The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have used the title “Princess” for their daughter Lilibet for the first time at her christening in California, despite their departure from the British royal family.
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan confirmed on March 8 that “Princess Lilibet Diana”, 21 months old, was baptized by the Bishop of Los Angeles at their home in Montecioto, California on March 3.
The announcement confirms that Harry and Meghan intend to use the titles of prince and princess for their son Archie and daughter Lilibet, in accordance with the British royal family’s more than 100-year-old rules. The two had previously left the British royal family and given up the titles of prince and princess.
After King Charles, Archie and Lilibet’s grandfather, ascended the throne, the two children automatically became princes and princesses under the rules set by King George V in 1917, which determined that the grandsons of the British monarchs could receive the title.
However, the titles are only used in formal events, not in everyday use. Harry and Meghan do not want to deny their children the right to inherit the title, but wait until they are old enough to decide for themselves whether to give it up or keep it.
Until now, Archie and Lilibet’s titles on the British royal family’s website are still “Uncle” and “Miss”. After the christening, Buckingham Palace confirmed that it will update the information on the website.
Whether Harry and Meghan’s children will receive the title of prince or princess is still a controversial topic. Meghan once said in an interview with American TV host Oprah Winfrey that her son Archie was denied the title of prince at birth because he was of mixed race and this was not in accordance with the regulations.
However, at the time of Archie’s birth, he was the great-grandson of the king, and not the first-born child of the crown prince, so he could not automatically receive the title of prince.
People magazine reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex had sent invitations to King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales to attend Lilibet’s christening, but they did not attend. The British royal family has not commented on this information.