Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are the center of their lives. They’re currently growing up in Montecito, California, far from the paparazzi, and there’s a fairly tragic reason why their parents are desperately trying to keep them hidden from the public.
At the same time, the Sussexes have been criticized for disregarding their children’s futures when it comes to having any relationship with their royal cousins, Prince George, Prince Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
Harry and Meghan have been under enormous pressure since leaving the Royal Family. Luckily, their children help them relax in many ways, and this is something Meghan, in particularly is leaning on. One expert points to something the Duchess wears often that shows how Archie and Lilibet bring her “comfort.”
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Archie and Lilibet, have lived extraordinary lives from the very beginning, and one can assume their futures will be every bit as special. Born children of the most famous monarchy in the world —even if their parents are no longer working members — means Archie and Lilibet have every possibility to return to the royal fold when they grow up.
Today the Sussexes are focused on giving their children a proper childhood without any paparazzi around. Although Harry and Meghan are actively protecting their children from the public eye as they grow up behind the walls of their $14 million mansion, the couple’s actions have given the press reasons to write about them anyway.
After all, Harry and Meghan have continued to live a very public life in the US and even featured their children in the Netflix series they released nearly two years ago. Archie and Lilibet are, to some extent, the talk of the town.
Following their move across the Atlantic, Harry and Meghan are said to have decided to endeavor to give their children as normal a childhood as possible. According to a friend of the Sussexes, who chose to remain anonymous, there is one heartbreaking reason behind their decision not to expose their children to unnecessary publicity.
“I think every parent wants to share their kid with the world, but they just can’t,” a friend, referring to Harry’s struggle to get enhanced security in the UK, the friend told US Magazine.
“William’s kids, for example, have way more safety, even though they’re recognizable. And the same doesn’t apply to Meghan and Harry’s children. They know the world wants to see [them but] I would expect them to live smaller lives until that gets sorted, if it ever does.”
Moreover, a source told People Magazine: “Harry has been cautious about showcasing his children publicly, not out of a wish to obscure them but to shield their privacy and ensure their safety from potential risks.
“He wants them to enjoy as normal a life as possible, free from fears of kidnapping or harm. As a father and husband, Harry is resolute in his commitment to preventing history from repeating itself.”
While Harry and Meghan can and will decide what their children’s lives are like until they are 18, they can do little after that. That said, a source told the Daily Express that the Sussexes have a plan set in place for their children.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s future
According to an “extremely well-placed” Express source, the Sussexes will give their children free rein when they turn 18. At that point, Archie and Lilibet will effectively be open to choosing whatever future path suits them.
“There’s a conscious effort to keep the children out of the public eye as much as possible until they reach the age of 18, so they can form their own opinions and personalities,” the source said.
“Once they reach the age of maturity, it’s going to be very much about what they want to do, and what they choose to support,” they added. “I suppose it will be like the cool cousins abroad who can live their lives the way they wish while the Wales children will be more about duty and formality.”
A Us Weekly source offered some insight into Archie and Lilibet’s lives, saying they are “well-mannered.” Moreover, the source said Archie is “sweet and curious and playful,” while Lilibet is “vibrant and happy.”
For Archie and Lilibet, not visiting the UK means they haven’t built a relationship with their grandfather, King Charles. Perhaps more concerning, they’ve also thus far missed out on forming bonds with their royal cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. Several royal experts have criticized Harry and Meghan for not allowing their children the opportunity to forge bonds with their UK-based family.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet “will start to ask questions” about the Royal Family
Just some months ago, Meghan’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, also lashed out at his daughter and son-in-law, saying they are ‘denying’ their children the right to know their royal relatives.
“They are getting to the age where they will start to ask questions, as all kids do,” Markle told New Zealand Woman’s Weekly, as per The Sun.
“I find myself wondering how Archie and Lilbet will feel in a few years’ time when they realise all the things they have missed out on,” he added.
Archie and Lilibet will likely live in luxury as they grow up, and eventually, they’ll become fully aware of the sad feud between their parents and the Royal Family. A source close to the Sussexes told Us Weekly that Harry and Meghan will have “those conversations in due time” regarding their kids’ royal heritage, but for now, traveling to the UK to visit their royal relatives is not an option.
Christmas has always been an essential time for the Royal Family. The traditional celebration at Sandringham has been going on for decades. The royals not only always greet members of the public for the Christmas Service at St Mary Magdalene church but also exchange “funny” gifts with one another. For example, Kate Middleton once gave Harry a “grow your own girlfriend” kit to make fun of his failed romances, while Prince William received a spoon with ‘cereal killer’ engraved.
Harry and Meghan have not been present at the traditional Christmas celebration since the beginning of their ongoing rift with the Royal Family. Last year, it was reported that King Charles wanted to invite his son and daughter-in-law mainly to see his grandchildren, Archie and Lilibet, but it didn’t happen in the end.
Why Harry and Meghan won’t bring their children to Sandringham for royal Christmas
Naturally, speculation about Harry and Meghan possibly returning to celebrate Christmas with the royals appears occasionally. At the moment, though, it seems that royal fans are trying to warn the estranged prince and princess against ever returning for the holidays.
The British tabloid Express conducted a poll in which readers answered whether Harry and Meghan should be allowed to have their children celebrate Christmas at Sandringham. 1621 out of 1933 (84 percent) voted no.
“It is sad that these kids don’t know their British family but it would be unfair to the Royal Family to ruin their Christmas by inviting the two people [Meghan and Harry] they know they can never trust again and risk details being leaked to the media in another interview or published in another book,” one fan said in the comment section.
A second had another opinion: “It’s nothing to do with any of us whether they’re invited or actually attend Sandringham over Christmas.”
In an interview with OK!, royal expert Jennie Bond stated that it’s “sad” that Archie and Lilibet don’t have any connection or relationship with the Royal Family, especially during the holiday season.
“How curious, and sad, it will be for Archie and Lilibet if they grow up knowing they are part of one of the most famous families in the world — and yet they are estranged from almost all of them,” she said. “To know that their grandfather and uncle were both Kings, and they didn’t know them.”
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are putting out “carrots for the reindeer”
So, what will Harry and Meghan do for Christmas? Just days ago, the Duchess revealed details about how she and her family celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. In an interview with Marie Claire, she shared that the holidays improve yearly as Archie and Lilibet grow up.
“At first, I think as a mom with children, you’re just enjoying having them there, but they’re not understanding everything that’s happening yet. But now we’re at the age where I just can’t wait to see it through their lens every year,” Meghan explained. She added that Thanksgiving is “always pretty low-key.”
“We’re always making sure we have something fun to do,” Meghan continued. “Like any other family, you spend time having a great meal, and then what do you do? Play games, all the same stuff, someone brings a guitar—fun.”
“Every single holiday is a new adventure,” she added, concluding that it’s essential that Archie and Lilibet get to experience the “magic” of traditions, such as “great recipes that they end up connecting to a formative memory.” She also revealed they put out “carrots for the reindeer” at Christmas.
Throughout 2024, Harry and Meghan have traveled all over the world. Earlier this year, the couple visited Nigeria and Colombia, and during that time, Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, is said to have babysat Archie and Lilibet. The fact that the couple have been traveling a lot without their children must be stressful; however, according to one expert, Meghan has found a way to deal with it that ensures her children stay close to her wherever she goes.
How Archie and Lilibet bring Meghan ‘comfort’ when under ‘high pressure’
Last week, Meghan attended the launch of Highbrow Hippie Haircare & Wellness. A source told GB News that Meghan was in a “joyfully mode,” dancing and celebrating with her friends. But it wasn’t the fact that Meghan showed up that was special. Instead, her necklace, which has a very special meaning, became the focus.
According to GB News, Meghan’s necklace, from Logan Hollowell, cost around $2100 and was decorated with her children’s names. The centerpiece features a silver diamond flanked by two smaller studs. Above the center jewel, Archie’s name is seen, and below, Lilibet is written in calligraphic-style letters.
“Wear this pendant as a reminder that you are protected by the Divine. Your angels are always with you; call on them when you need protection,” the website’s description reads.
Speaking to GB News, James Harris, the Regional Sales Manager at Austen & Blake, said the necklace could protect Meghan when she feels pressure during public outings and remind her of her children.
“The necklace could serve as a comforting reminder of her children, especially when she is in the public eye or attending events,” Harris said.
“It’s common for parents, particularly those in high-pressure roles, to wear sentimental pieces of jewellery that help them feel connected to their loved ones. The necklace may symbolise the unity and love within her family, allowing her to publicly celebrate her children and acknowledge the central role they play in her life,” he added.
Do you think Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will be working royals when they grow up? Please share this article with friends and family and give us your opinion!
