Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced they are expecting their second child on Valentine’s Day.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex said Archie is set to be a big brother as they released a sweet black and white photo with the announcement.
But, like Archie, their second baby might not have the same title as his or her royal relatives – unless the Queen says so.
Over 100 years ago, King George V in 1917, issued a Letter Patent, limiting the use of Prince and Princess titles to either the children of the sovereign – Prince Charles as an example – children of the son of the sovereign (Prince William), as well as the eldest living son of the Prince of Wales.
When it comes to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children, both Archie and the bundle of joy on the way, the title system works differently.
The royal couple’s kids are not entitled to the Prince or Princess title, the same as Charlotte and Louis were not.
Prince Harry is a Duke, and it’s tradition for the eldest son of a Duke to inherit the Dukedom eventually.
Archie could be known as Earl of Dumbarton (which is Prince Harry’s secondary title, gifted to him on his wedding day), before inheriting the Duke of Sussex title.
Any sons or daughters younger that Meghan and Harry have will be known as Lord or Lady (their name) Windsor, and this would apply to their child on the way.
Although, this could change if the Queen decides to have a say and give their children the same titles as Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
If this takes place, their children will be HRH Prince (his name) of Sussex, or HRH Princess (her name) of Sussex, much like Prince William and Kate Middleton’s children.
The Queen has made other changes regarding to heirs to the throne in the past.
The Succession to the Crown Act 2013 allows a female royal to claim the throne, and is no longer diminished by the arrival of a younger brother.
Princess Charlotte is the first royal not ruled out by gender, meaning that Prince Louis will be fifth in line, while she is fourth.