The Sussex Secrets: 5 Fascinating Facts About Prince Harry And Meghan Markle’s Children, Archie And Lilibet, Revealed In 2025

As of December 2025, the world remains captivated by the lives of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, who are growing up far from the traditional confines of the British Royal Family. Now ages six and four, respectively, the young Sussexes are carving out a unique existence in Montecito, California, with their parents determined to give them a blend of privacy and a strong sense of self. The latest insights from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex reveal a relaxed, loving, and surprisingly normal family dynamic, despite the global spotlight. The family’s life in the US is a careful balance between preserving their children’s right to a private childhood and honoring their heritage. From sweet dinner rituals to the children crashing their father’s work calls, the details emerging in late 2025 paint a vivid picture of a close-knit, modern family unit. This article dives into the most recent and fascinating details about Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, their royal titles, and the unique American-British upbringing they are experiencing.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: A Brief Family Profile

The children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, represent a new chapter in the history of the British Royal Family, being the first royal grandchildren to be primarily raised in the United States.

• Father: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (Born: September 15, 1984)
• Mother: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex (Born: August 4, 1981)
• Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, USA
• Date of Marriage: May 19, 2018
• Children: Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet
• Current Status: Stepped back as working members of the Royal Family in 2020.

Prince Archie of Sussex (Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor)

• Date of Birth: May 6, 2019
• Place of Birth: Portland Hospital, London, UK
• Current Age: 6 years old (as of December 2025)
• Title: Prince Archie of Sussex (Gained title after the accession of King Charles III)
• Current Schooling: Attending a local school in Montecito.

Princess Lilibet of Sussex (Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor)

• Date of Birth: June 4, 2021
• Place of Birth: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California, USA
• Current Age: 4 years old (as of December 2025)
• Title: Princess Lilibet of Sussex (Gained title after the accession of King Charles III)
• Name Significance: Named after Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood nickname, 'Lilibet,' and her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Truth Behind Their Royal Titles and Succession

The question of titles for Prince Harry’s children has been a significant point of public discussion since their move to America. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III, the children automatically became eligible to use the titles of Prince and Princess, according to the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex confirmed in 2023 that their children would use the titles Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. This decision was less about a formal request and more about the children’s inherent right under the established royal protocol. The use of the titles is consistent with their position in the line of succession, where they currently sit sixth and seventh, respectively.

However, while they hold the titles, they are not referred to as His/Her Royal Highness (HRH), reflecting the non-working status of their parents within the British Royal Family. This distinction underscores the Sussexes' desire to balance the children's royal heritage with a more private, American lifestyle. The titles are a permanent part of their identity, but their daily life in Montecito is intentionally far removed from the royal spotlight.

Inside Archie and Lilibet’s Idyllic Montecito Life

Life for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet in their Montecito home is a world away from the palaces of London. The family lives in a sprawling estate in Santa Barbara County, where the children have the freedom to grow up surrounded by nature, a key priority for their parents.

Schooling and Social Life: Both children are now enrolled in local schools, integrating them into the community and providing a sense of normalcy. Meghan Markle has spoken about their "close-knit family" and the comfortable rhythm they have settled into in California. This integration into American school life is a major factor in the family’s resistance to relocating to the UK, despite Prince Harry's ongoing legal battles over security that could facilitate more frequent visits.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

The 'Rose, Bud, Thorn' Ritual: A rare glimpse into their family life revealed a sweet dinner ritual. Meghan shared that they practice the 'rose, bud, thorn' exercise, a popular check-in method where each family member shares their 'rose' (the best part of their day), their 'thorn' (the worst part), and their 'bud' (what they are looking forward to). This demonstrates a parenting style focused on open communication and emotional intelligence, a stark contrast to the more traditional, reserved royal upbringing.

A Blend of Cultures: Despite their American upbringing, the children still exhibit some British traits. Meghan has mentioned that the children have inherited a very British sense of humor and politeness, a charming nod to their heritage. Prince Harry also ensures that royal festive traditions, such as specific Christmas customs, are kept alive for his children, bridging the cultural gap between their two homes.

Personality Insights and Future Hopes for the Young Sussexes

Recent public comments from both the Duke and Duchess have given the world a rare and charming insight into the personalities of the young royals.

Princess Lilibet’s Strong Personality: Meghan has described her daughter, Princess Lilibet, as having a "very strong personality" and being "incredible." At age four, Lilibet is already showing a spirited and confident nature, which her parents clearly encourage. Her name, a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, carries immense historical weight, but her life is being shaped by the freedom of California.

• 7 Shocking Things Jessica Capshaw Revealed About Growing Up With Steven Spielberg As Her Stepfather 892ho

Prince Archie’s Inquisitiveness: Prince Archie, at six, is described as inquisitive and an active big brother. Harry has shared amusing anecdotes, noting that both children have a tendency to "just barge in" and crash his work meetings, a relatable moment for any parent working from home. This casual, unscripted interaction highlights the relaxed environment the Duke and Duchess are cultivating for their children.

Harry’s Hope for Their Future: Prince Harry has been open about his hopes for his children, stating his desire for them to grow up with a deep understanding of service and to find their own path in life. He has also discussed the challenges of raising children in the digital age, revealing that he and Meghan have a plan for when Archie and Lilibet eventually want phones, showing their forward-thinking approach to modern parenting. Their ultimate goal is to raise grounded, emotionally healthy individuals who are prepared to face the world with resilience and kindness.

The lives of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet will continue to be a source of fascination. Raised with a unique blend of American freedom and British royal tradition, they represent the future of the Mountbatten-Windsor family—a future defined by choice, privacy, and their parents’ unwavering focus on their well-being.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje