The King reportedly agreed that the Duke of Sussex’s children should use their royal titles at the end of 2022 in a ‘private conversation’ after the Queen’s funeral last year.
Harry and Meghan’s 21-month-old daughter Lilibet saw her royal title of ‘Princess’ used formally for the first time yesterday, giving the first indication that the Sussexes will use the titles for their children.
The move is seen as an olive branch after reports that the King might bar the children from being prince or princess. Royal sources said Charles would never have ‘punished’ his grandchildren like that.
It is understood that despite the Sussexes’ repeated attacks on the institution of the monarchy and members of the Royal Family, there has been correspondence on the issue between the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and royal aides.
Harry and Meghan’s children automatically became a prince and princess when King Charles III acceded to the throne, but it was not known whether they would take the titles, amid reports that the monarch could issue letters patent to remove them.
Lili was described as ‘Princess Lilibet Diana‘ in a statement from a spokesman for the couple yesterday that confirmed she was christened last in a private ceremony at the Sussexes’ home in Montecito, California, on March 3.
But the issue was resolved between both sides before the New Year and only came to light this week when a spokeswoman for the Duke and Duchess officially confirmed that the christening of Princess Lilibet Diana had taken place. Hello! reported.
It was also gathered that the title will be used in formal settings, it will not be in everyday conversational use by the couple. So she will likely still be known as ‘Lilibet’ in most scenarios.
EsB understands that the Duke and Duchess had always wanted their children to have the option of using their titles if they chose to in future, they will allow them the chance to decide for themselves when they are older whether they want to drop or keep using the titles.
Buckingham Palace currently refers to her on the royal website as ‘Miss Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor’. The Palace said its website ‘will now be updated in due course’ to reflect the titles – making Lilibet a princess.
