Arrival order and names
Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have two children. Their firstborn is a son, born in 2019, followed by a daughter born in 2021. The family resides mainly in California, though they maintain connections to the United Kingdom through royal duties and family events. Below is a concise overview of each child’s name and date of birth, based on official announcements and reputable media reports.
| Child | Name | Date of birth | Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| First child | Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor | 6 May 2019 | Firstborn son |
| Second child | Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor | 4 June 2021 | Second child, first daughter |
Names and lineage
Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor
Archie Harrison was born on 6 May 2019 at the Portland Hospital in London. His first name, Archie, is a diminutive of Alexander, while Harrison is a patronymic meaning ‘son of Harry.’ His middle name honors his great-grandfather, Prince Philip, whose full name included Philip Mountbatten. As a male-line grandson of the sovereign, Archie was styled as Prince at birth but ceased to hold a royal style and title after the family stepped back from senior royal duties in 2020.
Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor
Lilibet Diana was born on 4 June 2021 in Santa Barbara, California. Her first name, Lilibet, is a childhood nickname used by her great-grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II. Her middle name, Diana, honors her paternal grandmother, Diana, Princess of Wales. As a daughter of a son of the sovereign, she is not automatically styled as a princess or royal but is a member of the royal family by birth.
Public role and family context
Both children were born during a period of intense media scrutiny on the Sussexes. Since stepping back from senior royal responsibilities, Harry and Meghan have focused on raising their children in California while maintaining ties to the royal family. The children make rare public appearances and are generally shielded from the spotlight, though their names and birth details have been formally confirmed by palace statements and official records.
Quick comparison at a glance
| Attribute | Archie Harrison | Lilibet Diana |
|---|---|---|
| Name at birth | Archie Harrison | Lilibet Diana |
| Date of birth | 6 May 2019 | 4 June 2021 |
| Place of birth | London, United Kingdom | Santa Barbara, California, USA |
| Order of birth | Firstborn, son | Second child, daughter |
| Styling | Not styled as prince or princess in royal duties | Not styled as princess in royal duties |
Family tree positioning
Archie and Lilibet are respectively the fifth and sixth in line of succession within the House of Mountbatten-Windsor at the time of their births, though succession order is determined by broader family circumstances. Archie is ahead of his sister in the line of succession due to birth order and current rules. Both are descending directly from Queen Elizabeth II through the male line (through Prince Philip) and from Princess Diana through Harry.
Privacy and upbringing
The Sussexes have emphasized protecting their children’s privacy, limiting public exposure, and providing a mixed upbringing that blends royal heritage with a private California life. They have spoken about teaching their children multiple languages, maintaining connections to the United Kingdom, and ensuring a stable family environment amid ongoing public attention. As they grow, Archie and Lilibet are being raised with awareness of their lineage while enjoying a relatively low-profile childhood.
Key points to remember
- Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, born 6 May 2019, is the firstborn son.
- Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, born 4 June 2021, is the second child and first daughter.
- Names reflect family ties: Archie is a diminutive of Alexander; Lilibet is a private royal nickname; Diana honors Princess Diana.
- Both children are members of the royal family by birth but do not use royal styles in day-to-day life.
- The family lives primarily in California while retaining connections to the UK royal family.
Conclusion
Meghan and Harry’s children, Archie and Lilibet, represent the next generation of an intertwined royal and private family story. Their names, birth dates, and positions reflect both family tradition and a deliberate choice to lead a more private life. Verified details from palace announcements and reputable reporting confirm the essential facts about their identities and roles within the family structure.