Harry And Meghan’S Children Originally Denied Titles Because Of ‘Succession Act’ Not ‘Race’

In a sudden revelation, the daughter of the famous "ginger in the winter" has been christened as "Little Lily bit Diana, Princess Lily." This heartwarming ceremony took place in the City of Angels, La, officiated by none other than the Archbishop of Los Angeles. But what's the story behind this intriguing twist in the royal narrative? Let's dive into the captivating world of titles and why it matters, with insights from the UK's Royal editor, Sarah Hewson.

Unveiling the Princess's Title

First and foremost, it's crucial to clarify that the Archbishop of Los Angeles, while performing a grand christening, doesn't have the authority to confer the title of princess. That particular honor is a bit more intricate. It's bestowed upon individuals when their fathers ascend to the throne. In this case, Prince Harry's journey from the Duke of Sussex to a king would make his offspring automatic princesses.

Debunking Misconceptions

There was a moment of confusion during the Oprah Winfrey interview, suggesting that the denial of a royal title was linked to matters of race. However, the reality diverges from this claim. The roots of this decision can be traced back to the 1917 Succession Act established by King George VI. According to this act, neither Archie nor Lily were entitled to the titles of Prince and Princess of Wales. The exclusivity of this title was reserved for the offspring of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.

The Ever-Shifting Landscape of Titles

The title game within the British royal family is quite intricate. The moment Prince Charles ascended to the throne, his grandchildren, including Archie and Lily, automatically became princes and princesses. These titles were, in a way, their birthright, even though it was uncertain if they would use them. The situation took an unexpected turn when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to step away from their roles as working Royals and set their course for the United States.

Discussions surrounding the titles picked up steam following the Queen's funeral. Eventually, it was decided that Archie and Lily would formally hold the titles of prince and princess. However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made it clear that these titles won't be a part of their everyday lives.

The Monetization Mystery

Now, let's address the elephant in the room – monetization. When Harry and Meghan initially sought to distance themselves from the royal family, they expressed their desire for a private life. Their intention was for their firstborn, Archie, to be known as "Master Archie." Fast forward, and we find ourselves with "Prince Archie" and "Princess Lily." What prompted this transformation?

The answer, in part, lies in branding and, undoubtedly, financial considerations. While the Duke and Duchess ventured across the pond, their newfound life in the United States presented opportunities to leverage their royal titles for various endeavors.

This remarkable shift in titles from "Little Lily" to "Princess Lily" underscores the evolving dynamics of modern royalty. In an era where personal branding and financial ventures intertwine with tradition, we can't help but be drawn into the captivating tale of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. With the flair of a Shakespearean drama and the intrigue of a modern fairy tale, their journey continues to capture the world's imagination.

In the ever-rolling dice of royal titles and the pursuit of a private yet prosperous life, one thing remains certain – we'll be eagerly watching as this chapter unfolds, with "Little Lily" leading the way into a world that balances regal heritage with contemporary aspirations.