The children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will reportedly not be called “His Royal Highness” or “Her Royal Highness”.
With King Charles III agreeing to bestow the titles of “Prince” and “Princess” on Archie, 3 and Lilibet, 1, he has refused to allow them to be known as HRH.
The Duke and Duchess are allegedly furious over the snub, after they were stripped of “HRH” after becoming exiled and moving to the US in 2020.
So, why does the title matter? King George V declared in 1917 that both sons and daughters of the ruling monarch, as well as grandchildren from the sovereign’s male line, were entitled to be called HRH (His or Her Royal Highness).
Queen Elizabeth II amended the rule in 2012, declaring all children of the Prince of Wales’ eldest son (Prince William) would be entitled to the HRH titles. The change never mentioned Charles’ younger children, leaving Harry in a grey area.
The announcement was made before Kate Middleton and William had their first child, meaning their daughter would also be granted the title.
An “HRH” title gives access to a salary as a working royal, and entitles one to official protection and security. It also means people are supposed to bow or curtsy when an HRH approaches.
The title of HRH is currently held by King Charles III; Queen Consort Camilla; Princess Anne; Prince Edward; Sophie, Countess of Wessex; Prince William; Princess Kate; their three children, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte; and Prince Andrew’s daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie.
Harry and Meghan believe their children have a right to the title, but it is becoming more than likely they won’t receive it.
Archie and Lilibet are currently called “Master” and “Miss,” and are expected to take the “Prince” and “Princess” titles without the HRH.
Image: Getty Images
This article first appeared on OverSixty.