Expert claims Lilibet and Archie’s royal title reveal was timed to overshadow Camilla’s coronation

In early 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced that their children, Archie and Lilibet, would officially bear the royal titles of prince and princess. The decision, which followed Lilibet’s christening in California, highlighted both their connection to the monarchy and ongoing family tensions.

In March 2023, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed that their children had been granted the titles of prince and princess. The announcement came shortly after Lilibet’s private christening at the family’s Montecito home, where the two-year-old was baptized by the Rev. John Taylor, Archbishop of Los Angeles.

The titles marked a significant moment for the Sussex family, symbolizing their enduring ties to the monarchy despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020. A spokesperson for the couple described the titles as a “birthright” and confirmed that the change had been agreed upon in coordination with Buckingham Palace after Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.

The royal family’s official website was updated to reflect the titles, with the siblings listed as Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

Questions about timing and motives

At the time, the announcement sparked widespread speculation about its timing and intent. Some royal commentators suggested the decision could have been influenced by other developments in early 2023, such as the Sussexes’ eviction from Frogmore Cottage and reports that Camilla’s grandchildren would play significant roles in King Charles III’s coronation.

Royal expert Richard Eden described the move as a potential act of defiance, noting that Harry and Meghan’s relationship with the royal family remained strained. “It does strike me as revenge by Harry and Meghan,” Eden said. “They’ll be thinking, ‘What can we do to have our revenge?’ and that’s making sure their children can have these titles.”

The christening and royal traditions

The decision to use royal titles for Archie and Lilibet underscored their eligibility under longstanding rules established by King George V in 1917. These rules grant the children of the sovereign’s sons the right to be styled as prince or princess.

However, during Meghan’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, she raised concerns about whether her children would ever receive royal titles. She claimed there had been discussions within the royal family about denying them this privilege, an issue that became a focal point of the couple’s broader criticism of royal traditions.

Ultimately, Harry and Meghan stated that they wanted Archie and Lilibet to have the option to decide for themselves whether to retain or relinquish the titles as they grow older.

Camilla’s grandchildren take center stage

Around the same time as the title announcement, reports emerged that Queen Consort Camilla’s grandchildren would play prominent roles in King Charles III’s coronation. This decision sparked debate among royal watchers, with some criticizing it as a departure from tradition.

Camilla’s five grandchildren from her first marriage were said to hold the canopy over her during the sacred anointing ceremony. Critics argued this might overshadow other royal family members or alienate traditionalists.

“The Royal Family’s value is in their traditions,” said royal commentator Kinsey Schofield. “When they sway too far from those customs, you anger and disappoint a significant number of people.”

Looking back on a divisive moment

Over a year later, the decision to grant royal titles to Archie and Lilibet remains a notable chapter in the story of the Sussexes and their relationship with the monarchy. While it affirmed the children’s birthright, it also underscored the complicated dynamics between Harry, Meghan, and the royal family.

As the family continues to navigate its roles and relationships, this moment serves as a reminder of both their shared heritage and the challenges of blending tradition with modernity.

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