Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has become a globally recognized figure not only for his royal lineage but also for his evolving role as a father and advocate for mental health, veterans, and humanitarian causes. Since stepping back from royal duties in 2020 with his wife, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Harry has focused increasingly on his family and their life in California.
This article provides a fact-based look at Prince Harry’s life as a father, his public appearances with his children, and how the Duke and Duchess are shaping their family’s identity in the modern world.
A New Chapter: Prince Harry’s Family With Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle welcomed their first child, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, on May 6, 2019, at Portland Hospital in London. Archie made his debut to the world during a photo call at St George’s Hall in Windsor Castle, marking a significant moment in modern royal history.
On June 4, 2021, the couple welcomed their second child, Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in California. The name Lilibet was chosen in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood nickname, while Diana pays tribute to Prince Harry’s late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.
Source:
- Royal.uk – Official Birth Announcements
- BBC News – Prince Harry and Meghan Welcome Baby Girl
Raising Children Outside the Royal Spotlight
After relocating to the United States, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose to lead a more private family life. The couple currently resides in Montecito, California, a coastal town in Santa Barbara County, where they raise Archie and Lilibet away from the constant glare of royal media attention.
In a rare interview with The Cut in 2022, Meghan shared how they spend their time as a family, describing a daily routine filled with school drop-offs, playtime, and nature walks. The couple has expressed that they want their children to grow up with a sense of normalcy, emphasizing emotional well-being and freedom of choice.
Source:
- The Cut – Meghan Markle Interview, August 2022
The Children’s Royal Titles and Their Meaning
In March 2023, the royal family updated its official website to reflect that Archie and Lilibet would be styled as Prince and Princess, following the accession of King Charles III to the throne.
This change is based on the 1917 Letters Patent issued by King George V, which states that the children and grandchildren of the monarch through the male line are eligible for royal titles. Since Charles’s accession, Archie and Lilibet now meet this criterion.
According to the couple’s spokesperson, the titles will be used in formal settings, but Harry and Meghan have chosen to let their children decide how they wish to be known in the future.
Sources:
- BBC News – Archie and Lilibet Now Prince and Princess
- The Guardian – Royal Titles for Sussex Children
Public Appearances and Milestones
While Prince Harry and Meghan maintain their children’s privacy, they have shared selective images to mark special occasions:
- For Lilibet’s first birthday in 2022, the couple released a portrait taken at Frogmore Cottage during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The photo was taken by Misan Harriman, a close friend and photographer.
- In May 2024, Meghan shared a post celebrating Lilibet’s 3rd birthday on Instagram, thanking fans for their well-wishes and support. The post included a black-and-white image of mother and daughter.
- The couple also shared family holiday cards through their nonprofit foundation, Archewell, which offer glimpses into their life while preserving their children’s anonymity.
Source:
- Archewell Foundation – News and Updates
- People Magazine – Sussex Children Appear in Family Photos
Prince Harry’s Reflections on Parenthood
In multiple interviews and appearances, Prince Harry has opened up about how becoming a father changed his outlook on life. During the “Armchair Expert” podcast hosted by Dax Shepard, Harry revealed that fatherhood inspired him to break generational patterns and prioritize mental health and emotional safety in his home.
He also discussed the importance of giving his children the tools to thrive in a complex world, away from institutional pressures. In the Apple TV+ docuseries “The Me You Can’t See”, co-produced with Oprah Winfrey, Harry spoke candidly about seeking therapy to better understand his emotional experiences and become a more conscious parent.
Sources:
- Apple TV+ – The Me You Can’t See
- Armchair Expert Podcast – May 2021 Episode
Commitment to Family and Social Causes
Beyond family life, Prince Harry remains involved in humanitarian efforts through the Archewell Foundation, focusing on issues such as digital well-being, veteran support, and gender equity. Meghan and Harry’s decision to blend parenthood with activism sets them apart as modern public figures.
For example, the couple supported organizations such as Save the Children and World Central Kitchen, and have partnered with mental health platforms to advocate for youth and family care.
Source:
- Archewell Foundation Initiatives
- UN Women – Gender Equity and Advocacy
Looking Ahead: A Private But Impactful Legacy
While Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s children are growing up largely outside of royal protocol, their upbringing reflects a shift in what modern royal life can look like. As Harry continues his efforts to balance family, advocacy, and global influence, his most enduring role may be that of father.
By focusing on emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and compassion, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are raising Archie and Lilibet to become thoughtful, independent individuals. In doing so, they are reshaping the public’s understanding of legacy—not by bloodline alone, but through values and actions.
Conclusion
Prince Harry’s journey into fatherhood is grounded in transparency, empathy, and a strong sense of personal responsibility. The decision to raise his children outside of royal obligations while still honoring family tradition demonstrates a commitment to both progress and heritage.
Rather than media speculation or unverified reports, the focus remains on what is verifiably true: Prince Harry is a devoted father working to ensure a nurturing, meaningful future for his children.
Verified Sources Cited:
- Royal.uk – Official Royal Announcements
- BBC News – Royal Family Titles
- The Cut – Meghan Markle Interview
- Archewell Foundation
- Apple TV+ – The Me You Can’t See
- People Magazine
- Cancer Research UK
- UN Women
