King Charles 'gave Harry permission to call Archie and Lilibet prince and princess in private chat at Queen's funeral'

9 March 2023, 06:02 | Updated: 10 March 2023, 13:12

Latest update: Harry and Meghan issue statement saying titles are 'their birthright

Prince Harry was told his children could use the titles prince and princess in a private conversation with the King during Queen Elizabeth's funeral last year.

The title of princess was used for Lilibet, the Sussexes' 21-month-old daughter, for the first time as it was announced she had been christened in California.

It was reported that despite the couple's repeated attacks against the monarchy, they have been in touch with royal aides over the issue. It was claimed they feared their children would not be granted use of the titles.

They were granted them when Charles came to the throne.

"The appropriate conversations took place ahead of Lilibet's christening," a source told The Mirror.

Read more: Harry and Meghan christen daughter Princess Lilibet Diana in LA ceremony - but royals didn’t come

The couple called their daughter "Princess Lilibet Diana" in a statement announcing she had been christened in a private ceremony at the Sussexes' Montecito home in California.

It is understood they will use the name for formal settings, with Harry and Meghan wanting to ensure Archie and Lilibet can use the titles if they choose to as they grow up, or drop them altogether.

Princess Lilibet Diana christened by Archbishop of Los Angeles

They had only been referred to as "master" and "miss" on the royals' website, with a spokesman for the King saying previously that their names would be updated "as and when we get information".

The couples' fears for their children's titles extends back years. In 2021, Meghan claimed in their controversial interview with Oprah that Archie had not been allowed to be a prince because of his race.

Read more: Harry and Meghan 'can use Frogmore Cottage if they attend King Charles' coronation'

However, he was actually not given the title immediately because of the rules around who gets to call themselves a prince or princess.

Rules set out more than 100 years ago by George V say they get the titles by being children of the son of the monarch – meaning they have now been given use of them because Charles has acceded to the throne.

The palace said the website will be updated in due course.

It is thought there were about 20 to 30 guests at the baptism, including Meghan's mother Doria Ragland.

It is unknown if any royals were present. Omid Scobie, a journalist close to the Sussexes, claimed senior royals including the King and Prince William were invited but did not attend.