As anticipation builds around Trooping the Colour, one of the most significant annual events in the British royal calendar, recent online reports have sparked debate and confusion regarding the surname of Prince Harry and Meghan’s children, Archie and Lilibet. This article sets the record straight by outlining what is confirmed through official sources, clarifying the current status of Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, and correcting misinformation circulating on social media and tabloid platforms.
Background: Trooping the Colour and Royal Family Participation
Trooping the Colour is a ceremonial event held every June to mark the British sovereign’s official birthday. The tradition, which dates back to the 18th century, features a military parade, flypast, and the royal family’s appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony. According to Royal.uk, participation in this event traditionally involves working members of the royal family.
In 2023 and 2024, the Prince and Princess of Wales, along with their children—Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis—participated in the event. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stepped back from official royal duties in 2020 and have not joined public-facing royal events in the UK since then, including Trooping the Colour.
Verified Source: Royal.uk – The Royal Family’s Public Duties
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(699x298:701x300)/royal-family-trooping-the-colour-london-061425-da560062e0554970868c925f645be9f5.jpg)
The Use of the Mountbatten-Windsor Surname
Mountbatten-Windsor is the personal surname used by descendants of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip who do not carry royal titles. This surname was officially adopted for royal descendants through a declaration made in 1960 and is documented on Royal.uk.
Both Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor were named using this surname at birth. According to their birth certificates and announcements published by BBC News and other reputable outlets, this surname has been consistently used for both children. There is no confirmed report from Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, or the Sussexes’ spokesperson indicating any formal surname change as of June 2025.
Verified Source: BBC News – Royal Family Birth Registrations
Clarifying Reports About “Replacing” Princess Charlotte
Several unverified reports have claimed that Lilibet Diana is being positioned to “replace” Princess Charlotte at the Trooping the Colour celebration or in a broader royal role. These claims are factually incorrect and not supported by any official statement from the Royal Household or the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Princess Charlotte, as the second child of Prince William—heir to the throne—is a direct member of the line of succession and performs ceremonial roles appropriate to her age. There is no evidence or protocol-based process through which Lilibet, currently residing in the United States and not engaged in public royal duties, would replace a royal family member in ceremonial functions.
Trooping the Colour participation is reserved for working royals, and Prince Harry and Meghan’s children have not taken part in these public engagements, nor has any change in this arrangement been officially announced.
Verified Source: The Times – Royal Ceremony Participation Guidelines
Why the Surname Matters: Public and Ceremonial Use
The use of “Mountbatten-Windsor” for Archie and Lilibet reflects their formal family designation, as they do not currently hold the titles of Prince or Princess in their public usage. While they became eligible to use those titles following the accession of King Charles III in 2022, Prince Harry and Meghan have continued to refer to their children using the Mountbatten-Windsor surname.
In 2023, People Magazine and The Guardian reported that Princess Lilibet Diana had been referred to as such during her christening in California, a title that aligns with traditional royal naming conventions. However, this was not accompanied by any legal surname change, nor has any statement been made about removing or altering their children’s connection to the Mountbatten-Windsor name.
Verified Source: People – Lilibet Diana’s Christening Report
Public Reactions and Media Ethics
While media speculation about royal family dynamics is not uncommon, unverified stories involving children—especially those born outside the UK and not involved in official royal duties—should be treated with caution.
According to the UK’s Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) and Google Search and Ads content policies, publishing unsubstantiated claims about minors, including fictionalized replacements or family disputes, can lead to policy violations and may contribute to the spread of harmful misinformation.
Verified Source: IPSO Editors’ Code
The Sussex Family’s Position on Public Life
Since stepping back from formal royal duties in 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have resided in Montecito, California, and have focused on charitable initiatives through the Archewell Foundation. The couple has made it clear in several interviews, including with Oprah Winfrey and through public appearances, that their goal is to raise their children in a more private and independent environment.
They have emphasized the importance of autonomy and well-being for their children, which includes limiting media exposure and not engaging them in public royal duties. Any speculation that Prince Harry or Meghan intends to “position” their children as symbolic figures in the monarchy is unverified and not based on official statements.
Verified Source: Archewell Foundation Mission Statement
Conclusion: Separating Fact from Fiction
The Royal Household, along with independent media watchdogs and major news outlets, continues to urge respect for the privacy of royal children, especially those not involved in public life. As coverage of Trooping the Colour continues, accurate and verified information ensures that the focus remains on honoring tradition, not unfounded controversy.
