Interest in Prince Harry’s children has grown steadily since the couple stepped back from royal duties in 2020. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor now live in Montecito, California, far from the formal life of the British court. Their titles, granted in 2023, and their rare public appearances raise questions about how the next generation of royals is being raised.
How Royal Precedent Shaped Archie and Lilibet’s Titles
Under rules set by King George V in 1917, only grandchildren of the sovereign through the male line automatically received prince or princess titles. Archie, born in 2019, was a great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II and thus did not qualify. Lilibet, born in 2021, faced the same limitation. That changed when King Charles III ascended the throne in 2022. In 2023, the King granted both children the titles of prince and princess, aligning them with the children of a sovereign’s son. The decision ended a period of ambiguity and gave the children formal status within the royal family.
Key Moments in the Children’s Lives Since 2019
Archie was born on May 6, 2019, at Portland Hospital in London. His birth was announced at Frogmore Cottage in Windsor, where the family then lived. Lilibet arrived on June 4, 2021, in Santa Barbara, California. She was named after Queen Elizabeth II, whose family nickname was Lilibet, and Princess Diana. Archie was baptized privately in July 2019; Lilibet’s baptism took place in March 2023 at the couple’s California home. In 2022, Lilibet’s first birthday was celebrated at Frogmore Cottage during the family’s visit for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Archie made a rare public appearance in 2023 at the Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, sitting with his father in the stands.
| Child | Birth Date | Place of Birth | Line to Throne |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor | May 6, 2019 | London, England | Seventh |
| Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor | June 4, 2021 | Santa Barbara, California | Eighth |
Lessons from the Invictus Games Appearance
When Archie appeared at the Invictus Games in September 2023, it was a rare glimpse into his life. He sat with Prince Harry during the wheelchair basketball finals, waving to cameras. The moment illustrated a deliberate choice: the children are kept out of the media spotlight but are introduced to their father’s public work in controlled settings. Prince Harry has said he wants his children to have a “normal” life, free from the pressures he experienced. The Invictus appearance suggests a middle path—limited exposure that connects them to causes their parents value.
Practical Takeaways for Understanding Their Upbringing
For those following the royal family, the key takeaway is that Archie and Lilibet are being raised with a clear separation from official royal duties. They live in California, attend a local school, and have not participated in major royal events like Trooping the Colour. Their parents have released only a few official photographs, mostly on birthdays. This approach contrasts sharply with the upbringing of Prince William’s children, who appear regularly at public events. The children’s titles, while formal, do not oblige them to perform royal functions. We can expect their public appearances to remain rare and carefully managed. A reference profile of the subject is maintained on Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
Frequently Asked Questions
What impact have Archie and Lilibet had on the British monarchy?
Their birth and subsequent move to the United States highlighted the monarchy’s struggle to adapt to modern family dynamics. Their titles, granted after a change in rules, also sparked debate about the relevance of hereditary privileges.
How old are Prince Harry’s children in 2025?
Archie turned six in May 2025, and Lilibet turned four in June 2025. Both are growing up in California, far from the formal royal environment their father experienced. For a broader factual overview, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's 2 Kids: All About Prince Archie and … lays out the key context
Where do Archie and Lilibet live now?
They live with their parents in Montecito, California, in a private estate purchased in 2020. The family moved there after stepping back from senior royal roles.
How can I see photos of Archie and Lilibet?
Official photos are released by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on special occasions, such as birthdays or charity events. The couple has not shared images on social media since 2020.
Why did King Charles III grant the children prince and princess titles?
Under the 1917 letters patent, only grandchildren of the sovereign automatically received titles. After Charles became king, he exercised his prerogative to grant the titles, ensuring his grandchildren held the same status as other royal children.
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