When the Queen died it was reported that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s two young children – Archie and Lilibet – would become a prince and princess.
And six months later, that was exactly what happened in – Buckingham Palace replacing the “Master” and “Miss” references in front of the children’s names on their website, updating them to “Prince” and “Princess”.
WATCH BELOW: Prince Harry talks about the joys of fatherhood with Archie. Article continues after video.
Royal tradition dictates that the grandchildren of a monarch automatically inherit the titles of prince and princess, so with Charles now the King of the Commonwealth and 14 other realms, Archie and Lilibet became entitled to the use of Prince and Princess from September 8, 2022.
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But it was not until the christening of Lilibet in a private ceremony on March 3rd, 2023, that her official use of the title of “Princess” was confirmed by her parents, Buckingham Palace only updating their website after both Harry and Meghan had released details of the intimate affair.
The christening was carried out by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Reverend John Taylor with People magazine reporting that there were between 20 and 30 guests at the event, with Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, and Lilibet’s godfather Tyler Perry both in attendance.
It’s been said that none of the members of the royal family were in attendance.
But a detail in the statement released about the christening on behalf of Harry and Meghan sparked immediate interest.
“I can confirm that Princess Lilibet Diana was christened on Friday, March 3 by the Archbishop of Los Angeles, the Reverend John Taylor,” a spokesperson for the couple said.
The use of the word “Princess” is the first time the couple had confirmed the expected title of their daughter.
Why are Archie and Lilibet not attending the coronation of King Charles?
In early April, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Harry would attend the coronation of his father alone.
His wife of five years will remain in California with both Archie and Lilibet.
The BBC confirmed the palace’s statement on April 12th writing: “Prince Harry will come to the King’s coronation, but Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will not be attending, says Buckingham Palace.”
Given that Prince Archie will be celebrating his fourth birthday on May 6th also, it is likely that his mum and sister are remaining with him to mark the occasion privately.
WATCH BELOW: Prince Edward congratulates Prince Harry on the birth of Lilibet. Article continues after video.
Prior to the official decision regarding their titles in March 2023, the King was reportedly waiting to see how Harry and Meghan handled the first months of his reign before officially bestowing the prince and princess titles upon their children.
An inside source clarified to Vanity Fair previously that Charles’ “love for Harry is unconditional” and any decision about Archie and Lilibet’s titles would not be intended as a slight against his son.
After all, in his very first speech as sovereign the King made his love for the couple clear, saying: “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.”
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