Meghan Markle’s kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, have had a big year. After six years in the US, the family moved back to Britain, started a new school and settled into English country life. Here is a clear look at who they are, how their names work, and what their new UK life looks like.
Archie and Lilibet Biography
| Field | Prince Archie | Princess Lilibet |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor | Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor |
| Nickname | Archie Sussex | Lili, Lilibet Sussex |
| Date of Birth | May 6, 2019 | June 4, 2021 |
| Place of Birth | Portland Hospital, London, England | Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, California, US |
| Age | 7 | 5 |
| Nationality | British-American | American-British |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus | Gemini |
| Title | Prince Archie of Sussex | Princess Lilibet of Sussex |
| Line of Succession | Sixth | Seventh |
| Parents | Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex | Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex |
| Siblings | Lilibet (younger sister) | Archie (older brother) |
| Hair Color | Red | Red |
| Current Home | The Cotswolds, England | The Cotswolds, England |
Who Are Meghan Markle’s Kids?
Harry and Meghan have two children. Prince Archie of Sussex, full name Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was born on 6 May 2019. Lilibet followed two years later, on June 4, 2021. Today Archie is 7 and Lilibet is 5.
Prince Archie
Archie was born in London in May 2019, just a year after his parents’ wedding. He was christened at Windsor that July. Within months, the family began planning their 2020 exit from royal duties, so most of his early childhood was spent in California rather than Britain.
Archie is known for his bright red hair, a trait he shares with his dad. Royal watchers often point out how much he resembles Harry at the same age. As the eldest child, he has now spent his first school terms in England, a different experience from his US classroom.
Princess Lilibet
Lilibet was born in California, the first child of the family born in the US. Her name carries real weight. “Lilibet” was Queen Elizabeth’s childhood family nickname, and her middle name, Diana, honours Harry’s mother, Princess Diana. It links her to both sides of Harry’s family history.
The Queen met Lilibet only once, during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee. Few royal names have carried such a clear personal message. It was a quiet way of keeping Harry’s grandmother and mother close, even from far away.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Archie born in London (May 6); christened at Windsor |
| 2020 | Harry and Meghan step back from royal duties and move to the US |
| 2021 | Lilibet born in California (June 4) |
| 2023 | Lilibet christened; titles of Prince and Princess first used publicly |
| 2026 | Family relocates to the UK in August; children start British school in September |
Archie and Lilibet’s Last Names: From Mountbatten-Windsor to Sussex
At birth, both children were given the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. This is the family name used by descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip who don’t have a royal style. Archie was even styled as “Master Archie” at first, as his parents wanted him to grow up as a private citizen.
Things have shifted since then. The children now commonly go by Sussex, taken from their parents’ titles. This follows a familiar royal naming tradition. William’s children use Wales at school, just as Harry and William themselves once used Wales during school and army life.
Meghan spoke about this openly in her Netflix show, telling Mindy Kaling that Sussex is now the family name. She explained it was a way to unify the family of four under one surname. It’s a small detail, but it says a lot about how the couple sees their household.
Prince and Princess Titles
When Charles became King in 2022, Archie and Lilibet became entitled to be called Prince and Princess, as grandchildren of the monarch. The titles were first used officially when Lilibet was christened in 2023, around the time of King Charles’s coronation.
Their official names were later updated to Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex. Archie is sixth in line to the throne, behind his father, and Lilibet is seventh. Neither is likely to inherit, but the titles matter as part of their identity.
Life in the UK: The Move, New Home and School
The biggest change came this summer. In August 2026, Harry and Meghan relocated to the UK with their children, with no plans to return as working royals. After a July visit to see King Charles, the family made Britain their main base.
A New Home in the Cotswolds
The family chose the Cotswolds, roughly two hours from London. They first stayed in the main house on a friend’s estate and have reportedly now moved into their own home there. The area offers privacy, open space and a quieter pace than the capital.
Harry has said the move wasn’t a criticism of American schools. He framed it as a chance for Archie and Lilibet to experience life in two countries. The family dog came too, which, from a parent’s point of view, often helps children settle faster in a new home.
A School Switch After Two Days
The children’s first weeks back in Britain had a bumpy start. Archie and Lilibet changed schools just two days into the academic year because of security and commute concerns. The original school was reportedly their first choice, but the distance and London-bound traffic made the daily school run hard.
A spokesperson said the decision followed talks with the family’s security team about the practicalities of the arrangements. The school’s name has not been made public. Both children are said to be loving school and have started receiving playdate invitations from classmates.
The British school system works differently from the US one. Terms are shorter, with a half-term break in the middle of each. For a 7-year-old and a 5-year-old, that rhythm is new, but it also gives the family regular time together.
The First Half-Term Family Holiday
October brought the children’s first half-term break at a British school. The family left the UK and spent the break abroad. They are believed to have stayed at their holiday home in Portugal, surrounded by close friends.
The timing was difficult. Reports about Meghan’s father broke during the break. Meghan was reportedly already out of the country with her family when the news emerged, which countered claims that she had fled Britain.
Royal editor Emily Nash had earlier said the couple would likely stay in the UK or head to Portugal, with a trip to America seen as less likely. A friend described Meghan as tearful and very upset during the holiday, with friends checking in daily for updates.
Why Meghan Kept Her Kids Away From Thomas Markle
Archie and Lilibet have never met their grandfather, Thomas Markle Sr. For years, critics painted this as a family feud. In October, Meghan explained her reasons publicly for the first time.
The Allegations
Meghan’s half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr., made serious allegations about their father’s former home in the Philippines and reported them to police. The claims are unproven and are being investigated by Philippine authorities. No criminal charges have been filed.
Thomas Sr. strongly denies the claims and has called them lies. Meghan’s half-sister, Samantha Markle, has also accused Thomas Jr. of making the story up. Meanwhile, Thomas Sr. has been in hospital after emergency surgery. This is an unresolved situation, and it should be read with that caution.
Meghan’s Statement
On October 23, Meghan said she was deeply distressed. She revealed she had learned of troubling allegations through a letter sent to the Metropolitan Police and Royalty and Specialist Protection. The Met said it received that letter in January 2019 and is reviewing how it was handled internally.
Meghan said her distance from her father had one reason: to protect her children. She reportedly also wrote to him in December 2025, saying he would not meet his grandchildren. Many fans felt she had been vindicated after years of criticism.
Professor Pauline Maclaran, who studies the royal brand, has suggested the episode could shift public sympathy toward Meghan. Thomas Jr. has since apologised to his sister for siding with their father during the estrangement.
Rare Glimpses and Family Photos of Archie and Lilibet
Harry and Meghan rarely show their children’s faces. Instead, they share small, carefully chosen moments, often from behind or at a distance. Each post gets huge attention because these glimpses are so rare.
A few recent moments fans have noticed include:
- Father’s Day 2026 (June 21): A family photo shared to celebrate Harry as a dad.
- The July 2026 UK montage: Clips from the summer trip, including a visit linked to Althorp, Princess Diana’s childhood home.
- Archie in an England football shirt: A sweet nod to his British roots, with his American accent heard in one clip.
- Outdoor family life: Fishing trips, Lilibet with a doll, and a herd of goats on a farm visit.
After the move, Meghan shared a video showing Lilibet riding a bicycle with Archie running beside her. Moments like this, often tied to her As Ever brand posts, give a warm look at family life without exposing the children to full public scrutiny.
How Harry and Meghan Protect Their Children’s Privacy
Privacy sits at the centre of how the couple raises their kids. Their choices around photos, school and social media all come back to one goal: giving Archie and Lilibet a normal childhood.
Harry’s Childhood vs. His Kids’ Privacy
In his memoir, Spare, Harry described growing up with the press constantly invading his life. He has made it clear he wants to give his own children the childhood he never had. That explains the careful photo choices and the silence around their school.
Having watched royal parenting styles evolve over the years, this is a clear break from the past. Harry and William were photographed on school runs and holidays. Archie and Lilibet are mostly shielded, even as their parents remain public figures.
Harry’s Hopes About the Media
Harry has spoken about hoping media behaviour will change over time. He believes his family’s experiences have raised awareness about how intrusive coverage affects children. He wants that change before his kids are old enough to feel it fully.
Stepping Back From Social Media
Harry and Meghan have confirmed they are stepping back from personally running their social media accounts. A staff team now handles them. The couple linked the decision to protecting their mental well-being, which also shapes how much of their children’s lives ever appears online.
Archie’s Personality and Family Life
Back in 2021, Meghan described Archie as very busy and full of energy. She said he keeps his parents on their toes. That playful, curious streak shows in the few clips shared, from running beside his sister to exploring the countryside.
Their family routine is now built around school hours. Harry and Meghan reportedly schedule work around the school day, keeping mornings and evenings free for family time. For young kids adjusting to a new country, that kind of steady routine makes a real difference.
Harry and Meghan’s First Joint UK Appearance
On 15 October, the couple stepped out together publicly in Britain for the first time since the move. They visited charities in Nottingham, with stops at a community recording studio, the Himmah Hub food project and Epic Partners.
The location was symbolic. Nottingham hosted Meghan’s first official outing with Harry on December 1, 2017, days after their engagement. Coming back nine years later, now as parents of two, gave the visit a full-circle feel.
The children were not part of the visit. Keeping them out of public engagements fits the couple’s approach to privacy, even as Harry and Meghan rebuild their public work in the UK.
FAQs
How Many Kids Do Harry and Meghan Have?
Harry and Meghan have two kids: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. Archie is the eldest child, and Lilibet is the younger sister. They are the only grandchildren of King Charles through Harry.
How Old Are Harry and Meghan’s Kids?
Archie was born on May 6, 2019, which makes him 7. Lilibet was born on June 4, 2021, so she is 5. Archie celebrates a Taurus birthday, and Lilibet a Gemini one.
What Are Archie and Lilibet’s Last Names?
At birth, both had the surname Mountbatten-Windsor. Today they commonly use Sussex, taken from their parents’ titles, much like William’s children use Wales.
Where Do Archie and Lilibet Live Now?
They live in the Cotswolds in England. The family moved from California in August 2026, and both children attend a private British school there.
Have Archie and Lilibet Met Their Grandfather Thomas Markle?
No, they have never met Thomas Markle Sr. Meghan has said she kept them apart to protect them, after learning of allegations he strongly denies and which remain under investigation.
Are Archie and Lilibet Still Prince and Princess?
Yes. As grandchildren of the monarch, they hold the titles Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex, and remain sixth and seventh in line to the throne.
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