The strict law that means Prince Harry and Meghan’s kids won’t be royals
If the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, follow in the footsteps of William and Kate and start a family, their children will be different from Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. And it’s all down to one strict royal law.
The royal family rule – a Letters Patent issued by King George V in 1917 – states that only the children and grandchildren of the sons of any Sovereign in the direct male line can hold the titles of His/Her Royal Highness, and Prince and Princess.
This means there can only be three generations of royals with official HRH titles – and the third generation is only granted these titles if they are born to a Prince. Hence, the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince William, and all their children.
It’s the reason why the children of Prince Charles and Andrew (Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie) all have royal titles but Princess Anne’s daughter, Zara Tindall (nee Phillips) doesn’t, because she is a descendant from the female line.
As Prince Harry is not likely to be King, his children will be given the titles of Lord and Lady Mountbatten-Windsor instead.
However, there is a way Harry and Meghan’s future offspring could become Princes and Princesses.
If the Queen ever decided to abdicate the throne or, sadly, passes away before the newlywed couple have children, this would make Prince Charles the Sovereign – which would make Prince Harry’s kids the grandchildren of the King in the direct male line.
The Queen could also decide to overturn the rule, because whatever she says goes!
Did you know about this royal rule? Tell us in the comments below.