After stepping down from royal duties and relocating to California, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sought to shield their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, from public scrutiny. Despite their efforts, the couple remains in the spotlight through interviews and Harry’s memoir, Spare.
The decision to bestow royal titles upon Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet has sparked debate, given the Sussexes’ desire for a quieter life. Initially concerned that such titles might burden their children, Harry and Meghan later chose to allow Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet the option to decide on their titles as they mature. Royal expert Angela Levin commented that this choice ties their daughter to the British Royal Family, an institution the couple has openly criticized.
Currently, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have minimal interaction with their paternal relatives and have never met their maternal grandfather, Thomas Markle, due to ongoing familial strains. Thomas Markle has expressed concern about how his grandchildren might feel in the future upon realizing the familial connections they’ve missed.
A source close to the Sussexes indicated that discussions about their children’s royal heritage will occur in due time. However, visiting the UK to meet royal relatives is not presently feasible. Following their departure from royal duties, Harry and Meghan lost entitlement to official protection in the UK. Harry’s legal attempts to secure personal police protection for his family during UK visits have been unsuccessful, leading to significant security concerns that deter their return.
These ongoing security issues and familial tensions suggest that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet may not visit the UK in the foreseeable future.
