The bombshell interview of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with Oprah Winfrey sent shockwaves through the globe, leaving many wondering about the intricacies of royal titles. One of the most discussed revelations was Meghan’s claim that Archie, her son, was denied a royal title due to his race. While the couple didn’t explicitly accuse the Royal Family of racism, the implication was clear. However, the reality of royal titles is more nuanced than it appears.
Delving into Royal Precedent
Contrary to popular belief, Archie not being a prince isn’t an act of discrimination but adherence to a long-standing royal decree. King George V, the Queen’s grandfather, issued a Letters Patent in 1917, outlining the guidelines for royal titles. This document limits the number of individuals holding princely titles to prevent an overabundance of royal titles within the family.
The 1917 decree states that only the children of the sovereign, the male-line grandchildren of the sovereign, and the eldest living son of the eldest living son of the Prince of Wales are entitled to princely titles. In simpler terms, as the Queen’s great-grandchild, Archie doesn’t automatically qualify for the title of prince.
A Matter of Lineage, Not Race
To further understand this, consider the Cambridges. Prince William’s children – Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis – all bear their titles because they are the great-grandchildren of the Queen through the male line. In contrast, Archie is a great-grandchild through the female line, making him ineligible for the title under the current rules.
The Exception, Not the Rule
Some might argue that Princess Anne’s children, Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall, are exceptions to this rule. However, they were offered courtesy titles by the Queen but declined, preferring to raise their children as private citizens.
What the Future Holds for Archie’s Title
The situation surrounding Archie’s title isn’t permanent. When Prince Charles ascends to the throne, Archie will automatically become a prince as a male-line grandchild of the monarch. This is consistent with the 1917 decree and has nothing to do with race.
A Larger Conversation About Race and the Monarchy
While the issue of Archie’s title boils down to a century-old rule, it ignited a crucial conversation about race and the monarchy. Meghan’s experience, as a biracial woman navigating the complexities of royal life, brought to light the need for greater diversity and inclusivity within the institution.
Understanding the Nuances
It’s important to approach the topic of Archie’s title with sensitivity and a comprehensive understanding of royal protocols. The situation is not as simple as it might appear, and attributing it solely to racism oversimplifies a complex issue deeply rooted in historical precedent.
