Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's first child is due to be born later this spring and, when Baby Sussex arrives, the birth could mark another dramatic departure from tradition that has become standard operating procedure in the lives of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
According to one royal insider, Queen Elizabeth is considering issuing a Letters Patent, declaring the Baby Sussex be referred to as prince or princess.
"Her Majesty is very close to Prince Harry and has great admiration for the way the Duchess has embraced her royal role and feels as a couple, they have inspired the nation's young people," said my source. "Bestowing the new royal baby with a title is a very explicit sign of her support and affection."
In 2012, the Queen issued a Letters Patent that declared Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children would be referred to as prince or princess. The Queen's decision to grant the title of Royal Highness and prince or princess to the children of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge reflects the current succession reforms and follows the long history of monarch opting to exercise their right to determine the titles of their descendants.
Interestingly, there is no prescribed protocol for the title Baby Sussex could have. The child will be seventh in line for the throne, after Prince Charles, Prince William, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and of course, Harry himself.
If no prince or princess title is forthcoming for Baby Sussex, a boy could be given the title of Duke, or be known as Earl of Dumbarton. (Doesn't exactly have the same ring to it, does it?) A girl will be known as a Lady, unless the queen decrees otherwise.
Another scenario that could happen, according to royal sources, is, when Prince Charles ascends the throne, he could make an amendment that grants Harry and Meghan's child the title of prince or princess. "The Prince of Wales is extremely close to Harry and has grown very fond of Meghan," said my source. "It wouldn't be surprising at all if he decided to give the baby a title when he ascends the throne if none has already been given."
Of course there is also the possibility that Harry and Meghan don't want their children to have any title at all. "The Prince has made no secret of his desire to live a 'normal life.' The couple will be moving to Frogmore Cottage next month and it's widely believed that Harry wants to raise his children away from the spotlight." A title for their baby may not fit with their plans for the future.
But Harry's great respect and admiration for his grandmother may, in the end, be the deciding factor. "The Prince is very much aware of how much Her Majesty has done to make the Duchess feel welcome within the family. If a title is offered, he will not insult her by not accepting it." And for more on the blossoming relationship between Meghan and the Queen, check out these 12 Signs Meghan Is Becoming The Queen's Favorite Royal Wife.
Diane Clehane is a New York-based journalist and author of Imagining Diana and Diana: The Secrets of Her Style.
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