Is Archie, Son of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Really Not a Prince? An Insight into the Succession

The royal family has always been a topic of intense interest, especially as we witness the changes brought about by the Windsor family's decisions. One of the most intriguing questions surrounding the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Archie, is whether he is truly not a prince. This article aims to demystify the role of Archie in the British Royal Family and clarify his position in the line of succession.

The Struggle for the Title of Prince

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcomed their son Archie into the world, many eyed him with a glimmer of hope that he might take the esteemed title of prince. However, the reality of the situation is more nuanced. According to the rules of the British monarchy, Archie is in line for the throne but is currently not a prince. The media, including YouTube, have peddled speculation, sometimes fueling confusion about his status.

The Basic Rules of Succession

The fundamental principle of succession to the British throne since 1917 (though expanded in 2013 with the Succession to the Crown Act 2013) dictates that the titles, like the rank of "Prince," are generally awarded to the monarch's children, the male children of those children, and anyone directly in the line of succession. This particular rule has several key points to consider:

Titles go to the monarch’s children. Titles also go to the male children of those children. Titles can be granted to anyone directly in the line of succession, regardless of their familial lineage position.

Therefore, Princess Anne’s children are not, and will never be, princes or princesses, as they do not fall under the male-line criteria. Prince Andrew’s children, on the other hand, are princesses because they fall under the female-line inheritance rule. Similarly, Prince Charles’s two children, William and Harry, are both princes because they are the sons of the Prince of Wales.

The Current Status of Prince Harry's Children

Prince Harry’s children, including Archie, are currently 7th in line for the throne according to the current rules. This means that even though Archie is still technically in line for the throne, he does not hold a title such as "Prince" under the current rules. It is worth noting that titles are not strictly necessary for being in the line of succession; some members of the royal family, like Princess Anne’s children, have no titles but remain in the line of succession.

The Possibility of Future Changes

If Prince Charles, the current heir apparent, were to become the monarch, the rules governing the titles might change. Under Prince Charles, Prince Harry’s children would be in line for titles such as prince and princess. However, this situation is contingent upon Charles becoming monarch, and it is up to him to decide whether to implement these changes. If Prince Charles does not become monarch and the succession goes to Prince William directly, then the rules would remain the same, and Archie would still not have a title.

The Broader Context of the Succession Line

The line of succession is vast, with approximately 5000 people currently in the queue, and around 4980 of them are not princes. However, this does not mean that the title of prince is out of reach for Archie or other successors. The potential for future changes in succession rules means that the position of any future heir is subject to royal decision and parliamentary support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Archie really not a prince? Yes, currently, Archie is not entitled to the title of prince under the current rules of succession. Can anything change Archie’s status? Yes, if Prince Charles were to become King, the rules would change, and Archie would be eligible for a title. However, Charles has the discretion to decide whether to change the rules. Is there any chance Archie might become a prince? Yes, it is possible, but it would be a significant change in the rules that must be approved by Parliament.

In conclusion, the position of Prince Harry’s son, Archie, in the British line of succession is a complex topic. While he is currently not a prince, the possibility of being so in the future remains. The rules of succession are subject to change, and the future of the royal family is ever-evolving.

Watch the 1991 movie 'King Ralph' to visualize the quirks and complexities of the royal succession in a less serious light.