Buckingham Palace officially revealed the true identity and royal status of Archie and Lilibet in 2023, confirming their rightful titles as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
According to longstanding royal tradition, the grandchildren of a reigning monarch are entitled to use the titles of prince and princess with the style His/Her Royal Highness (HRH), which they started using after King Charles ascended the throne in September 2022.
Previously, Archie and Lilibet were referred to with the courtesy titles Master and Miss Mountbatten-Windsor but were not officially called prince and princess because during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign they were great-grandchildren, which did not confer royal titles by default.
The palace did not make a formal public announcement about the change; instead, the Sussexes disclosed it themselves in March 2023 at Lilibet’s christening, describing the titles as their "birthright."
However, the revelation has created panic and frustration within Meghan Markle's circle because of ongoing moves spearheaded by Prince William to limit official royal roles and titles, especially for Harry and Meghan’s children, under his future reign. Reports suggest that Archie and Lilibet’s practical use of their titles and participation in royal duties could be restricted or removed altogether under the streamlined monarchy William plans.