Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, the children of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, have been officially removed from the line of succession to the British throne — a move that has sent shockwaves across the Commonwealth and reignited tensions between the Sussexes and the Royal Family.
Sources close to Buckingham Palace confirmed the decision was made quietly behind closed doors, with the formal paperwork signed off by King Charles III just hours before the news broke. Royal aides state the move was “necessary to preserve the dignity and integrity of the Crown,” though specifics have yet to be publicly disclosed.
This unexpected decision reportedly comes in response to growing concerns over the Sussexes' continued estrangement from royal duties, and what insiders describe as a "complete breakdown of trust" between Harry and the senior royal establishment.
The palace has not released an official statement, but a leaked internal memo allegedly outlines the justification for the removal: "An extended period of non-residency, prolonged absence from official royal life, and a deliberate separation from constitutional responsibilities."
Royal expert and biographer Hugo Vance commented on the situation:
“This is an extraordinary step. Removing two royal children — who are legally Prince and Princess — from the line of succession sends a clear message: you're either in or you're out. And the Sussexes have made their choice.”
The decision has reportedly blindsided Meghan and Harry, who were not given advance notice. While no legal implications for the children themselves are expected, the symbolic impact is immense. Archie and Lilibet were previously 6th and 7th in line to the throne, respectively. Their removal reshuffles the succession line, elevating Prince Andrew’s grandchildren and other extended royals into higher positions.
Critics are already slamming the move as petty and politically motivated, especially in light of recent reports that Meghan had begun exploring new public initiatives focused on children's rights and heritage.
“This isn’t just about protocol,” said a source close to the Sussex camp. “This is about control, silencing dissent, and punishing a family for choosing independence.”