Understanding Royal Titles for the Children of British Royalty

When it comes to who qualifies for a royal title among the children of British royals, the answer is not as straightforward as it might seem. There are specific rules and protocols in place that govern these designations. Let's take a closer look at the situations involving Charles, William, Andrew, Edward, and Harry's children.

Charles' Offspring

Charles, Prince of Wales, has two sons, both of whom have royal titles. Prince William, his eldest son, is known as the Duke of Cambridge. His children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, are also styled as Princes and Princesses respectively.

Prince Harry's situation is slightly different. Although he and Meghan Markle had two children, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, at the time of this writing, they have not yet been officially declared as Prince and Princess Harry. This decision lies with King Charles III, who has not yet made the formal announcement.

Titles for Anne and Mark Phillips' Children

Princess Anne, daughter of Queen Elizabeth II, and her husband, Captain Mark Phillips, chose not to confer royal titles on their two children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips. They wanted their children to lead ordinary lives without the burden of royal duties and expectations.

Edward and Sarah's Offspring

Prince Edward's children, Lady Louise Windsor and James Ogilvy, are given the titles Lady and Viscount respectively. These titles are different from the standard Princes and Princesses, reflecting the different circumstances of this branch of the royal family.

Harry's Children and Future Titles

Prince Harry, like his brother William, has two children Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. However, as of the time of this writing, King Charles III has not officially named them as Prince and Princess Harry. Until this is done, they will not officially bear royal titles.

Nieces and Nephews of Queen Elizabeth II

It's important to note that other nieces and nephews of Queen Elizabeth II, such as Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, have titles of Lady and Lord. These titles reflect the diminishing role of the younger branches of the royal family in official royal duties.

The Protocol in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the general rule is that the children and grandchildren of a monarch are usually given the title of Prince or Princess. However, there are notable exceptions, such as Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips, whose parents chose not to confer these titles on them. The protocol is fluid and can vary based on the decisions made by the parents and the Monarch.

For example, Prince William's eldest son, Arthur, is styled as a Prince, but younger siblings Rufus and Vincent are styled as Lord and Master respectively, which is a more traditional approach in that branch of the royal family.

It's also worth noting that even children who do not assume royal titles are not entirely without status. For instance, Prince Harry, though no longer an HRH (His/Her Royal Highness) since his exit from the royal duties, is still addressed as Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

Conclusion

When it comes to the children of British royals, the designation of a royal title is not a universal one. It can vary based on the specific circumstances and choices made by the royal family members. While some children like William's are titled as Princes and Princesses, others like Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips are given more traditional titles, reflecting the evolving nature of the British royal family's protocol and traditions.

To stay up-to-date with the latest changes in royal titles and protocol, it is a good idea to follow official royal announcements, watch the news, and perhaps even subscribe to a reputable news source or royal newsletter.