Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, has publicly indicated that he would like his children — Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex — to have the ability to decide their own paths in life, whether that means serving as working members of the Royal Family or pursuing private careers.
While Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, stepped back from their positions as senior working royals in January 2020, their children have retained royal titles in accordance with established protocols.
Background on Titles and Royal Protocol
Upon their wedding in May 2018, Queen Elizabeth II granted Prince Harry and Meghan Markle the titles of Duke and Duchess of Sussex. In January 2020, Buckingham Palace announced that while the couple would retain these titles, they would no longer use the style His/Her Royal Highness (HRH) in connection with their work, as they were no longer senior working members of the Royal Family.
When King Charles III ascended the throne in September 2022, Archie and Lilibet became eligible to use the titles of prince and princess under the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V. The Sussexes began using their children’s titles publicly in early 2023.
According to the official Royal Family website, both children are now listed as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex in the line of succession.
Meghan Markle on the Significance of the Family Name
In a PEOPLE Magazine interview published in early 2025, Meghan Markle spoke about the personal meaning of the Sussex title for her family.
Meghan has also referenced their surname “Sussex” in public appearances, including The Drew Barrymore Show in March 2025 and her Netflix series With Love, Meghan.
Prince Harry’s View on His Children’s Future
According to an interview cited by The Guardian, Prince Harry has expressed that he wishes for Archie and Lilibet to retain their HRH titles for the purpose of preserving their right to choose their future roles. This would allow them the flexibility to either become working members of the Royal Family or lead private lives outside of royal duties when they are older.
While Harry has made no formal requests for changes to his children’s current titles, his comments suggest a desire to keep options open for the next generation.
Media Reports on Royal Family Perspectives
A report by The Sunday Times in June 2025, marking Prince William’s 43rd birthday, stated that there was “bemusement in royal circles” at the idea of Archie and Lilibet one day serving as working royals. The article noted that, according to unnamed sources, such a scenario was considered unlikely under Prince William’s future reign.
Buckingham Palace has not made any official statement confirming or denying these perspectives. A spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex declined to comment on matters relating to their children.
Travel Document Applications and Official Records
In March 2025, The Guardian reported on a delay in processing passport applications for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The article stated that the applications had been submitted with their full titles, including “HRH.” A legal source cited in the report suggested this caused additional review by British officials.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Buckingham Palace strongly denied having any involvement in administrative delays related to the children’s travel documents.
The Sussex Family’s Current Life
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle currently reside in California, where they focus on their philanthropic organization, the Archewell Foundation, as well as media production projects under Archewell Productions. Their work has included partnerships with organizations supporting mental health initiatives, digital safety programs, and community outreach.
The couple maintains that their move away from senior royal duties has allowed them greater freedom to balance their public commitments with family life.
Children’s Positions in the Line of Succession
As of August 2025, Prince Archie is sixth in line to the throne, and Princess Lilibet is seventh. These positions reflect the rules of hereditary succession, which are outlined in UK constitutional law and recorded in the official line of succession maintained by Buckingham Palace.
While their place in the line of succession is secure under current law, holding a royal title does not automatically mean they will become working royals. The decision to assign official duties rests with the reigning monarch and the structure of the Royal Household at the time.
Future Possibilities and Royal Precedent
Historically, not all royals with titles have taken on official working roles. For example, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, daughters of Prince Andrew, Duke of York, hold HRH titles but are not senior working members of the Royal Family. They pursue independent careers while occasionally representing the Crown at select events.
Similarly, Prince Harry’s hope for his children reflects a model where younger royals may choose paths outside of full-time royal service while maintaining ties to the institution.
Public Interest and Media Coverage
Public interest in Archie and Lilibet’s titles and potential roles has remained high since their births in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Their appearances have been limited, with only occasional public photographs released by the Sussexes.
Both supporters and critics have voiced opinions on whether the children should hold royal titles, but official decisions rest with the monarchy in accordance with established precedent.
Conclusion
Prince Harry’s wish for his children to have the freedom to decide their future — including the option of serving as working royals — aligns with a broader conversation about the evolving role of the monarchy in the 21st century.
While media reports suggest that such a path may be unlikely under Prince William’s future leadership, no definitive public statement has been made by the Palace on the matter. For now, Archie and Lilibet remain titled members of the Royal Family, with their future roles to be determined as they grow older.
Verified Sources:
- Royal Family – Official Line of Succession
- Buckingham Palace Statement, January 2020
- The Guardian – Prince Harry on Titles
- The Sunday Times – William Birthday Coverage, June 2025
- The Daily Telegraph – Passport Delay Report
- PEOPLE Magazine – Meghan Markle Interview
