7 Royal Secrets: The Private, California Life Of Prince Harry And Meghan Markle's Children, Archie And Lilibet In 2025
The world's focus remains firmly fixed on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, but it is their two young children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who represent the most intriguing chapter of their post-royal story. As of December 19, 2025, the children are growing up far from the traditional confines of the British royal court, leading a distinctly American life in Montecito, California, a decision that has fundamentally reshaped their identities and public perception.
The intentional privacy surrounding their upbringing means every rare detail shared by their parents becomes a global headline, fueling intense curiosity about their personalities, education, and connection to the royal family. From their significant namesakes to their firm positions in the line of succession, the lives of Archie and Lilibet are a unique blend of ancient royal protocol and laid-back California living.
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet: A Snapshot Biography (December 2025)
The children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle carry names steeped in history and sentiment, yet they are being raised with a focus on normalcy and privacy, a stark contrast to the lives of their royal cousins in the UK. Their biographical details highlight this fascinating duality.
- Father: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
- Mother: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
- Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara County, California, USA
- Elder Child: Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
- Archie's Date of Birth: May 6, 2019 (Age 6 as of late 2025)
- Archie's Birthplace: Portland Hospital, London, UK
- Younger Child: Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
- Lilibet's Date of Birth: June 4, 2021 (Age 4 as of late 2025)
- Lilibet's Birthplace: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California, USA
- Succession Status: Prince Archie is 6th in line to the British throne. Princess Lilibet is 7th in line.
- Royal Titles: Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. They inherited these titles following the ascension of their grandfather, King Charles III, in 2022, a change officially reflected in 2023.
The Significance Behind Their Powerful Names
The names chosen for the Sussex children are not random; they are a deeply personal blend of respect for the monarchy and a nod to a new, modern identity. The combination of royal tribute and personal meaning offers a rare glimpse into the values of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Archie Harrison: The Brave and Bold Foundation
Prince Archie's full name, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, is notable for its simplicity and lack of a traditional royal title upon his birth. The name "Archie" is a shortened version of Archibald, which means "genuine and bold" or "truly brave." This choice signaled the parents’ desire for their son to have a strong, independent identity from the start.
The middle name, "Harrison," literally means "son of Harry," a clear and touching tribute from the Duke to his firstborn. The surname Mountbatten-Windsor is the personal surname used by members of the British Royal Family who do not have a specific princely or royal style, though the children primarily use their princely titles now.
Lilibet Diana: A Dual Royal Homage
Princess Lilibet's name is perhaps the most emotionally significant. Her first name, "Lilibet," is the intimate, private nickname of her late great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. The name itself is said to mean "God's promise." This choice was a powerful gesture of love and respect for the late monarch.
Her middle name, "Diana," honors her late paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales, ensuring her legacy continues through the next generation. Born in California, Lilibet is the first senior royal child born in the United States, further cementing her unique transatlantic heritage.
Life in Montecito: Normalcy and Privacy in 2025
The daily lives of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are a world away from the palaces of London. Their home in Montecito, California, is a $14.65 million estate where the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are focused on raising a "close-knit family."
The California Advantage: Prince Harry has publicly stated that raising his children in California gives them a level of freedom and normalcy that would be impossible in the UK, leading to "fewer issues" with media intrusion. Their life is centered around typical childhood activities: school, playdates, and family rituals.
Rare Glimpses and 2025 Updates: Public appearances are exceptionally rare, but 2025 offered a few key updates:
- Birthday Celebrations: Princess Lilibet celebrated her 4th birthday on June 4, 2025. Prince Archie turned 6 on May 6, 2025.
- Disneyland Trip: The family was reportedly spotted enjoying a private outing at Disneyland in June 2025, a quintessential American experience.
- Family Dinner Rituals: Meghan Markle has shared that their evenings involve a dedicated family dinner ritual, emphasizing quality time together.
- Christmas Connection: Despite the distance, it was reported that King Charles III would connect with Archie and Lilibet via video call to share in the Christmas 2025 celebrations, highlighting their continued, albeit remote, connection to the British Royal Family.
The Future of Their Royal Titles and Succession
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet hold significant positions in the royal line of succession, currently 6th and 7th respectively, following their father, the Duke of Sussex. However, their titles remain a topic of intense discussion, particularly concerning the future of the monarchy.
The Title Debate: The children officially became a Prince and Princess following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a right granted under the 1917 Letters Patent by King George V. While the titles are legally theirs, there has been speculation, particularly in the British press, that the titles could be removed or altered as part of Prince William’s rumored vision for a "slimmer monarchy." As of late 2025, there has been no official change to their status, and they continue to be styled as Prince and Princess of Sussex, a decision the Duke and Duchess have openly embraced.
The American Influence: As the children grow older, they will face the unique challenge of balancing a prestigious royal lineage with their American upbringing. Their education and environment in Montecito—renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and focus on well-being—suggest a future where they may choose to use their titles selectively, much like their parents have done with their own royal roles.
The story of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's children is still in its early chapters. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are not just sixth and seventh in line to the throne; they are symbols of a modern, evolving royal family, raised to be "genuine and bold" in a world that is constantly watching. Their California life, shielded by their parents, is a deliberate choice to prioritize personal happiness and a normal childhood over the pressures of royal duty, making their journey one of the most compelling narratives of the decade.
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