The Secret Lives Of Archie And Lilibet: 7 Surprising Facts About Harry And Meghan's Kids In 2025

The lives of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet of Sussex continue to be a source of global fascination, blending the mystique of royal lineage with the laid-back privacy of a California upbringing. As of December 12, 2025, the children of Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, are growing up far from the traditional confines of the British Royal Family, yet they remain central figures in the ongoing narrative of the monarchy's future. Their parents have fiercely guarded their privacy, but recent glimpses and major developments—particularly regarding their official titles and potential future education—have offered a fresh look into their unique world.

This deep dive explores the most current and essential facts about Archie and Lilibet, from their recent public engagements and physical resemblances to the latest tensions surrounding their schooling, providing a clear picture of their extraordinary childhood in the heart of Montecito, California.

Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet: Complete Biographical Profiles

The lives of the Sussex children are a study in contrasts, born into royal history yet raised in modern America. Here are the essential details about their backgrounds and current status.

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Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor

• Full Name: Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
• Title: Prince Archie of Sussex (officially recognized following the accession of his grandfather, King Charles III)
• Date of Birth: May 6, 2019
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 6 years old
• Place of Birth: Portland Hospital, London, England
• Parents: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
• Last Name Used: Sussex (adopted by the family, following royal tradition)
• Current Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, USA
• Royal Line of Succession: Currently 6th in line to the British throne.

Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor

• Full Name: Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
• Title: Princess Lilibet of Sussex (officially recognized following the accession of her grandfather, King Charles III)
• Date of Birth: June 4, 2021
• Current Age (as of Dec 2025): 4 years old
• Place of Birth: Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, California, USA
• Parents: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex
• Last Name Used: Sussex (adopted by the family, following royal tradition)
• Current Residence: Montecito, Santa Barbara, California, USA
• Royal Line of Succession: Currently 7th in line to the British throne.
• Namesake: Named after her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II (Lilibet was her childhood nickname), and her paternal grandmother, Princess Diana.

The California Lifestyle: A Glimpse Into Their Private World

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have been unwavering in their commitment to providing their children with a childhood that is as normal and private as possible, a stark contrast to Prince Harry's own upbringing. Their life in Montecito is characterized by a focus on family time, outdoor activities, and a strong boundary against media intrusion.

1. The Adoption of Official Royal Titles

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession of King Charles III, Archie and Lilibet automatically became eligible to use the titles of Prince and Princess, a right afforded to the children and grandchildren of the sovereign. This change was formally acknowledged by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and subsequently updated on the official Royal Family website. This formality solidified their place within the line of succession, despite their distance from the working monarchy. It is also notable that the family has adopted 'Sussex' as their official last name, a tradition often used by senior royals.

2. Rare Public Engagements: The Archewell Initiative

While public appearances are few, the children have recently started to participate in low-key, philanthropic activities alongside their parents. A notable recent event saw six-year-old Archie and four-year-old Lilibet joining their parents for a surprise outing related to the Archewell Foundation. They teamed up with Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles (OBKLA) for a community initiative. These moments are carefully curated to introduce the children to the concept of service and charity, a cornerstone of the Sussexes' work, without the intense media scrutiny of a traditional royal engagement.

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3. Lilibet's Fiery Red Hair and Archie's Serious Look

Recent, rare photos shared by Meghan Markle have offered a heartwarming glimpse into the children's physical appearances. The most talked-about detail is Princess Lilibet's vibrant red hair, which has been described as "fiery Rapunzel hair" and is a clear nod to her father's famous ginger locks. Prince Archie, meanwhile, is often seen with a more serious, contemplative look, sharing a strong resemblance to his father in his younger years. These small, personal snapshots, often shared around family holidays like Thanksgiving, are highly valued by the public, providing a sense of connection to their idyllic California life.

The Royal Dilemma: A UK Education or California Freedom?

The most significant and potentially contentious topic surrounding the children's future revolves around their education. This decision highlights the ongoing tension between their royal heritage and their parents' desire for a private life.

4. Prince Harry's 'Upsetting' UK Education Plan

In a move that has reportedly caused considerable friction, Prince Harry has expressed a strong desire for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet to be educated in the United Kingdom. Reports suggest Harry is "more determined than ever" to have them attend a prestigious, posh school in Britain, believing it is vital for them to understand their British roots and royal heritage. This plan has reportedly left Meghan Markle "extremely upset" and "in utter shock," as she prefers their children to remain in their California home and continue their education in the American system. This ongoing disagreement underscores the complex challenge of raising children who are half-American, half-British, and fully royal.

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5. The Mountbatten-Windsor Name and Legacy

Archie and Lilibet's full names—Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor—are rich with royal history. The surname Mountbatten-Windsor is a nod to both the late Prince Philip (Mountbatten) and the Royal House (Windsor), connecting them directly to both sides of the family. Lilibet's middle name, Diana, is a powerful tribute to her late grandmother, the iconic Princess of Wales, ensuring her legacy lives on in the next generation. This blend of names symbolizes the dual identity the children carry.

6. The Montecito Bubble and Privacy Protection

The Duke and Duchess have gone to extraordinary lengths to protect their children from the relentless scrutiny that plagued Harry's own childhood. Their Montecito estate, with its extensive grounds and high security, serves as a private sanctuary. The decision to step back as senior working royals was largely driven by this desire for privacy. By minimizing their children's exposure, Harry and Meghan are attempting to give them a sense of normalcy, allowing them to enjoy simple activities like playing in the garden and attending local events without the constant presence of paparazzi. The legal battles the couple has fought over privacy demonstrate the seriousness of their commitment to this "California dream" for their kids.

7. Their Relationship with King Charles III and the Royal Family

Despite the geographical distance and the well-documented tensions between the Sussexes and the Royal Family, King Charles III is reportedly keen to maintain a relationship with his grandchildren. The children's official titles and their place in the line of succession are a constant reminder of their connection to the monarchy. Visits to the UK remain rare, but any interaction is seen as a crucial step in bridging the gap between the two families. The King and Queen Camilla's desire for a relationship with Archie and Lilibet is a recurring theme in royal commentary, highlighting the hope that the grandchildren will not be completely separated from their British heritage.

The journey of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet is one of unprecedented royal modernity. They are growing up as global citizens, influenced by both the glamour of Hollywood and the gravity of the crown. Their parents' choices—from their education to their public exposure—will continue to shape their unique narrative as the most watched non-working royals in the world.