The Sussex Children's Next Chapter: 5 Shocking New Updates On Prince Archie And Princess Lilibet's American Life

The world's most private royal children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are growing up fast, and as of late 2025, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are navigating a critical new phase of parenthood. Now aged six and four, the children of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are at a pivotal stage, with their parents making "vital decisions" regarding their schooling and their relationship with the British Royal Family. The Sussexes have maintained a fiercely private life in Montecito, California, but recent public statements, holiday cards, and video montages have offered rare, intimate glimpses into the lives of the young Prince and Princess, revealing a surprising blend of Hollywood glamour and traditional royal heritage.

This deep dive into the lives of the Sussex children covers the most current updates, from their evolving connection to their grandfather, King Charles III, to the surprising details of their American schooling and the striking physical feature they both share with their father, Prince Harry.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet: Complete Biographical Profile

The children of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex hold a unique place in the British line of succession, being the first grandchildren of a monarch (King Charles III) to be primarily raised in the United States. Their full names reflect a profound connection to both the royal and Spencer families.

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• Full Name: Prince Archibald Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
• Title: Prince Archie of Sussex (Officially granted in 2023)
• Date of Birth: May 6, 2019
• Place of Birth: Portland Hospital, London, United Kingdom
• Line of Succession: 6th (as of late 2025)
• Nickname: Archie

• Full Name: Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
• Title: Princess Lilibet of Sussex (Officially granted in 2023)
• Date of Birth: June 4, 2021
• Place of Birth: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California, United States
• Line of Succession: 7th (as of late 2025)
• Nickname: Lili

In a significant move confirmed in 2023, the children officially began using 'Sussex' as their surname, aligning with the practice of other members of the Royal Family who use their father's title for their last name.

Montecito Life: Schooling, Privacy, and the 'Consent' Principle

The Sussex family’s move to Montecito, California, in 2020 was primarily motivated by a desire for greater privacy, particularly for their children. This commitment to a normal, protected upbringing has defined much of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet’s early years, but as they grow older, their parents are facing complex decisions about their education and public exposure.

The American Schooling Dilemma

As of late 2025, Prince Archie is six years old and Princess Lilibet is four, placing them both firmly in the American school system. Meghan Markle recently confirmed that the children attend local schools in the Montecito area, but surprisingly, they do not attend the same one.

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The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly facing "pivotal choices" regarding their education in 2025, as Archie transitions into more formal elementary schooling. The choices are vast, with Montecito boasting a number of exclusive private schools that can cost up to £28,000 per year, offering the kind of high-level security and discretion the Sussexes prioritize.

Their schooling is a stark contrast to the traditional royal education system in the U.K., emphasizing a more conventional childhood experience free from the constant scrutiny of the London paparazzi. The deliberate choice to educate them locally reinforces their parents’ commitment to their American identity.

The Principle of Consent

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been vocal about protecting their children’s privacy, a stance rooted in Prince Harry's own childhood experiences with the press. The couple has adopted a strict policy of limited public appearances and photos, often only releasing images for special occasions like their annual holiday card.

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Prince Harry has explicitly stated that 'consent' is a key piece of their parenting philosophy, indicating that as Archie and Lilibet grow older, their own wishes regarding public life will be paramount. This focus on autonomy and privacy is a modern approach that further separates the Sussex children's upbringing from that of their cousins in the U.K., Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

Rare Glimpses: Red Hair, Holiday Cards, and Humanitarian Outings

Despite their desire for privacy, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex occasionally share carefully curated moments of their family life, providing precious updates for the public.

The Fiery Red Hair Revelation

One of the most talked-about recent updates is the clear physical resemblance both children share with their father, Prince Harry. In a video montage shared by Meghan Markle ahead of Thanksgiving in 2024, Princess Lilibet was seen with "fiery Rapunzel hair," a clear nod to the famous ginger colour of the Duke of Sussex.

The new photos, including those in the 2024 holiday card, also prominently displayed this shared feature, confirming that both Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have inherited the iconic red hair that has long been a signature trait of the Spencer family line.

Giving Back Ahead of the Holidays

In a surprise, unannounced outing ahead of Thanksgiving, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle brought their children along to participate in a humanitarian activity. This rare public appearance demonstrated the couple’s commitment to instilling values of service and philanthropy in their young children, a core tenet of their Archewell Foundation’s mission.

Meghan Markle also recently used her platform to mark International Day of the Girl 2025, sharing rare images and a video of Princess Lilibet, further illustrating her commitment to raising a generation focused on advocacy and global awareness.

The Royal Connection: A Possible U.K. Visit and King Charles III

Despite the distance and the ongoing complexities of their relationship with the British Royal Family, the connection between the Sussex children and their royal relatives remains a topic of intense interest. Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet are the grandchildren of King Charles III, and maintaining a bond with their paternal family is a stated priority for Prince Harry.

In a significant development, a legal update concerning Prince Harry’s security arrangements has opened the door for a possible U.K. visit for the entire family. Reports suggest that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet may be due to visit their grandfather, King Charles III, as early as January 2026. Such a visit would be a momentous occasion, allowing the children to spend time with the monarch and their cousins, providing a tangible link to their heritage.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are actively working to balance their children's American upbringing with their royal lineage. Meghan Markle has even revealed a highly personal method for preserving memories for her children: sending them secret emails. These private communications, filled with photos and stories, are a way to ensure that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet have an unspoiled record of their unique childhood, blending their royal past with their Californian present.