Princess Lilibet: Understanding the Royal Titles of Harry, Meghan, and Their Family
The recent christening of Princess Lilibet led to much speculation about royal titles for the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. This article delves into the details of their titles and those of their extended family, providing clarity on the current status and future expectations.
Introduction
The announcement that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would be claiming royal titles for their children after the christening ceremony in California has sparked considerable interest and discussion. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the new royal titles and the situation regarding other family members.
Harry, Meghan, and Their Children
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have decided to claim the royal titles for their children. As a result, their daughter, Princess Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, and any future children of the couple will be referred to as 'Prince' and 'Princess.'
This decision highlights the couple's desire to maintain a connection to the royal family while also asserting their independence. The new titles reflect the traditional naming conventions used by British royals, where the eldest son of a Prince of the United Kingdom is entitled to the style 'Prince' and the eldest daughter is known as 'Princess.'
Meghan Markle's Royal Titles
It is important to note that Meghan Markle, despite her marriage to Prince Harry, retains the title 'Duchess of Sussex.' This title is a mark of her status within the royal family and does not change with her role in the family or her husband's potential status. Before her marriage, Meghan Markle had no royal titles.
Harry Family's Future Relocation
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's move away from the dynamic of the British royal family means that not all of their family members have or will receive royal titles. This decision was also influenced by their desire to maintain a private life while still remaining within the royal circle.
Other Family Members and Royal Titles
Meghan's mother, Dashawn Magie-Markle, and her brother, Christopher, will likely not receive any royal titles. They are not born into the royal family and have no legal claim to any titles. The same applies to Meghan's younger sister, Samra, who is also not a member of the royal lineage.
Similarly, Prince Harry's siblings, Peter, Christoph, and Trusty, as well as his mother, Princess Diana, will maintain their titles but will not be seen as 'royal' in the same way that Harry and Meghan's children will be. This distinction is recognized by the British government and the royal family.
Conclusion
The decision to grant royal titles to the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is a personal choice that reflects the couple's views on their future and their relationship with the royal family. However, it is crucial to understand that not all family members are affected by this decision, and some might retain their titles while others might not.
Related Questions
Q: Does Meghan Markle have a royal title?
A: Yes, Meghan Markle, now known as the Duchess of Sussex, has the title 'Duchess of Sussex.' Before her marriage, she had no royal titles.
Q: Will Prince Harry's siblings receive royal titles?
A: No, Prince Harry's siblings and their descendants will not receive royal titles. They are not part of the royal lineage and will retain their current titles but not within the same 'royal' context.
Q: What happened to the previous titles of the Montejo children?
A: The christening of Princess Lilibet did not affect the titles of her relatives, such as her mother, who remains the Duchess of Sussex, and her uncles and aunts, who retain their titles as descendants of the Duke of Edinburgh but are not royals as such.