In recent years, online speculation surrounding the British Royal Family has intensified, particularly when it comes to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, and their children, Archie and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor. Among the most serious claims circulating are assertions that Prince William has taken steps to remove his niece and nephew from the royal line of succession. However, a review of constitutional law, official palace statements, and established royal procedures shows that such claims are not supported by verified or reputable sources.
Understanding how the line of succession works, and who has the authority to change it, is essential to separating fact from fiction.
How the Royal Line of Succession Is Determined
The line of succession to the British throne is governed by constitutional law, not by individual members of the Royal Family. The primary legal framework includes the Bill of Rights 1689, the Act of Settlement 1701, and more recently, the Succession to the Crown Act 2013. These laws are enacted and amended only through Parliament, with the approval of the monarch.
No individual royal, including the Prince of Wales, has the power to unilaterally remove anyone from the line of succession. Any change would require formal legislation passed by Parliament and, in some cases, the consent of Commonwealth realms that share the British monarch.
As of the most recent official records published by Buckingham Palace and the UK government, Archie and Lilibet remain in the line of succession.
Archie and Lilibet’s Status in the Line of Succession
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, born in London in 2019, and Lilibet Mountbatten-Windsor, born in California in 2021, are the children of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Under British law, legitimate biological children of a person in the line of succession are automatically included, regardless of where they are born.
Birth location does not affect eligibility for the line of succession. Many historical members of the Royal Family were born outside the United Kingdom without losing their place in succession.
Both children were officially added to the line of succession following their births, and their positions have been publicly listed on official royal websites.
Titles, Styles, and Succession Are Separate Issues
Confusion often arises between royal titles and succession rights. Titles such as Prince or Princess, and styles such as His or Her Royal Highness, are matters of royal prerogative and can be adjusted by the monarch. Succession rights, by contrast, are governed by law.
In 2023, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Archie and Lilibet would use the titles Prince and Princess, following King Charles III’s accession. This confirmation further reinforced their recognized status within the royal family structure.
There has been no official announcement, legislative action, or palace statement indicating any review or removal of their succession rights.
The Role of Prince William
Prince William, as Prince of Wales and heir to the throne, plays an important public and institutional role within the monarchy. However, his responsibilities do not include controlling succession records or conducting legal reviews of birth documentation.
Royal archives and succession records are maintained through established legal and administrative processes. Any review related to succession would involve constitutional experts, government officials, and Parliament, not unilateral action by a senior royal.
Claims suggesting that Prince William initiated secret investigations, issued ultimatums, or enforced changes to succession status are not supported by any reputable media outlet or official source.
Privacy and Birth Procedures
Public debate has previously focused on differences between how royal births are announced and documented. Traditionally, some royal births involved signed medical bulletins for public display. However, these practices are ceremonial rather than legal requirements.
There is no legal requirement under British law for royal physicians to witness a birth in order for a child to be eligible for the line of succession. Birth certificates issued by recognized civil authorities are legally sufficient.
Both Archie and Lilibet have official birth certificates issued by appropriate authorities in the jurisdictions where they were born.
DNA Testing and Succession
Another recurring claim involves the idea that DNA testing could be demanded to verify succession rights. There is no legal precedent or constitutional mechanism that allows or requires DNA testing for individuals in the line of succession.
Succession law relies on legal parentage, not genetic testing. Introducing such requirements would require extensive legislative change and raise serious legal, ethical, and privacy concerns.
No official body has proposed or implemented such measures.
Buckingham Palace and Official Silence
Buckingham Palace generally does not respond to online rumors or speculative narratives unless they involve clear matters of public record. Silence should not be interpreted as confirmation.
When significant constitutional changes occur, they are announced formally through Parliament and official royal communications. No such announcements have been made regarding Archie and Lilibet.
Conclusion
While stories about royal intrigue often attract global attention, it is essential to distinguish between verified facts and fictionalized narratives. Claims that Prince William removed Archie and Lilibet from the line of succession are not supported by constitutional law, official records, or reputable sources.
The line of succession remains a matter of law, not personal authority. Until Parliament acts and official announcements are made, the status of royal family members remains unchanged.
For readers seeking accurate information about the British monarchy, reliance on official statements, established legal frameworks, and reputable journalism remains the most reliable approach.