Introduction

The recent discussions surrounding the discrepancy in surnames and titles between Prince Harry's children and his brother Prince William's children have sparked quite a debate within the royal family. This article delves into the details behind why HRH Prince Archie and Princess Lili are not granted the same titles as their cousins, and whether Harry and Meghan's decision to use their children's given names is justified or not.

Is There an Issue with the Children's Surnames?

It's important to clarify that the discrepancy in surnames and titles arises not from the children themselves, but rather the decision of their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, to step down from royal duties and preserve their independence. While the children were born via surrogate, they are entitled to their royal status and titles according to the Letters Patent from 1917, which outlines the protocol for royal titles.

According to the Anglo-Saxon Clan Law, children born into royal families are typically given the family surname. However, in this case, the royal couple has chosen not to follow the conventional path of appending a formal title to their children's names.

Understanding the Letters Patent 1917

The Letters Patent from 1917, established by King George V, Charles's great-grandfather, explicitly states that the children of the Sovereign and the children of the sons of any such Sovereign shall have and at all times hold and enjoy the style, title, or attribute of Royal Highness (HRH) with their titular dignity of Prince or Princess prefixed to their respective Christian names.

This means that once Archie and Lili became the grandchildren of the sovereign, they were automatically granted the title HRH. They may choose not to use these titles, but they are entitled to them. Similar to Lady Louise and Viscount Severn, who are also HRHs by legal right, they simply do not use their titles for personal reasons.

Harry and Meghan's Decision to Step Down from Royal Duties

The decision of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to step down from royal duties and exit the British Royal Family remains a significant factor in the discussion of their children's titles. When they made their decision to part ways with the royal family in 2021, they forfeited their working royal status and renounced certain privileges, including the right to continue using their title as working royals.

Moreover, the couple expressed in a letter that they believed it would be unethical to use a title for their son Archie, which they saw as a form of 'racism'. This is a point that has been heavily debated, with many questioning the basis for this decision and its implications.

Harry and Meghan's stance on Archie's title led to a series of statements and counter-statements, with accusations about how they were treated within the royal family. These allegations are often contradictory and unsubstantiated.

The Current Status of Archie and Lili

Archie and Lili both hold the legal title HRH, but they do not use these titles. As U.S. citizens born to a U.S. mother, they do not have the same status and privileges as their royal cousins. The situation is further complicated by the fact that they live in the United States, where they face different legal and social contexts compared to the United Kingdom.

Since Harry and Meghan renounced their royal titles and duties, Archie and Lili are not considered working royals or future claimants to the throne. This decision also means they might not inherit any special rights or privileges that come with being part of the royal family.

Conclusion

The discrepancy in the surnames and titles of Prince Harry's children and his brother Prince William's children can be traced back to several factors, including the royal couple's desire to maintain their independence, allegations of mistreatment, and their current status as non-working royals. While the legal right to royal titles remains, the practical implications and usage of these titles are shaped by personal choice and changing circumstances within the royal family.