Harry & Meghan's Kids: What We Know

Hey everyone! So, you guys are probably wondering what’s up with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s little ones, right? It’s no secret that the world is super curious about Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. These two are, after all, part of the British Royal Family, even if Harry and Meghan have stepped back from their senior royal duties. It's a fascinating mix of royal tradition and a more modern, private approach to family life. We’ve seen glimpses, heard bits and pieces, and honestly, the public interest is huge. This article is going to dive into everything we know (and maybe a little bit of what we think we know!) about Archie and Lilibet, covering their lives, their connection to the Royal Family, and how Harry and Meghan are raising them away from the constant glare of the spotlight. We'll chat about their christenings, their namesakes, and the unique position they hold. So grab a cuppa, and let’s get into it!

The Royal Lineage of Archie and Lilibet

Let's start with the juicy stuff – their royal connections! Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born May 6, 2019, is Prince Harry's first child with Meghan Markle. As such, he holds the title of Earl of Dumbarton, a subsidiary title of his father, the Duke of Sussex. He's currently seventh in line to the British throne, behind his father Prince Harry, his uncle Prince William, and William's three children. It’s pretty wild to think about that lineage, right? Then there’s his younger sister, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born June 4, 2021. She’s eighth in line to the throne. Their names are also super significant. Archie’s first name isn’t a traditional royal moniker, but his middle name, Harrison, means ‘son of Harry,’ which is a sweet nod. Lilibet’s name is even more special. Her first name, Lilibet, is a loving childhood nickname for Queen Elizabeth II, her great-grandmother. Her middle name, Diana, is a heartfelt tribute to her late grandmother, Princess Diana. These aren't just random names; they are steeped in family history and affection. While they are technically royals, Harry and Meghan have chosen to raise them with a degree of privacy that differs from how many other royals have been raised. This means we don't often see official portraits or hear about every single milestone in the same way. It’s a deliberate choice to give Archie and Lilibet a more normal upbringing, despite their very extraordinary circumstances. This balancing act between their royal heritage and their desire for privacy is a constant theme in their lives, and it’s something many people find really interesting to observe. It’s a modern take on royal parenthood, for sure. The fact that they are styled as Master Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, rather than Prince and Princess, also signals this shift. However, due to the protocol changes following the Queen's passing, they are technically entitled to be styled as Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Harry and Meghan haven't publicly used these titles for their children, again highlighting their preference for a less formal approach. It’s a fascinating dynamic, and one that will likely continue to evolve as the children grow.

Life in California: A Different Royal Upbringing

So, where do Archie and Lilibet actually live? Well, guys, they call California home! After stepping back as senior royals in early 2020, Harry and Meghan relocated to North America, eventually settling in Montecito, California. This is a world away from the traditions and stiff upper lips sometimes associated with the British monarchy. Instead, Archie and Lilibet are growing up in the sunshine, likely experiencing a childhood that’s far more relaxed and, dare I say, normal than if they’d stayed in the UK. Think playdates, beach trips, and maybe even learning to surf – who knows! Harry and Meghan have been very clear about their desire to protect their children’s privacy and give them a sense of normalcy. This means that while we might get occasional updates or see a photo here and there, the day-to-day lives of Archie and Lilibet are kept largely out of the public eye. This is a stark contrast to how many previous generations of royals were introduced to the world. For instance, Prince William and Prince Harry themselves were often photographed as children, and their lives were very much in the public domain. Harry and Meghan seem determined to shield their children from that level of intense scrutiny, especially given the negative experiences Meghan herself faced in the media. They want Archie and Lilibet to have a childhood where they can be kids first, and royals second. This California lifestyle likely involves a blend of American and British influences. Meghan, being American, brings her cultural background, while Harry, of course, brings his British heritage. It’ll be interesting to see how this unique mix shapes the children as they grow. Will Archie be cheering for American football or playing cricket? Will Lilibet be celebrating Thanksgiving with all the trimmings or enjoy a traditional British Christmas? It's a beautiful fusion, really. The educational choices Harry and Meghan make will also be a big indicator of their approach. Will they opt for private schools in the US, or perhaps incorporate some form of homeschooling or alternative education? Whatever they choose, it's clear their priority is creating a stable, loving, and secure environment for their children, free from the pressures and expectations that often come with royal life. It's a bold move, but one that seems to be working for their family. They’re forging their own path, and that’s pretty inspiring.

Milestones and Moments: What We've Seen

Even though Harry and Meghan are super protective of their kids' privacy, we have been treated to some precious glimpses over the years. One of the most significant events was Archie's christening in July 2019. While it was a private affair, with only close family and godparents present, a couple of official photos were released, showing the proud parents and the baby Archie looking adorable in his christening gown. This gown itself has a history, being a replica of the original royal christening gown used for over 150 years. It was a beautiful nod to tradition, even within their more private celebration. Then came Lilibet's birth in June 2021. While no immediate photos were released, the announcement was made with a stunning photo of the newborn from their Archewell Foundation holiday card in December 2021. This photo captured the hearts of many, showing a beaming Meghan holding Lilibet, with Harry and Archie looking on lovingly. It was a much-anticipated reveal, and the picture perfectly encapsulated the joy of their growing family. Another significant moment was in May 2022, when Lilibet was seen in public for the first time during Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the UK. While the Sussexes kept a relatively low profile during the visit, Lilibet was reportedly seen meeting her great-grandmother, and a photograph of her meeting the Queen was later shared, showing her with her distinctive red hair, much like her father’s. This moment, however brief, was incredibly symbolic, marking the first time many members of the Royal Family met Lilibet. Harry and Meghan have also shared insights through interviews and their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan. In the docuseries, we saw more candid home videos and pictures, giving viewers a rare look into their family life in California. These included shots of Archie playing, and more intimate family moments that truly humanized them and their children. While these are carefully curated moments, they offer a valuable window into the lives of Archie and Lilibet, showing them as happy, healthy, and deeply loved children. Each public appearance or shared photo, however rare, is a treasured moment for fans and followers of the couple, offering a glimpse into the family they have built away from the pressures of royal life. It’s a testament to their commitment to sharing just enough while fiercely guarding their children’s privacy.

The Future for Archie and Lilibet

Looking ahead, the future for Archie and Lilibet is certainly going to be unique. As they grow up in California, they'll be navigating a world that's a blend of their parents' British heritage and their American environment. It’s going to be fascinating to see how Harry and Meghan balance these influences. Will they be fluent in both American English and British English? Will they grow up with a deep understanding of royal traditions, even while living a life outside of the direct royal fold? These are the questions that keep us all intrigued. One thing is for sure: Harry and Meghan seem determined to give their children as much of a 'normal' childhood as possible. This means likely prioritizing education, friendships, and experiences that allow them to develop their own identities, separate from the immense weight of royal expectation. We might see them attend local schools in California, participate in community activities, and develop passions that are entirely their own. Of course, their royal connection will always be a part of their lives. They will undoubtedly learn about their family history, their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in the UK. Harry and Meghan will likely ensure they have a connection to that side of their heritage, perhaps through regular visits or FaceTime calls. It's a delicate balance, providing access to their family roots without subjecting the children to the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies royal life. As they get older, they might choose to engage more with their royal connections, or they might choose to forge a path entirely separate from it. The beauty of Harry and Meghan's approach is that they seem to be empowering their children to make those choices for themselves when the time comes. It's about giving them the foundation of family love and support, and then allowing them to discover who they are and what they want to be. We can expect updates to be sporadic, focusing on major life events or milestones that Harry and Meghan choose to share. They are setting a precedent for a different kind of royal child, one who is protected, loved, and given the freedom to grow into their own person. It's an exciting prospect, and we'll all be watching with interest to see the remarkable individuals Archie and Lilibet become. Their journey is just beginning, and it promises to be one of the most talked-about, yet privately guarded, of our time. It's all about building a strong family unit first and foremost, and that's something we can all appreciate, right?