Meghan Markle’s Surprise U-Turn on Royal Titles After Key Family Talks
In a move that has raised eyebrows both inside and outside royal circles, Meghan Markle has reportedly changed her stance on royal titles for her children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Back in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from senior royal duties, distancing themselves from the monarchy and its rigid traditions.
Meghan herself even stated during her headline-making interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021 that she had no “attachment” to the “grandeur” of royal life.
Fast forward to 2023, and things appear to have shifted dramatically. It was announced that their children would indeed be recognised as Prince and Princess. The announcement coincided with Lilibet’s christening in California — a moment that surprised many royal watchers.
Reports suggest that Meghan’s change of heart came after discussions with Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, Prince Harry’s cousins. The pair are said to have played a pivotal role in reshaping Meghan’s perspective on the significance of royal titles.
British journalist Neil Sean explained: “Harry and Meghan are very, very keen to cling onto those royal titles. After much deliberation, Meghan decided that the titles would be a good thing, not just for her but for both her children too.”
He went on to add: “Meghan become very friendly with senior members of the monarchy, predominately Princesses Eugenie and Beatrice.
After this, Meghan realised how useful a title can be, particularly when you want to move in the correct circles. That is the reason why they want to clutch hold of titles.”
The decision wasn’t just about social standing. It ties back to royal precedent. According to the Letters Patent of 1917, issued by King George V, princely titles are reserved for the children of a monarch, the male-line grandchildren, and the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.
While Archie and Lilibet were only great-grandchildren during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, they automatically became eligible once King Charles III ascended the throne.
For some, Meghan’s apparent U-turn signals a pragmatic shift rather than a sentimental one. Titles, after all, carry weight. They open doors. They preserve a sense of belonging to an institution the couple publicly distanced themselves from just a few years ago.
The Sussexes, now firmly rooted in California, may insist they wanted to secure their children’s “birthright.” Yet, the move also ensures Archie and Lilibet hold a certain prestige on both sides of the Atlantic.
What once looked like a clean break from monarchy now appears to be a more complicated balancing act — a blend of independence and quiet clinging to royal privilege.
