It is early 2026, and the fascinations around the Sussex family haven't dipped. Not even a little. If anything, the mystery has actually intensified. While the world watches every move Prince Harry and Meghan Markle make from their Montecito perch, their children—Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—remain the most elusive figures in the royal orbit.
You’ve likely seen the grainy paparazzi shots or the carefully curated Netflix stills. But who are they, really?
Basically, the life of Archie and Lilibet, Harry and Meghan's daughter and son, is a strange mix of American normalcy and heavy British tradition. It’s a weird life. They live in a $14 million mansion with chickens and a playground, yet they hold titles that link them directly to a thousand-year-old monarchy.
People are constantly asking: Do they even know they're royals? Do they talk to the King?
The Reality of Princess Lilibet Diana
Let’s talk about Lili. Born June 4, 2021, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, she was the first senior royal born in the U.S. That’s a trivia fact that will follow her forever. Honestly, her name alone was a massive statement. Lilibet was Queen Elizabeth’s private family nickname. Using it was either a sweet tribute or a bold move, depending on which royal expert you ask on a Tuesday.
Her middle name? Diana. Obviously.
By now, in 2026, Princess Lilibet is four years old. Meghan recently mentioned in an interview that Lili has "found her voice." She’s apparently quite the chatterbox. While her brother Archie (now six) had a brief stint in the UK as a baby, Lili has spent almost her entire life on American soil.
👉 See also: Kanye West Black Head Mask: Why Ye Stopped Showing His Face
She’s a California girl through and through.
That Famous Christening
There was so much drama about where she would be baptized. People thought they’d fly back to Windsor. They didn’t. In March 2023, she was christened in a small ceremony at their home in Montecito. The Bishop of Los Angeles, John Taylor, did the honors.
The interesting bit? Harry and Meghan invited King Charles, Queen Camilla, and the Prince and Princess of Wales. Nobody from the UK side showed up. It was just the California crew, including godfather Tyler Perry and a gospel choir singing "This Little Light of Mine."
Why Archie and Lilibet Still Matter to the Monarchy
You might think that because they live 5,000 miles away from Buckingham Palace, their royal status is just ceremonial. It’s not.
Under the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, the children of the son of a sovereign automatically become Prince and Princess. When Charles took the throne in 2022, Archie and Lili moved up. They are currently 6th and 7th in the line of succession.
That’s huge.
✨ Don't miss: Nicole Kidman with bangs: Why the actress just brought back her most iconic look
If, by some wild twist of fate, the main line of the House of Windsor faltered, an American-raised boy and girl would be next in line. It sounds like a movie plot, but it’s the legal reality.
The Security Standoff
The biggest reason you don't see them in London is security. Harry has been in a long-standing legal battle with the UK Home Office. He doesn't feel safe bringing his family over without high-level police protection.
As of January 2026, there are rumors that a deal might be reached, potentially paving the way for Archie and Lilibet to visit their grandfather, King Charles, this summer. The King is reportedly "desperate" to see them. He’s barely spent any time with Lili in person—just a brief meeting during the Platinum Jubilee in 2022.
Growing Up Sussex: Life in Montecito
What does a Tuesday look like for the Sussex kids? It’s not all tiaras.
- School Days: Archie is now in first grade. They reportedly picked a school that emphasizes "emotional intelligence" and "mindfulness."
- The Garden: Meghan has spoken about "Archie’s Chickens." They have a rescue coop. The kids spend a lot of time outside.
- Privacy First: Unlike their cousins George, Charlotte, and Louis, Archie and Lili aren't trotted out for Christmas walks or balcony appearances.
- Dual Citizenship: They hold both UK and US passports.
It’s a bizarre childhood. One day they’re playing with a rescued lab named Pula, and the next, they’re being discussed in the House of Lords.
The "Prince and Princess" Title Debate
There was a lot of confusion about when they started using the titles. For a long time, the Royal Family website listed them as "Master" and "Miss."
🔗 Read more: Kate Middleton Astro Chart Explained: Why She Was Born for the Crown
It wasn't until Lilibet’s christening announcement in 2023 that the Sussexes officially used the "Princess" title. They’ve said it’s their "birthright." Most people in the US don't really care about the titles, but in the UK, it remains a point of massive contention.
Is it "hypocritical" to keep the titles while living a celebrity life in Hollywood? Or is it just a father (Harry) ensuring his kids have the same status as their cousins?
There’s no middle ground in that debate.
What’s Next for the Sussex Kids?
As we move deeper into 2026, the pressure for a "Royal Reunion" is mounting. King Charles’s health has been a public concern, and there’s a sense that time is running out for the grandkids to form a real bond with the British side of the family.
We might see Archie and Lilibet at the Invictus Games in Vancouver/Whistler this year. It would be their first major "public" outing since they were toddlers.
Key Takeaways for Royal Watchers:
- Don't expect them to move back. California is home. Any UK visit will be a vacation, not a relocation.
- Privacy is the priority. Harry is scarred by his own childhood in the spotlight. He will fight to keep their faces out of the tabloids for as long as possible.
- The titles are here to stay. Unless Parliament passes a specific law to stripped them (which is unlikely), they will remain Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.
If you're following this story, keep an eye on the UK court rulings regarding Harry's security detail. That’s the real "on/off" switch for whether these kids ever set foot on British soil again. Without that protection, they stay in the Montecito bubble.
For now, they’re just two kids growing up in the sun, oblivious to the fact that they’re the most famous "private" citizens in the world.
Actionable Insights for Following the Sussex Family:
- Check the official Royal Line of Succession: Always verify titles on the official royal.uk website, as updates often reflect shifts in family status.
- Monitor UK High Court rulings: Follow the specific cases regarding "RAVEC" (Royal and VIP Executive Committee) to understand if a family visit to London is imminent.
- Support local journalism: Many details about the children's daily lives are often broken by local Santa Barbara or California-based outlets rather than major London tabloids.