What are the titles of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet?
Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex are the respective children of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. As the son and daughter of a British prince, both hold the courtesy titles styled as Prince or Princess and the style of Royal Highness in practice, though their exact usage and precedence can depend on context and protocol nuance. This evergreen explainer compares their standing, official documents, and historical convention.
How their styles are used in practice
Within the British royal framework, children of a prince typically carry the title Prince or Princess and the style Royal Highness. For Archie and Lilibet, this means they are formally styled as His Royal Highness Prince Archie of Sussex and Her Royal Highness Princess Lilibet of Sussex. In everyday settings, media, and many official communications, they are commonly referenced as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The following table summarizes key attributes and verified details where available.
Quick reference: titles, styles, and context
| Attribute | Prince Archie | Princess Lilibet | Verified detail / Source type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title (courtesy) | Prince of the United Kingdom | Princess of the United Kingdom | Convention: children of a prince |
| Style commonly used | His Royal Highness | Her Royal Highness | Protocol for children of a British prince |
| Name at birth | Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor | Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor | Birth certificates and official announcements |
| Family surname used | Mountbatten-Windsor | Official surname for some legal and ceremonial uses | |
| Place of birth | St. John's, Antigua and BarbudaLos Angeles, California, USA | Birth records and statements | |
| Parents | Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex | Publicly confirmed relationships | |
| Public recognition | Title and name announced October 2019 | Title and name announced June 2021 | Palace statements and coverage archives |
Royal conventions that shape their titles
British royal titles follow established conventions rather than rigid statute. Historically, the children of a sovereign’s son are styled Prince or Princess. When Harry was created Duke of Sussex, his children became Prince or Princess of the United Kingdom by courtesy. They are also typically known by the surname Mountbatten-Windsor for formal legal documents, while day-to-day usage centers on their first names and princely designation.
Key conventions at a glance
- Children of a prince are usually styled Prince or Princess.
- Royal Highness is the customary style for such titles.
- Mountbatten-Windsor serves as the official surname when a surname is required.
- Use of HRH is typically determined by protocol offices and communications context.
- Media often shortens to Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet for clarity.
Why their birthplaces matter in public discussion
Archie was born in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, while Lilibet was born in Los Angeles, California. Birth location occasionally surfaces in discussions about nationality, diplomatic considerations, and practical matters such as schooling or legal jurisdiction. However, their princely titles and royal standing derive from their parentage and descent, not birthplace. Understanding this distinction helps separate ceremonial protocol from everyday identity.
Official recognition and public announcements
Official announcements informed the public of Archie's title in October 2019 and Lilibet's in June 2021. These statements outlined their names, parentage, and the princely style they would carry. While some details, such as the precise scope of their usage in different realms or ceremonial settings, are governed by internal protocol, the core facts of their titles and styles are consistently acknowledged across authoritative sources.
Common questions about usage and precedence
People often ask whether Archie and Lilibet are styled the same as older relatives, how their names appear in official documents, and whether the title changes depending on where they live. In practice, their princely status remains consistent regardless of residence; local protocols may affect how titles are rendered in specific ceremonies or Commonwealth contexts. Clarity around their names and styles supports accurate reporting and respectful discussion.
Summary of enduring facts
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet hold courtesy titles that follow long-standing royal convention. Both are styled as princes and princesses with Royal Highness in line with their parentage. Their names, birth details, and public recognition are consistently documented across official statements and reputable reporting. These facts remain useful reference points for understanding the family's structure and the correct use of their titles.