Why was Archie not given the title of Prince at birth?

Archie was not automatically given the title of Prince because the 1917 letters patent limits such titles to the children of the monarch, children of the monarch’s sons, or the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.

What is the 1917 letters patent regarding royal titles?

The 1917 letters patent, issued by King George V, set the rules that define who is eligible to be styled as Prince or Princess and use 'His/Her Royal Highness.'

Do all children of Dukes and Duchesses receive royal titles?

No, children of Dukes and Duchesses do not automatically receive royal titles unless they meet the criteria set by the 1917 letters patent or other specific royal decrees.

Why Didn’t Archie Receive a Royal Title from the Queen?

Discover why Archie, son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, was not given a royal title according to longstanding royal protocols.

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Oct 5, 2026

The Queen didn't specifically choose not to give Archie a title; it's due to long-standing royal protocols. According to the letters patent issued by King George V in 1917, the title of 'Prince' or 'Princess' and the style 'His/Her Royal Highness' are reserved for the children of the monarch, the children of the monarch's sons, and the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales. Archie, being the son of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, doesn't automatically receive a prince title under these rules.

FAQs & Answers

Why was Archie not given the title of Prince at birth? Archie was not automatically given the title of Prince because the 1917 letters patent limits such titles to the children of the monarch, children of the monarch’s sons, or the eldest son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales.
What is the 1917 letters patent regarding royal titles? The 1917 letters patent, issued by King George V, set the rules that define who is eligible to be styled as Prince or Princess and use 'His/Her Royal Highness.'
Do all children of Dukes and Duchesses receive royal titles? No, children of Dukes and Duchesses do not automatically receive royal titles unless they meet the criteria set by the 1917 letters patent or other specific royal decrees.

Watch More

For more insights into royal traditions and the British monarchy, explore our videos on royal titles, the roles of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the history of the British royal family.

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