Archie might yet get a prince title, but on this condition

Yesterday was a big moment in the history of the Royal family. Not only was Baby Sussex's first photo released, but his name was revealed too.
The Palace issued a statement saying: 'The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh were introduced to the newborn son of The Duke & Duchess of Sussex at Windsor Castle. Ms Doria Ragland was also present. The Duke & Duchess of Sussex are delighted to announce that they have named their son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.'
This announcement was different to the ones the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge made for the births of their children George, Charlotte and Louis, in that they Archie was not preceded by a title, whereas the others included HRH.
For example, when Prince Louise was born, the Palace declared: 'The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted to announce that they have named their son Louis Arthur Charles. The baby will be known as His Royal Highness Prince Louis of Cambridge.'
This could be a conscious decision from his parents Harry and Meghan, hoping for a relatively normal upbringing for the baby. But it's also because technically he has no title.
According to Harper's Bazaar, this dates back to the 1917 Letter's Patent decreed by King George V, which states that only grandchildren of the sovereign will have a royal titles.
Of course, Kate and Williams' children are the Queen's great-grandchildren, so she had to issue a new Letter's Patent in 2012 declaring them Princes and Princess.
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She hasn't done so yet for Archie, but regardless, if and when Prince Charles ascends the throne, then Archie could receive the title of His Royah Highness Prince Louis.
However, he could also decide to issue a Letter's Patent stating that only children of the heir apparent receive titles, in which case Archie will remain Archie, and have fewer official responsibilities and patronages.
In other words, we'll have to wait and see.
Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.
She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.
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