Prince Archie Biography: Age, Title and Succession
Prince Archie of Sussex Biography: Birth, Title, Family and Place in the Line of Succession
Prince Archie Harrison of Sussex, born Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor on May 6, 2019, is the elder child of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. He is the first child of the couple and the grandson of King Charles III, and he is sixth in line to the British throne. At seven years old, his public record is brief: a London birth, a private christening at Windsor Castle, years of childhood in California, and a move to the United Kingdom in August 2026. This article sticks to what has been documented and leaves out private details about a young child.
Birth and Family Background
Archie was born at 5:26 a.m. on May 6, 2019, at the Portland Hospital in London. His parents had married on May 19, 2018, and he was their first child. His father is the younger son of King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales. His mother, Meghan Markle, is an American former actress from Los Angeles. At the time of his birth, Queen Elizabeth II was on the throne, and Archie was her great-grandson.
Name and Christening
The baby’s name, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, was announced shortly after his birth. He was christened on July 6, 2019, in the private chapel at Windsor Castle by Justin Welby, then Archbishop of Canterbury. Water from the River Jordan was used for the service, and he wore the royal christening gown that generations of royal babies had used. The ceremony was private, with a small group of family members and friends present.
Early Years and the Southern Africa Tour
In September and October 2019, Archie accompanied his parents on a tour of Southern Africa, which was among his first appearances in public as an infant. Early in 2020, his parents announced that they would step back from their roles as senior working members of the royal family, and the family relocated to North America and then settled in Southern California. Archie spent most of his early childhood there, and his sister, Lilibet, was born in California in June 2021.
His Title
At birth, Archie did not hold a royal title in everyday use. Under rules laid down by George V in 1917, the grandchildren of a monarch in the male line are entitled to be a prince or princess, while great-grandchildren are not unless the monarch decides otherwise. Archie was therefore a great-grandchild of the Queen without a title at birth, and media reports said his parents chose for him to be styled simply as Master Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, in line with their reported wish that he grow up as a private citizen. The question of his title became a subject of public debate in later years.
When Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, his grandfather became King, and Archie became the grandson of a reigning monarch in the male line, which entitles him to the style of prince. His parents began using the style in public in March 2023, and the royal family’s official website listed him as Prince Archie of Sussex shortly afterward.
Place in the Line of Succession
Archie is sixth in the line of succession to the British throne. He comes after his uncle, Prince William, William’s three children and his father, Prince Harry. His sister, Lilibet, is seventh. The order could change only if the people ahead of him have children or if the law of succession changes, and his parents’ decision to step back from royal duties did not alter his place.
The 2026 Move to the United Kingdom
In July 2026, the family visited the United Kingdom, and in August they announced that they would relocate there for an extended period after about six years in California. Archie and his sister were enrolled at British schools to begin in September. A letter released under the direction of King Charles said Harry and Meghan would live in the country as private citizens and not as working royals.
On September 14, 2026, a spokesperson for the couple confirmed that the children had left their first school after only two days, following a discussion with the family’s security team about the practicalities of transport and arrangements. Reports said a committee was due to decide whether the family is entitled to publicly funded security. The names of the schools have not been officially disclosed.
Public Image and Privacy
Archie’s public image is shaped almost entirely by images and information his parents choose to share. They have said they want their children to grow up with as much privacy as possible, and this biography does not describe his personality, interests or daily life because no trustworthy source has confirmed them. Readers should treat unsourced claims on gossip sites with caution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prince Archie
Who is Prince Archie?
Prince Archie of Sussex is the elder child of Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. He was born in London on May 6, 2019, and is the grandson of King Charles III. He is sixth in line to the British throne and has a younger sister, Princess Lilibet.
How old is Prince Archie?
Archie was born on May 6, 2019, which makes him seven years old as of October 2026. He turned seven in May 2026, and his parents have kept most of his birthdays private.
Where was Prince Archie born?
He was born at the Portland Hospital in London, England, at 5:26 a.m. His younger sister was born in California in 2021, so the two children have different birthplaces.
Is Archie a prince?
Yes. Archie was not a prince at birth because he was the Queen’s great-grandson. After Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022, and his grandfather became King, he became entitled to the style of prince, and his parents began using it publicly in March 2023.
Where is Archie in the line of succession?
He is sixth in line to the British throne, behind Prince William, William’s three children and his father, Prince Harry. His sister, Lilibet, comes right after him in seventh place.
Where does Prince Archie live now?
His family moved from California to the United Kingdom in August 2026. His parents have not publicly shared their address, and they say they are living as private citizens. Archie began school in September and changed schools after two days for security reasons.
Who are Prince Archie’s godparents?
The names of Archie’s godparents were not officially announced, as his parents kept the christening private. Any claims about who they are should be treated as unconfirmed unless his parents or the royal household state it.
