story, with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet now becoming the names most closely associated with them following King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
The shift may appear subtle, but for royal followers it represents another significant milestone in the evolving identity of the Sussex family.
When King Charles became monarch after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, royal protocol changed automatically for his grandchildren. Under long-established convention dating back to the reign of King George V, the children of the sovereign’s son became entitled to use the titles of Prince and Princess.
Although the titles were available following the accession, Harry and Meghan did not immediately begin using them publicly. Months later, however, the couple confirmed their daughter had been christened as Princess Lilibet Diana, and from that point onward both children were publicly referred to as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
The change also affected how the children are identified publicly. Rather than primarily being known as Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, they are now more commonly presented using their royal titles, reflecting their place within the Royal Family while continuing to live in California with their parents.
For many royal observers, the move highlighted the unique position Harry and Meghan continue to occupy.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior working royals in 2020 and relocated to the United States, where they have built new careers through media projects, charitable initiatives and business ventures. Despite no longer carrying out official royal duties, their children remain members of the Royal Family and retain the titles to which they are entitled under current royal convention.
Predictably, the development sparked lively debate online.
Some commentators argued the titles simply recognize constitutional reality and should not be viewed as controversial. Others questioned whether royal titles remain appropriate for children growing up outside the United Kingdom and outside the day-to-day work of the monarchy.
The discussion reflects a broader conversation that has followed the Sussexes ever since their departure from royal life. Nearly every decision involving the family—from public appearances to official biographies and even children’s titles—continues to generate worldwide attention.
Buckingham Palace has updated official references over time to reflect the children’s titles, while Harry and Meghan have largely focused on raising Archie and Lilibet away from the intense public spotlight that has surrounded much of their own lives.
Whether supporters see the change as a natural consequence of royal tradition or critics view it as another chapter in the ongoing debate surrounding the Sussexes, one thing is beyond doubt: interest in Harry and Meghan’s family shows no sign of fading.
And as the monarchy continues to evolve under King Charles, even the smallest changes to royal names and titles remain capable of making headlines around the world.