Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have two children: a son named Archie and a daughter named Lilibet. Since stepping back from working royal roles and relocating to California, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have raised their children largely out of the daily spotlight, though interest in their family remains high worldwide.
Understanding how many children Prince Harry has involves looking beyond just the numbers. Their full names, birth dates, royal titles, and exact positions in the line of succession define their unique status within the British monarchy.
Meet Prince Harry's Two Children
The Sussex family consists of Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their two children born in different countries.
- Prince Archie of Sussex: Born on May 6, 2019, at Portland Hospital in London, Archie is the couple's firstborn child.
- Princess Lilibet of Sussex: Born on June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California, Lilibet is the couple's second child.
Unlike many senior members of the royal family, Lilibet was born in the United States, making her a dual US-UK citizen. Her birth overseas marked a historic first for a senior member of the royal family in the direct line of succession.
Royal Titles and the Letters Patent of 1917
When Archie and Lilibet were born, they didn't immediately use prince and princess titles. This caused public confusion, but the rules governing royal titles trace back more than a century.
Under Letters Patent issued by King George V in 1917, the children of the Sovereign, the children of the sons of the Sovereign, and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales are entitled to use the style of Royal Highness and the title of prince or princess.
When Archie was born during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, he was a great-grandchild of the monarch, not a grandchild. That meant he was technically a great-grandchild rather than a son or grandson of a sovereign, placing him outside the automatic purview of the 1917 rules until Queen Elizabeth II passed away.
When King Charles III ascended the throne in September 2022, Harry's children automatically became the grandchildren of the monarch. This elevation granted them the birthright to use prince and princess titles. In early 2023, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex officially began using the titles for their children, announcing Lilibet's christening under the title Princess Lilibet. According to the Official Royal Family Website, the children are styled as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
Line of Succession Position
The birth of Prince Harry's children shifted the wider line of succession down a notch. Prince Harry himself sits fifth in line to the British throne, right behind Prince William and William's three children (Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis).
Following Prince Harry in the succession order are his own children:
- Prince Archie is sixth in line to the throne.
- Princess Lilibet is seventh in line to the throne.
Despite living in North America, both children retain their constitutional standing in the British line of succession unless Parliament alters the rules.
Privacy and Upbringing in California
Prince Harry and Meghan have chosen a private lifestyle for Archie and Lilibet compared to traditional royal upbringing paths in London. The family resides in Montecito, California, where the children attend local schools and grow up away from the British press pack.
Harry has frequently spoken about wanting to break generational cycles and give his children the freedom to play outdoors without cameras following their every move. While official updates and occasional photographs are shared through authorized channels or holiday cards, the children's day-to-day lives remain closely guarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Prince Harry's children have royal security?
Security arrangements for the Sussex family have evolved significantly since they stepped back from working royal roles. Detailed public funding or official security allocations are managed independently following their relocation. You can read more about royal protocols through BBC News.
What are the children's middle names?
Archie's full birth name is Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, while Lilibet's full birth name is Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, honoring both her late grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and Queen Elizabeth II, whose family nickname was Lilibet.
Are Archie and Lilibet working royals?
No. Because Prince Harry and Meghan stepped back as working members of the royal family, neither Archie nor Lilibet carry out official duties or receive taxpayer-funded allowances associated with working royal status.
Will they use their royal titles as adults?
The titles of prince and princess belong to them as grandchildren of the monarch. When they reach adulthood, they will have the personal autonomy to decide whether to use their titles in a professional or private capacity, following precedents set by other members of the royal family. Further context on the British monarchy can be found on The Guardian.
