Announcing Prince Archie Harrison and Princess Lilibet Diana!
For the first time, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have referred to their children’s royal titles. While confirming the news of Lilibet’s recent christening, a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE on Wednesday: “I can confirm that Princess Lilibet was christened on Friday, March 3 by the bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, the Rev John Taylor.”
Upon the death of Queen Elizabeth in September, Harry’s father became King Charles — and as grandchildren of the monarch, 3-year-old Archie and 1-year-old Lili were afforded the titles of prince and princess. PEOPLE understands that the titles will be used in formal settings and not in everyday use.
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“The children’s titles have been a birthright since their grandfather became monarch,” a spokesperson for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex told PEOPLE. “This matter has been settled for some time in alignment with Buckingham Palace.”
The rule was established by King George V after he issued a Letters Patent in 1917 that read: “…the grandchildren of the sons of any such sovereign in the direct male line (save only the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales) shall have and enjoy in all occasions the style and title enjoyed by the children of dukes of these our realms.”
Prince Harry Says He Prioritizes Affection for Archie and Lilibet: ‘Smother Them with Love’
