Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have decided against using the title Earl of Dumbarton for their son, Prince Archie, an option available to him as the child of a Duke. However, both Archie and his sister Princess Lilibet were granted the titles of Prince and Princess following the ascension of their grandfather King Charles to the throne. These titles were confirmed during Princess Lilibet’s christening in March 2023.

Royal historian Carolyn Harris noted that Prince Archie could adopt the title HRH Prince upon King Charles’s accession, though it is unclear if this will be embraced. Regarding personal celebrations, it was suggested by royal expert Tom Quinn that Meghan prefers modest and private birthday events for her children, typically attended by close family like Meghan’s mother Doria Ragland, and some celebrity neighbours.

In a related development, Prince Harry and Meghan have refuted claims that they have interfered with King Charles’s intention to gift their son an £18,000 shepherd’s hut for his fifth birthday. Reports had suggested Meghan preferred Archie to follow American traditions rather than receive expensive gifts. Despite this, a source close to the Sussexes has denied these assertions, indicating King Charles’s ongoing interest in treating all his grandchildren equally and his efforts to maintain a relationship with Archie, who predominantly resides in the US with his parents.

King Charles has expressed a desire to strengthen bonds with Archie, despite the ongoing tensions between the Sussexes and the Royal Family. Plans for Charles to extend his birthday wishes via a telephone call, and potentially through future video calls, signify a gesture towards connecting with his grandson across the Atlantic. Efforts continue from the royal family to ensure that Archie retains a sense of connection to his British heritage while growing up in America.