Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are most likely unaware of the ongoing family feud. Their parents, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, decided to leave the British monarchy for good in 2020, and now the two royal children are being raised in entirely different surroundings.
But even though they’re far from the UK paparazzi press, Archie and Lilibet continue to make headlines because of their parent’s actions, and not all of them are positive. For example, the Sussexes were labeled “frauds” after rumors about Archie and Lilibet’s potential future schools were made public.
Understandably, Harry and Meghan chose not to take their children with them on their recent tours of Nigeria and Colombia, while Harry has traveled alone on a number of occasions. According to reports, the Duke has a special way of communicating with his children whenever he’s away – and it’s the cutest thing ever.
When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle decided to leave royal life in 2020, many believed it was the last we’d hear from them. Today, we know that didn’t quite pan out.
Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet
With all that Harry and Meghan have said about the Royal Family, their relationship with the monarchy has been effectively destroyed. Meanwhile, they’ve remained figures of high interest in the media, as have their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
Even so, the Sussexes have taken pains not to expose their children to the public eye – a markedly different approach than if they had grown up in the Royal Family.
Archie and Lilibet have been kept out of the spotlight for the most part. They only made brief appearances in their parents’ Netflix documentary series, Harry & Meghan, where fans found out that Archie speaks with an American accent.
Since Harry and Meghan have seemed okay with revealing details about every part of their lives through their many projects, one might think they would extend that approach to their children. However, according to a friend of the Sussexes, there is one heartbreaking reason behind their decision to keep the door to Archie and Lilibets’ lives largely closed.
“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, 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.”
“He wants them to enjoy as normal a life as possible”
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,” the friend added: “As a father and husband, Harry is resolute in his commitment to preventing history from repeating itself.”
Harry has fought to have the Palace cover security if he and Meghan decide to visit the UK with their children. The couple has said several times that they wouldn’t feel safe bringing Archie and Lilibet without it.
Last year, Harry challenged the Home Office over a decision to downgrade his security protection when visiting his home country. When Harry left royal life, the Royal and VIP Executive Committee (RAVEC) stripped him of the right to automatic police protection in the UK. Moreover, the Duke’s offer to pay for protection was rejected because the British police force couldn’t be hired.
At a hearing, Harry’s lawyer, Shaheed Fatima KC, read parts of Harry’s statement, in which he further explained how he fears for the safety of his children – and Meghan – if they return.
“It was with great sadness for both of us that my wife and I felt forced to step back from this role and leave the country in 2020,” Harry’s statement read.
Prince Harry will protect Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet “at all costs,” source says
“The UK is my home. The UK is central to the heritage of my children and a place I want them to feel at home as much as where they live at the moment in the US. That cannot happen if it’s not possible to keep them safe when they are on UK soil.”
The Duke added: “I cannot put my wife in danger like that, and, given my experiences in life, I am reluctant to unnecessarily put myself in harm’s way too.”
According to People, Harry is preparing to appeal a court ruling that upheld the decision to deny him security in the UK. An insider told the US news outlet that Harry wants to reinstate his security, which in the long run would mean more flexibility when he, his wife, and their two children ever visit the UK.
However, though security is essential for Harry, there is, sadly, another layer of importance that it plays. According to a royal insider speaking to People Magazine, whether Harry and his family get security when visiting the UK plays a crucial role in the Duke’s relationship with his father.
“Harry is frightened and feels the only person who can do anything about it is his father,” a royal insider told People.
Another source added: “Harry is determined to protect his own family at all costs.”
While the family friend claimed Harry and Meghan simply couldn’t include Archie and Lilibet in their public life, things might change.
Royal expert says Prince Archie and Princess lIlibet will join their parents on tours
The Sussexes visited Nigeria and Colombia earlier this year as part of their international promotion work. Before the South America trip, there were rumors about Archie and Lilibrt possibly joining their parents. That didn’t happen this time around, but according to royal expert Tom Quinn, Harry and Meghan could include their children in the future as they would be a “charming” family, enhancing their popularity and the brand.
“Harry and Meghan are incredibly proud of their children, and when they are a little older and better able to travel, there is no doubt they will be taken on some of the couple’s tours,” Quinn told the Mirror.
“Meghan is acutely aware of what a great look this will be, the charming royal couple with their charming royal children will attract the sort of publicity that Harry and Meghan crave, especially now that they are so determined to be billionaire entrepreneurs,” he added.
While Harry and Meghan can and will decide what their children’s lives are like until they are 18, after that there is little they can do. With that said, a source told the Express that Harry and Meghan have a plan set for their children.
As per an “extremely well-placed” Express source, the Sussexes will allow their children free rein as soon as they turn 18. At that point, Archie and LIlibet will be free to choose whatever future path suits them.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s plan for Archie and Lilibet’s future
Meanwhile, according to the source, their parents will encourage them to take an active role in the family’s Archewell Foundation and the Invictus Games.
“Harry and Meghan are very keen to allow their children to choose their own paths,” the source told Express. “They’re very keen for them to focus on things they feel most passionate about while also supporting the family’s causes – like the Archewell Foundation and the Invictus Games.”
“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 added: “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. 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.”
The Express source explained that Harry and Meghan — like Prince William and Kate Middleton — want their children to have “as normal an upbringing as possible.” However, that doesn’t mean the couple will completely disregard possibly bringing Archie and Lilbet with them to public events, so long as said events are non-exploitative.
“There could be the odd time the Sussex children might attend very important key events where their inclusion makes sense,” the source continued. “The Invictus Games in Canada next year is very much about supporting the Invictus family and building a sense of community, with attendees being encouraged to bring their children, so that’s something where their inclusion would make sense.”
“I cherish watching them grow every day”
The Express source concluded: “But it’s not something that either Harry or Meghan want to adopt as a rule.”
Although Harry and Meghan have chosen not to share pictures or bring their children to public events, they have spoken about them several times. In an interview with People Magazine, Harry opened up about his 40th birthday and branded his children as “the best gift” he has ever received.
“The best gift I’ve ever been given is, without a doubt, my kids. I cherish watching them grow every day, and being their dad brings me immense joy,” the Duke said.¨
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.”
As mentioned, the Sussexes want to give their children a normal childhood.
“They take the kids to school, they pick them up, and they are very active and present with them throughout the day,” the insider said.
Harry has traveled more than Meghan in recent years. The Duke has visited the UK a couple of times for reasons other than seeing his family members, and a few days ago was in New York City for The Diana Award, a charity established in his mother’s memory.
The way Prince Harry keeps in touch with his children when away
Harry participated in a panel discussion on mental health, which was joined by Dr. Tessy Ojo, CEO of the Diana Award, and two recipients of the Diana Legacy Award: 18-year-old Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang and 27-year-old Christina Williams.
Before the Duke went on stage at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit in New York City on September 23, he made sure to call his wife and beloved children, which he did in the cutest way.
Speaking to People, the Diana Legacy Award recipients revealed that Harry Facetimed with his children backstage, giving them a ‘virtual tour’ of the space.
“He is just so kind-hearted. Not only was he helping us get comfortable with speaking on stage, but he comforted us after as well,” Chiara Riyanti Hutapea Zhang told People Magazine. “And backstage, he was actually calling Meghan. I thought that was just so sweet, and it helped humanize him. He made sure we had no nerves at all.”
Christina Williams continued: “Here is someone who is in a high-level role, who really cares about young people, cares about our voices and our actions. They say you never want to meet your heroes, but I met someone who I admire and I am leaving the experience still maintaining that admiration, or even more admiration, to know that he really cares about the causes that he represents.”
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