Before Charles became King, this meant William’s son George was entitled to the prince title from birth. But Archie, though a great-grandson of the Queen, was not included under this rule.

So, Meghan’s claim that the rule was changed while she was pregnant is incorrect — this rule had been in place for over 100 years before Archie was born.

This rule also originally meant George’s siblings, Charlotte and Louis, wouldn’t get titles either. However, in 2012, the Queen issued a letter patent that extended the prince and princess titles (and the HRH style) to William’s children, since he was second in line to the throne.

Additionally, titles like prince and princess pass only through the male line. That’s why Princess Anne’s children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, do not have royal titles despite being the Queen’s grandchildren.

When did Archie and Lilibet get their prince and princess titles?

Archie and Lilibet officially became prince and princess in March 2023, which also means they can use the titles His and Her Royal Highness.

Interestingly, Buckingham Palace didn’t make an official announcement about this, even though Harry and Meghan reportedly hoped they would.

The titles actually took effect when their grandfather, King Charles, became monarch in September 2022. Before that, Archie and Lilibet were simply listed as Master Archie and Miss Lilibet on the Buckingham Palace website.

The Sussexes confirmed the change in a statement following Lilibet’s christening earlier in March.

A spokesperson said, “I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3, by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Reverend John Taylor.”

They also noted that the children’s royal titles were their “birthright” since their grandfather became king and that this had been agreed upon with Buckingham Palace for some time.

Buckingham Palace did not announce title changes for Archie and Lilibet.

Royal expert Ingrid Seward said Meghan and Harry wanted the Palace to make the announcement first.

She explained the kids could use the titles after their great-grandmother died, but their parents waited six months to start using them.

The Palace kept quiet, letting the Sussexes announce it themselves to avoid complaints.

Seward added that no one will “push aside” royal traditions.