Prince Harry and Meghan children: Why the Sussex Kids Still Captivate the World

Growing up as a royal is weird. Growing up as a royal in Montecito, California, is arguably weirder.

Prince Harry and Meghan children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are living a life that basically breaks every historical mold. One day they’re sixth and seventh in line to the British throne, and the next, they're reportedly helping their mom harvest honey or baking cookies for a Los Angeles charity. Honestly, it’s a bizarre, high-stakes balancing act that has the entire world—and likely the Palace—watching with bated breath.

The Big Title Shift: From "Master" to "Prince"

For a long time, there was this massive cloud of confusion hanging over what the kids would actually be called. Remember the Oprah interview? Meghan mentioned the lack of a title for Archie was a major point of friction. Fast forward to March 2023, and everything changed.

The kids officially became Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. This wasn't some random gift from the King; it was actually their birthright under a 1917 rule called the Letters Patent, issued by King George V. Basically, the rule says that grandchildren of the monarch are entitled to be princes or princesses. Once Queen Elizabeth II passed and Charles became King, the Sussex kids were officially in.

They use these titles for formal stuff now. But at home? They’re just Archie and Lili. Harry and Meghan seem pretty dead-set on keeping their day-to-day lives as "civilian" as possible.

Life in Montecito: Chickens, Gardens, and Privacy

People are always trying to get a peek behind the gates of their Santa Barbara estate. What we do know is that life for the Prince Harry and Meghan children is deeply Californian.

Meghan has shared snippets that feel surprisingly relatable. She’s talked about Archie "running around like crazy" and Lili being the "chilled" one. In late 2025, Meghan gave a rare interview where she described Lilibet as having a "strong personality." She even shared a sweet "rose and thorn" routine they do at dinner to talk about their day.

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Lilibet apparently has "blue, blue, blue eyes" and "golden reddish hair," according to Harry, who says she looks a lot like his mother, Princess Diana. Archie, now six, is reportedly looking more like Meghan.

They aren't just sitting in a mansion, though.

• They’ve got an apiary (for bees).
• They have a flock of rescued chickens (Archie’s Chick Inn).
• They spend a ton of time outdoors.

It's a far cry from the starched collars and balcony appearances of their cousins in London.

The 2026 Shift: Stepping Into the Spotlight?

For years, the Sussexes were incredibly protective. They’d post photos with the kids’ faces obscured or only show the backs of their heads. But as of January 2026, there’s been a noticeable vibe shift.

The couple recently rebranded their foundation to Archewell Philanthropies. In the official announcement, they specifically mentioned that this entity allows them and their children to expand their global work. This is a huge deal. It suggests that Archie and Lili might start appearing at events more often.

We saw a glimpse of this during a Thanksgiving initiative at Our Big Kitchen in Los Angeles. Archie and Lili actually joined their parents to help prepare meals for the community. It was their "charity debut," and it signaled that the quiet, hidden years might be coming to an end.

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Dual Citizenship and a Possible US Presidency?

Here is a wild fact that people often overlook: Princess Lilibet is the most senior royal in the line of succession to be born outside the UK.

Because she was born in Santa Barbara, she is a natural-born US citizen. She also holds UK citizenship through Harry. This means, legally, Princess Lilibet could actually run for President of the United States one day. Can you imagine a British Princess in the Oval Office? It sounds like a movie plot, but the legal framework is 100% there.

Archie, born in London, is also a dual citizen because Meghan never renounced her American status. They are essentially the first "hybrid" royals, navigating two very different cultures.

Will They Ever Return to the UK?

This is the million-dollar question. As of early 2026, the kids haven't been back to Harry's homeland since the Platinum Jubilee in June 2022.

The sticking point is almost entirely about security. Harry has been very open about the fact that he doesn't feel safe bringing his family to the UK without official police protection. There’s a massive court battle over this that has dragged on for years.

However, with the Invictus Games slated for Birmingham in 2027, there are whispers that a family return is finally on the horizon. Harry reportedly wants his kids to know where he grew up. He wants them to see the history. But unless the security situation is "sorted," as the insiders say, the kids will likely remain firmly planted in California soil.

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What Most People Get Wrong About the Sussex Kids

There's a common misconception that Harry and Meghan are "anti-royal" when it comes to their children. But the decision to use the Prince and Princess titles suggests otherwise. They seem to want their children to have the status of their heritage without the suffocation of the institution.

It’s a middle-ground approach that has never really been tried at this level before.

Key Facts at a Glance:

1. Prince Archie: Born May 6, 2019, in London. Currently 6 years old.
2. Princess Lilibet: Born June 4, 2021, in California. Currently 4 years old.
3. Godparents: Lilibet’s godfather is mogul Tyler Perry. Archie’s godparents have remained largely private.
4. Education: Archie is currently in school in California, with Lilibet likely in preschool.

Actionable Insights for Royal Watchers

If you're following the journey of the Prince Harry and Meghan children, keep an eye on Archewell Philanthropies. The recent rebranding suggests that 2026 will be the year we see Archie and Lili transition from "private children" to "young philanthropists."

Watch for:

• Official family appearances at Invictus-related events.
• More "behind the scenes" glimpses on Meghan’s lifestyle brand, As Ever.
• Potential updates on the UK security trial, which is the only thing standing between the kids and a reunion with their royal cousins.

The Sussex children represent a new era of the monarchy—one that is biracial, dual-national, and professionally independent. Whether they ever take up full-time royal duties is unlikely, but they are certainly carving out a space that is entirely their own.