Prince William is reportedly drawing a firm line in his ongoing rift with Prince Harry, making it clear he will not extend royal titles to his brother’s children when he ascends to the throne.
According to The Times, the Prince of Wales has no plans to allow Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet—Harry and Meghan Markle’s two children—to officially use their royal titles in the future. Sources suggest this decision is not only a reflection of the ongoing familial tensions but also a conscious step to distance the monarchy from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
“What struck me the most recently is that he just doesn’t mention [the feud] at all,” an insider told The Times. “It used to be that the family stuff was taking up a lot of space in his head – it was a very close relationship, and he was very upset.”
The source added, “But he’s not letting it get to him at all anymore. It is a change. It’s sad, but it’s a much healthier space for him to be at.”
This reported shift in William’s stance comes amid claims that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are actively pushing for their children to retain royal titles, despite stepping back from royal duties in 2020 and moving to the United States.
According to The Guardian, Prince Harry is advocating for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to keep their royal titles, arguing that the children should have the choice to pursue royal roles when they grow older.
However, this stance has been met with confusion and criticism from royal insiders. “I find this very hard to understand,” one insider told the Daily Mail. “Harry and Meghan apparently found official duties and life within the Royal Family unbearable, yet they want this for their children. It doesn’t make sense.”
The Sussexes have also reportedly used “His Royal Highness” and “Her Royal Highness” titles in passport applications for their children, further fueling the debate over their future royal status.
Though the titles “Prince” and “Princess” were automatically granted to Archie and Lilibet following King Charles III’s accession under royal protocols established in 1917, Prince William’s future role as monarch could give him the authority to adjust or revoke such privileges.
As the rift between the brothers shows no sign of healing, William’s reported refusal to extend royal privileges to Harry’s children marks a significant and symbolic deepening of the family divide.