There are reports suggesting that Prince Harry is asking King Charles to grant royal succession rights to his children, Archie and Lilibet, potentially paving the way for two future princes. This request, if true, could mark a significant shift in the relationship between the Sussexes and the royal family.
As it stands, Archie and Lilibet, despite being grandchildren of the reigning monarch, do not currently hold royal titles. However, under the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, grandchildren of the sovereign automatically become princes or princesses. This title change was speculated when King Charles ascended to the throne, but it has yet to be officially conferred.
By seeking royal succession rights for their children, Harry and Meghan may be looking to secure a formal place for their family within the royal hierarchy, despite their physical distance and independent lifestyle in California. If King Charles were to grant these rights, it could mean that Archie and Lilibet would eventually be styled as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, as well as hold formal positions in the line of succession.
However, this move is not without its complications. Given Harry and Meghan’s departure from senior royal duties and their candid revelations about royal life, the idea of granting royal titles to their children might stir controversy within both the family and the public. Some may view it as inconsistent with the couple’s previous stance of stepping back from royal responsibilities. Others, however, might see it as an acknowledgment of their children’s rightful place in the family lineage.
For King Charles, this decision would carry considerable weight. On one hand, granting these rights could help mend the fractured relationship with Harry and Meghan, offering a gesture of goodwill and inclusion. On the other hand, it might raise concerns about the future role of the Sussexes within the monarchy and how their influence could evolve over time.
Ultimately, the question of royal succession rights for Archie and Lilibet remains unresolved. Should King Charles choose to grant these titles, it could symbolize a broader reconciliation effort, but it also comes with potential implications for the monarchy’s future direction.