New Archie picture sets the record straight on recent rumors

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have always sought a balance between maintaining their privacy and speaking publicly about their past. While they’ve been open about their experiences through interviews, documentaries, and Harry’s book Spare, the couple has remained quite protective of their children’s privacy.

Recently, though, a new photo of their son Archie sparked conversations after it appeared in Harry’s Heart of Invictus documentary, bringing fresh attention to the young royal’s life.

Prince Archie, who turned five this past May, along with his younger sister Lilibet, have been given royal titles. However, despite the attention that comes with these titles, Harry and Meghan have maintained a low profile for their children, rarely sharing photos of them.

In Heart of Invictus, fans saw a more recent glimpse of Archie, who has grown quite a bit since last being featured in their 2022 Netflix series. His appearance prompted much discussion, not only about his growing resemblance to his father but also about the Sussexes’ family life in California, far from the British royal family.

Earlier last year, Lilibet Diana was christened and officially given the title Princess Lilibet Diana. At the same time, Archie’s title was confirmed as Prince Archie, following the protocol established by their great-grandfather, King George V, in 1917. Under these rules, the grandchildren of the monarch are entitled to the titles of prince and princess. These titles came into effect after Queen Elizabeth II passed away, and King Charles III ascended to the throne.

Although Harry and Meghan were vocal about their concerns regarding royal titles during their 2021 interview with Oprah, they have since expressed that their children’s titles are their birthright. However, it is up to Archie and Lilibet to decide whether they will continue to use these titles in the future.

Despite their royal status, Archie and Lilibet’s daily lives in California are far removed from their cousins—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—who live in the UK. The physical distance between the families could have lasting effects on the relationships between the young royals. While the Sussexes have opted out of many royal traditions, the absence of their children from the larger royal family has led some to speculate about potential feelings of disconnect as they grow older.

Former royal staff member Paul Burrell, who worked closely with Princess Diana, has voiced concerns about how this separation might affect Archie and Lilibet. He suggested that as they grow older, they may question why they were not raised as part of the royal world, despite their titles and heritage.

Although Harry and Meghan have chosen to live a quieter life in California, they have frequently made headlines through their media projects. Critics argue that their openness about royal life in interviews and documentaries contrasts with their desire for privacy. However, the couple has remained firm in their stance that their children’s privacy is paramount, releasing only a few curated glimpses into their family life.

As Archie and Lilibet grow up, it will be interesting to see how the Sussexes navigate their family’s unique position—balancing their royal titles with a life far removed from traditional royal duties.